Hamonic dealt, few fireworks otherwise at first NHL draft in Chicago
CHICAGO — Most of the drama at the first ever draft in Chicago was gone after only one pick.
After weeks of buzz around the Vegas Golden Knights, so-called protection lists, the expansion draft and a flurry of interesting trades, the draft at United Center came and went with only the occasional flurry.
The fireworks finally died down.
Of highest intrigue beyond the Devils opting for Nico Hischier with the first overall pick in franchise history was Calgary landing 26-year-old defenceman Travis Hamonic from the Islanders. Active on draft weekend in each of the two previous years, the Flames surrendered a first round pick in 2018 and two seconds to add the right-shooting Hamonic on Saturday afternoon.