Pavel Datsyuk selected first in NHL All Star Draft

Added by AHN on January 27, 2012.
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AHN Sports Staff

Ottawa, ON, Canada (AHN Sports) – Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk was selected the first-overall pick in the 2012 All-Star NHL Draft, making him one of the primary weapons of captain Zdeno Chara for the upcoming All-Star game.

The 33-year-old Datsyuk will be making his fourth All-Star game appearance, but the upcoming match might come special after he stood out as the top-pick from the most talented pool of players in hockey.

“I know how hard it is to play against him,” Chara said of Datsyuk, according to the National Post Friday. “He plays the game the right way. [He's] down to earth and I really admire, personally, the way he plays the game.”

Selected 171st overall in the 1998 Draft, Datsyuk leaned on work ethic and admirable gamesmanship to carve a Hall of Fame resume with 704 points in 711 games, with a plus-207 rating over his career.

Datsyuk was also a two-time Frank Selke Trophy and four-time Lady Byng Trophy, proving his reputation as a top-defensive forward and a gentleman on and off the rink.

Chara’s squad boasts talents like Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas, Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn, Toronto Maple Leafs Phil Kessel, Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa, and Bruins teammate Tyler Seguin.

OCaptain Daniel Alfredsson picked all available Senators and Swedish-born players, using his first pick for Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson then choosing Vancouver Canucks twin Henrik and Daniel Sedin, his other teammates Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek, Flyers forward Claude Giroux, San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture, and Blues goalie Brian Elliott.