OTHL -- The 2005 entry draft in Ottawa started with the most expected pick in recent history as Sidney Crosby was picked first overall by the Washington Capitals. In Crosby the Capitals got there much wanted franchise player and can now start looking for the future, building the team around the young canadian center. However, there are already some reports that the Capitals are entertaning offers for Crosby in an effort to land the kings ransom.
"I am very excited to be part of the Washington Capitals franchise. It is going to be fun to get into the OTHL and play against the best players in the world." - Crosby said shortly after being picked first in the draft.
Buffalo Sabres, who held the 2nd overall picked after a trade with St Louis Blues earlier in the season, steped up after Washington and picked defender Jack Johnson who has played with the U.S National team development program's for under-17 and under-18 players. This upcoming season, the 6'0, 200lbs defender will join the University of Michigan where he will play for the next couple of years.
The rest of the first round was the Anaheim and Carolina show, as the two teams combined for 12 picks with Anaheim picking up Gilbert Brule (#3), Luc Bourdon (#13), Devin Setoguchi (#23), Tuukka Rask (#25), Brendan Mikkelson (#27), Dan Bartam (#28) and Ondrej Pavelec (#30) while Carolina picked Benoit Pouliot (#4), Bobby Ryan (#6), Guilluame Latendresse (#11), Nicklas Bergfors (#22) and Ryan Stoa (#24).
Today the 2005 Entry Draft continues with round five through round nine.