Kings Draft Night Surprise
Forbort gets throwback jerseyThe host of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft surprised jersey geeks tonight when the Los Angeles Kings gave a purple and gold throwback jersey to their first round draft pick.
It's been rumored for some time that the Kings will wear a throwback jersey during the 2010-11 season opener against the Vancouver Canucks, as the two teams celebrate the 40 years since their first meeting. It seems this is an indication from the team of such intentions.
Derek Forbort (right) was taken 15th overall earlier tonight as the Kings took up hosting duties at the Staples Center for the draft. After posing for a couple of pictures, Forbort was given the standard black/purple home jersey before he went off to do interviews.
While I was watching the draft tonight, I managed to grab a quick photo that I shared on Twitter. In case you missed it, click here. And if that's not enough, the Kings have posted a photo gallery from the draft featuring Forbort in the gold and purple threads.
Just thought of a few other noteworthy draft night items. Most teams handed their new draftee the standard dark home jersey. But some strayed from the pack.
Most notably, the Buffalo Sabres gave 23rd overall Mark Pysyk the royal blue third jersey, which has been long-rumored to be taking full-time duty beginning this fall. Was that a hint?
If not, perhaps the big draft board itself was. The "slug" was nowhere to be found. Only the retro logo was used up there. The current primary logo — "Buffaslug" — was on the big board last year in Montreal.
Brock Nelson gets Isles' new road jerseyIn addition to the Sabres, the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks gave third jerseys to their draft picks. The Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets jerseys also featured their 10th anniversary patches. The Edmonton Oilers gave Taylor Hall the retro home jersey while the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche joined the New York Islanders in handing out road sweaters. For the Isles, it was the new sweater just unveiled at the team's Draft Party earlier in the night.
The Hurricanes, Stars, Bruins, Panthers, Coyotes, Canadiens, Ducks, Capitals, Blues, Red Wings, Penguins, Blackhawks, Rangers, Lightning and Thrashers gave regular home sweaters to their newest members. The Flames, Devils, Senators, Flyers, Maple Leafs and Canucks did not have first round picks this year.