Hey guys, Capitals fan here coming in peace with some insider info on Rhett Gardner.
First off, I know that the pick seems out of left field but there were a lot of teams interested in him, Dallas was actually among the few that did not contact him before the draft. That being said, Jim Nill and Coach Berry are good friends from their playing days and spoke extensively about him.
Obviously, Nill was worried that if he left Gardner that he would be picked by someone else. What I heard was that Montreal was prepared to take him with their next pick and Nill didn't want to take that chance.
I can tell you with 100% certainty that if he hadn't been drafted the Stars would not have been in the running for him in free agency.
He isn't 21 years old, he just turned 20 a couple months ago. He is listed at 6'2 but he is actually 6'3 possibly closer even to 6'4. Looked like a man on the ice during the frozen four this year. It's not often you get prospects with his size and incredible faceoff ability.
What is most over looked about his game is the ability to play anywhere in the lineup. He understands how to play in a shutdown 3rd line role or in a top 6 role with skilled players.
It seems more like he will look to sign after his Junior year, rather than his senior year. He will be featuring more this coming year as a 2nd line centre with the departure of a number of key juniors, and following his stellar play in the final four last year.
Aside from all that, and I know it sounds cliche, but he is VERY excited to be a Dallas Star.
Side note: I'm personally a little envious that you got him, and you guys had a very strong draft this year. I think it's safe to say the Stars are the team I will be rooting for out west for many years to come.
