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Florchuk Selected in NHL Entry Draft by Washington

June 23, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL) - Saskatoon Blades News Release


Eric Florchuk will be in good company after being selected 217th overall by the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals on Saturday during the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

It was a case of better late than never for Florchuk who was the final selection in the draft. The nerves were increasing but Florchuk took a positive spin on it and hopes to take full advantage of the opportunity.

"Rasmus Dahlin opened the draft and I closed it," chuckled Florchuk from his home in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. "I'm very proud to be selected by the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals. And I'm very excited to prove to the Caps they made a great choice in taking me!"

Florchuk becomes the first Saskatoon Blade drafted since defensemen Libor Hájek went in the second round to Tampa Bay in 2016. He's the first forward to be drafted from the Blades since Nikita Scherbak went to Montreal in the first round in 2014, and the first Saskatoon Blade drafted by the Washington Capitals since Braden Holtby in 2008.

Florchuk was acquired by the Saskatoon Blades midway through the 2017-18 WHL season from the Victoria Royals. He settled in nicely on a line with childhood friend Kirby Dach, and tallied 22 points in 28 games down the stretch with Saskatoon. Florchuk finished the season with 50 points and had a strong performance at the CHL Top Prospects Game in January as a member of the winning Team Cherry.

Eric was also one of the top performers at the NHL Combine at the end of May, averaging the best fitness scores among all WHL players in attendance.

The Alberta native will look to take another big step next season but first will be Washington Capitals Summer Development Camp.

From the entire Saskatoon Blades organization, congratulations Eric & family on this special day!


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