Many NHL teams upped the ante on Friday night’s draft at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Still, the Canadiens made a splash by allowing five-time Grammy Award winner and Quebec native Celine Dion to announce their selection of Russian winger Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick in the first round.
After several lengthy periods of silence, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer decided to select the 18-year-old forward.
ESPN announcer John Buccigross was quick to react, calling it “the most dramatic draft announcement in history.”
Demidov will be joining one of the league’s most storied franchises, a team with 24 Stanley Cup titles and still searching for its first championship since 1993.
And he brings a lot of talent.
Demidov has had a dominant season in Russia’s junior MHL, recording 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points in just 30 games.
Scouting reports have rated the star as one of the most promising Russian players to emerge in recent years.
However, Montreal wasn’t the only team making waves on draft night.
The Flyers followed suit with the 13th pick in the draft, selecting legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer.
Buffer had the pleasure of announcing centre Jett Ruchanko of the OHL’s Guelph Storm as the Flyers’ player of the selection.
But, of course, he began his announcement with the famous phrase, “Come on, let’s get ready to fight!”
“Having Michael Buffer announce your name is a great way to get into the NHL,” Buccigross said.
Luchanko excelled as a junior ice hockey player, scoring 20 goals and 74 points in 68 games.
He has proven he has an exceptional hockey IQ in addition to a solid two-way game.
If Dion and Buffer are any sign of what’s to come for the Canadiens and Flyers, the NHL is now on alert.
