The 2015 Preseason Free Agent Draft, consisting of unsigned veterans and prospects, has drawn to a close.
This year’s draft was led off by Finnish centre Jori Lehtera, who was chosen first overall by the New England Whalers, where he joins a deep group up the middle highlighted by Henrik Sedin, Sean Monahan, and Patrice Bergeron. Goaltender Andrew Hammond went second (to South Carolina) while winger Kris Versteeg rounded out the top three (to Delta).
Notably, not a single defenseman was chosen until pick #11, with just three blueliners finding new teams in the entire first round.
Also of note, both goaltenders chosen in the first round – Hammond and Reto Berra – have already been traded.
Gump Worsley Memorial Hockey League 