Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Two more Rockets taken in NHL Draft

Hiroki Gojsic a Predator/Max Graham chosen by Devils

Jun 29, 2024 | 6:31 PM

Day two of the NHL Draft in Las Vegas may have been even more interesting than day one for who was picked and in what round.  

After Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla was selected sixth overall by the Utah Hockey Club Friday night, the second through seventh rounds saw two of the dynamic forward teammates chosen. 

Linemate Hiroki Gojsic, the Rockets rookie of the year in 2023-2024, was taken with one of three picks the Nashville Predators had in the third round. When you stand 6’3 and weigh just shy of 200 pounds, it is hard not to think Gojsic will only improve on his power game, which saw him finish fifth in team scoring in his rookie season in the WHL. 

Gojsic has little time to celebrate being chosen, with the Predators holding their developmental camp this weekend in Nashville. 

The biggest, or should we say the most pleasant surprise of the draft came in the fifth round when 20-year-old Max Graham was selected by the New Jersey Devils. 

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Leading the WHL in penalty minutes this past season, Graham had a career year playing on the top line with leading scorer Andrew Cristall and overage captain Gabriel Szturc. 

It is very unusual for a player of Graham’s age to be drafted, but it just shows how the Devils have taken notice of his evolution as a player since he was acquired from the Everett Silvertips. 

This is how the Devils described Graham, who they see as a bottom six forward in the NHL. 

Graham’s strengths lie in his ability to make smart, timely passes and his proficiency in manipulating defenders to create scoring opportunities. He is particularly effective in tight spaces and has a knack for finding and exploiting passing lanes. This skill set is complemented by his physical presence, allowing him to protect the puck and engage effectively in board battles. 

Graham, who was scheduled to attend Boston Bruins rookie camp, will now change travel plans and will head to New Jersey for Devils rookie camp.