Quote:
Originally Posted by Badger Bob
Just wish that there was a better anme than "Next Ones." After Gretzky & Lemieux, the Canadian media annointed a series of "Next Ones." That expression reached embarrassing proportions. Bouwmeester (seriously) might've even been close to reaching that designation.
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Thanks for the comment Badger Bob. A lot of background thought went into choosing "The Next Ones" as the title for my draft-related articles, believe it or not. I wavered on different possibilities. The only negative I had is exactly what you stated.
In the end, I went with it as it was my favourite of what I had. To me, it has a lot of meaning - both superficial, and more subtle.
The obvious is the continuous search and wish by many to anoint the NHL's "Next One", as you alluded to.
Beyond that though, "The Next Ones" refers to the next wave or "new breed", if you will, of players that are selected by a NHL team every year, as a 1st step of realizing the NHL dream (although certainly not the only route).
As well, (and I'll stop here, I promise - those who know me well, know I could go on and on...lol) "The Next One(s)" also can come from the unlikeliest of places. Datsyuk is often used example. A 6th rnder in 1998 - Vinny Lecavelier was the obvious 1st overall (?Next One) that year. Where would ya think Datsyuk gets drafted if that draft was redone!?
A less extreme example is our own local hero, Iginla - 11th overall in '95, behind the likes of Berard, Redden, Aki Berg, etc.
Like many expressions in our live, I just wanted to highlight "The Next Ones" has more than one meaning. Hope that gives you some insight into the thought process.
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For a CP collective brain storm, what other expressions/names would you like as titles for NHL draft/prospect related material
Hockey News draft preview?
