The first ever NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft has separated the Vancouver Canucks’ Sedin twins for the first time in their hockey careers.
The twins were available at the start of the third round, but were selected in succession as Daniel was chosen by Eric Staal, captain of Team Staal, before Nicklas Lidstrom, captain of Team Lidstrom, picked Henrik with the next selection on Friday.
“Back in ’99 I got picked ahead of Henrik and it happened today again, so I’m happy,” said Daniel, to which Henrik quipped: “Team Lidstrom got the better twin.”
Photo: AFP
Staal, captain of host team the Carolina Hurricanes, took care of teammates and family to the delight of the Carolina fans and his parents.
He drafted Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward with the first selection of the draft, picked his brother Marc, a defenseman with the New York Rangers in the seventh round, and rookie teammate Jeff Skinner in the 11th round.
“I guess I was just the best player available, I guess,” Ward said jokingly. “Being a teammate of his [Staal] didn’t play a part, I guess.”
Red Wings defenseman Lidstrom, with alternate captains Martin St Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, built a roster of players with on-ice connections.
With their first-round pick, Team Lidstrom selected St Louis Lightning teammate and NHL leading goal-scorer Steve Stamkos. Later they added Kane’s Chicago line mate and last year’s playoff MVP Jonathan Toews.
Alex Ovechkin was selected by Team Staal in the second round, while Lidstrom picked Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith.
Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Phil Kessel was the final All-Star picked by Team Lidstrom, and he received a car as consolation for being the final player selected.
“I’m just happy to be here, it’s a great honor and I’m looking forward to having a good time,” Kessel said. “It was nerve-racking, but what does it matter?”
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