So much for any surprises. Instead of trading the number one overall pick, the Panthers decided to select defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Florida general manager Dale Tallon turned down the Canucks’ offer of two first round picks (No.6 and 24) along with 2013 first rounder Hunter Shinkaruk. Ekblad was a no-brainer for a team that can use a stud blueliner.

Once the suspense ended, it allowed the Sabres to grab forward Sam Reinhart. The younger brother of Islander prospect Griffin and Calgary’s Maxwell, the 18-year old from Vancouver registered 36 goals and 69 assists totaling 105 points in 60 games for the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In 13 postseason games, Reinhart lit it up tallying six goals and 17 assists for 23 points.

Listed at 6-1, 185 the right-handed center is expected to be a can’t miss prospect who the Sabres will build around. Reinhart also represented Canada at the 2014 U-20 World Junior Championship posting two goals and three assists in seven games. With great bloodlines that included Dad Paul Reinhart who played for the Flames and Canucks, much is expected of Sam. For a little more on him, please refer to the NHL Draft 2014 feature above where he discusses idolizing current Blackhawk Jonathan Toews.