I remember Alex Ovechkin and his family mingling and warmly welcoming all of our prospects that were drafted by us. I remember Alex eating about ten cantaloupes and working the door at our fan club event. I remember Mike Green and Chris Bourque bonding and my talking to his dad (Ray Bourque) about the importance of this draft to us as a franchise. I remember Jeff Shultz looking shy and then standing up to meet Alex Ovechkin and Alex saying, “Good. You are tall. You will put on weight and you can help me when I rush down ice.”

We have had some bad drafts in the past – as do many clubs - but this was an exceptionally good draft. To have the MVP and the league’s leading D man scorer come from one draft and for there to be so many players that have or will make it in the NHL is a great testament to our scouts and front office.

I knew something was special in the air at that draft. Kudos to Mike for reminding us all how special it was.