MONTREAL — Denver native Drew Shore became the highest NHL draft pick to hail from Colorado when he was selected 44th overall Saturday by the Florida Panthers.
Shore, who will attend the University of Denver this fall as a freshman, played in the Littleton youth program growing up. He left home at age 13 to play bantam hockey in British Columbia and spent last season playing for the U.S. under-18 team (49 points in 62 games).
The 6-foot-3 defenseman had hoped to go in the first round, but was happy to join the Panthers’ organization.
“(Friday) was a disappointing night,” Shore said. “But I don’t know, getting picked today, it doesn’t really matter where you get picked, it matters what you do after that so it’s only going to make me a better player.”
Defenseman William Wrenn, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, and another incoming DU freshman, was taken right before Shore at No. 43 by San Jose. The only other DU recruit drafted Saturday was defenseman Paul Philips, taken by Chicago at No. 195.
Budaj update.
Avs general manager Greg Sherman indicated the team has been negotiating with goalie Peter Budaj for a possible return to the team.
Budaj can be a restricted free agent July 1. A one-year contract and a backup role could be in the cards with the Avs. Sherman wouldn’t address specifics of the negotiations, but said there have been talks.
The Avs are still waiting to hear from Swedish goalie Jonas Gustavsson about which of the four NHL teams he will sign with next season, with Colorado being in the mix. If Gustavsson doesn’t sign with the Avs, they will likely pursue a veteran on the free-agent market — Philadelphia’s Martin Biron and Detroit’s Ty Conklin being possibilities.
Footnotes.
First-round draft pick Matt Duchene, on whether he would call Avs captain Joe Sakic to urge him to play another season, “If I had his number, I would.” . . . The Avs said that while they won’t reveal what Sakic’s decision is yet about playing another year or not, he will not be signing with any other NHL teams as a free agent — as some have speculated.
Adrian Dater, The Denver Post
