Stephen
Moderator
- Feb 28, 2002
- 79,176
- 54,395
Just a random history question for those of you who have been long time Predators followers. I've been following the draft since the early 90s, and I remember 1998 was one of the drafts I really looked forward to, with one of my favorites Vincent Lecavalier going first overall.
At the time there was a bit of a debate as to whether it would be Lecavalier or Legwand who should go first. Lecavalier was projected to be the first overall a couple of years out ever since his monster 16 year old season. Legwand came on more during the draft year, and appeared to be this speed demon sniper who also played center, extremely dynamic, and I imagine not too dissimilar to another Detroit Jr Whalers product that went second overall Tyler Seguin. He was also compared to Mike Modano.
Fast forward nearly 20 years and Legwand is winding down a very long and productive career as a two way checking center, but it's safe to say he didn't quite live up to his draft day projections. This kind of stuff happens all the time, but the Predators don't really have a big share of the NHL limelight in Canada, I can't say I've followed his career too closely. Can someone shed some light on what happened with him, how his career went? Did something hold him back or steer his career in the direction it went?
At the time there was a bit of a debate as to whether it would be Lecavalier or Legwand who should go first. Lecavalier was projected to be the first overall a couple of years out ever since his monster 16 year old season. Legwand came on more during the draft year, and appeared to be this speed demon sniper who also played center, extremely dynamic, and I imagine not too dissimilar to another Detroit Jr Whalers product that went second overall Tyler Seguin. He was also compared to Mike Modano.
Fast forward nearly 20 years and Legwand is winding down a very long and productive career as a two way checking center, but it's safe to say he didn't quite live up to his draft day projections. This kind of stuff happens all the time, but the Predators don't really have a big share of the NHL limelight in Canada, I can't say I've followed his career too closely. Can someone shed some light on what happened with him, how his career went? Did something hold him back or steer his career in the direction it went?