Friday was a great day for America because 12 U.S.-born players were selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft, setting a new record.
Just 11 Canadians were drafted, including two in the top 10 (an all-time low).
The most notable U.S. selection was Auston Matthews going to the Toronto Maple Leafs first overall. He was one of three Americans taken in the top seven, in addition to Matthew Tkachuk (No. 6, Calgary Flames) and Clayton Keller (No. 7, Arizona Coyotes).
It’s the first time since 2006 that three Americans have been taken in the top seven.
The Boston Bruins selected an American, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, with the No. 14 pick. He plays for Boston University.
Here’s the full list of Americans drafted in Round 1.
1. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
6. Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary Flames
7. Clayton Keller, Arizona Coyotes
11. Logan Brown, Ottawa Senators
14. Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
15. Luke Kunin, Minnesota Wild
16. Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes
19. Kieffer Bellows, New York Islanders
24. Max Jones, Anaheim Ducks
25. Riley Tufte, Dallas Stars
28. Tage Thompson, St. Louis Blues
29. Trent Frederic, Boston Bruins
Thumbnail photo via Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images
