Blackhawks' Kane, Kruger tell their draft-day stories
With the NHL draft being held at the United Center on Friday and Saturday, we asked 12 current or former Blackhawks to recall their draft-day experience.
In our final installment, we take a look at a player who should end up in the top three in franchise history in goals, assists and points when his career's over, and a center with two Stanley Cup rings.
Patrick Kane
No. 1 pick in 2007
"Could probably tell you stories for an hour, hour and a half. It was just exciting. You know you're going to get drafted high. …
"I remember 10 or 15 minutes before the draft someone came down and kind of whispered to me and my dad that Phoenix traded for the first pick. I was all worried because I thought Phoenix wanted Kyle Turris, and my dad was worried because he thought he was going to have to drive to Phoenix from Buffalo. He doesn't like to fly.
"Sure enough, the Hawks went up to pick and that rumor wasn't true. I had a meeting with (general manager) Dale Tallon about a month before, and he said that if they had the pick and they didn't trade that I was going to be their pick. Ended up working out. …
"One of the more fortunate and luckier days of my life to come to a franchise like this."
Marcus Kruger
Fifth-round pick (149th overall) in 2009
In his Stockholm apartment at the time, Marcus Kruger kept tabs on the draft while sitting in front of his computer. Kruger's agent texted to let him know his name might be appearing soon.
"I heard something it could be the team right after that (Detroit). When my agent texted me, I didn't know (who was going to pick me).
"So I was sitting down with the computer and saw my name on the browser there. … Then got the call and the Hawks asked me if I could come over for the summer camp. Think I left a few days after. It was just great memories."
The Red Wings ended up taking defenseman Nick Jensen.