Wikipedia

Zach Bogosian

Zachary M. Bogosian (born July 15, 1990) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has previously played for the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs. Bogosian won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Lightning in 2020.

Zach Bogosian
Bogosian in May 2024
Born (1990-07-15) July 15, 1990 (age 34)
Massena, New York, U.S.
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 222 lb (101 kg; 15 st 12 lb)
Position Defense
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 Minnesota Wild
Atlanta Thrashers
Winnipeg Jets
Buffalo Sabres
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs
National team  United States
NHL draft 3rd overall, 2008
Atlanta Thrashers
Playing career 2008–present

Nicknamed "Bogo", Bogosian was regarded as a complete, physical defenseman who could contribute on both offense and defense; he was rated as one of the top players heading into the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, where the Atlanta Thrashers selected him third overall. Bogosian first played in an international tournament when he joined the American national team at the 2009 IIHF World Championship.

Playing career

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Junior

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In 2004, Bogosian entered high school at Cushing Academy, a prep school in Massachusetts. The assistant coach of the school's hockey team was Ray Bourque, a former NHL defenseman who was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.[1] Bogosian's teammates at Cushing included his older brother, Aaron, and Bourque's son, Ryan.[2] While at Cushing he was used mostly as a fifth or sixth defenseman and played few minutes as a result.[1] After his second year at the school, Bogosian was selected 19th overall in the 2006 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Draft by the Peterborough Petes[3] Bogosian's decision to play in the OHL rather than go to the NCAA differed from most of his teammates, including his brother. As his father and uncle had also played college football in the NCAA, it was expected that Bogosian would follow them in going to university. He cited watching Ottawa 67's games at age nine as a major influence in deciding to play in Canada.[1]

 
Bogosian in February 2012

Bogosian began playing for the Petes in the 2006–07 season. He played 67 games for the team and finished with 7 goals and 26 assists for 33 points, which was second on the team in points for both rookies and defensemen.[4] In recognition of his season, he was named to the OHL's Second All-Rookie Team, as one of the top four rookie defensemen in the league.[5] The next season, Bogosian appeared in 60 games for the Petes. He led his team in scoring with 61 points (11 goals, 50 assists), the only defenseman in the league do so;[6] the 50 assists he scored were second in the league among defensemen.[7] The Petes reached the playoffs after missing the previous year, and Bogosian added another three assists in five games. During the season, he participated in both the OHL All-Star Classic and the CHL Top Prospects Game, an all-star game of prospects from the three leagues in the Canadian Hockey League (Western Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and OHL).[4] At the conclusion of the season, Bogosian was named one of the five draft-eligible finalists for the Red Tilson Trophy as most outstanding player in the OHL, and was also named to the OHL First All-Star Team as one of the two best defensemen in the league.[8]

Prior to the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Bogosian was ranked by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau as the second best North American skater for the draft and the third ranked prospect out of the OHL.[9] He was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Thrashers behind Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty.[10] He was noted by his coach in Peterborough, Vince Malette, to be a "very physical defenseman who is a complete player" and defensively solid who could skate well with the puck and not lose speed. Thrashers general manager Don Waddell liked the physical aspect Bogosian brought to a game, as well as his ability to help score goals while at the same time stop other teams' top players.[11] Bogosian had been noted prior for the draft for his dedication to training, as he drove more than 90 minutes to Ottawa to get a better work out.[12]

Professional

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Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg Jets

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Bogosian in October 2014

In July 2008, Bogosian attended the Thrashers prospect development camp. The youngest player of the 32 at the camp, he stood out as one of the best players there and effectively assured himself a roster spot on the team.[13] On September 4, 2008, Bogosian signed a three-year, entry-level contract worth $2.625 million with the Thrashers.[14] He was named to the team's opening day lineup, and made his NHL debut in the first game of the season on October 10 against the Washington Capitals. Bogosian became the youngest person to play for the Thrashers that night at 18 years and 87 days, surpassing Ilya Kovalchuk (18 years, 172 days). Twenty-four seconds into his first shift, Bogosian was called for a holding penalty,[15] while later in the contest, he had a fight with Capitals enforcer Donald Brashear.[16] Eight games into the season, however, on October 28, Bogosian broke his left leg in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Prior to rejoining the Thrashers, Bogosian was sent to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, for conditioning. After playing five games with the Wolves, including scoring his first professional goal on January 3, 2009, against the Rockford IceHogs, Bogosian rejoined the Thrashers for the remainder of the season.[17] He scored his first NHL goal and recorded his first assist in his twelfth game on January 17, 2009, against Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators.[18] Bogosian finished his first professional season with 19 points in 47 NHL games and 1 goal in 5 AHL games as the Thrashers finished out of the playoffs.[19]

Throughout the 2009–10 season Bogosian was bothered by an injury. During a game against the Ottawa Senators on October 31, 2009, Bogosian fell behind his team's net; with his left hand lying on the net's iron frame along the ice, another player fell on top of him. The impact broke his left thumb and injured his wrist.[20] Though he did not miss any time from the injury, it had an effect on his offensive play; Bogosian was perceived to be more hesitant with the puck, choosing to pass it more often than shooting.[20] In the first 17 games of the season, he had scored 8 goals, then went 29 contests without scoring.[21] In the final 64 games, he only scored 2 goals. After he recovered, Bogosian admitted he did not play at his full capacity, but had decided not to disclose the injury to the team until the season finished in April 2010.[20] Regardless of his injury, Bogosian only missed one game throughout the season, a game on March 14 against the Phoenix Coyotes.[21] Even with these setbacks, Bogosian set career highs for games played (81), goals (10), assists (13) and points (23).[22] The 10 goals he scored tied a team record for most by a defenseman in a season, first set by Yannick Tremblay in 1999–2000, the Thrashers' inaugural year.[23] He also set a team record with 196 hits. Again the Thrashers missed the playoffs. After the Atlanta Thrashers were sold to True North Sports & Entertainment and were relocated to Winnipeg, Bogosian agreed to terms on a new two-year, $5 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets on September 14, 2011.[24]

Buffalo Sabres

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Bogosian in April 2016

During the 2014–15 season, his seventh with the Thrashers/Jets franchise, Bogosian was traded alongside Evander Kane and the rights to Jason Kasdorf, to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Brendan Lemieux, Joel Armia, and a conditional first-round pick (Jack Roslovic) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.[25]

On February 14, 2020, the Sabres placed Bogosian on waivers. After going unclaimed, he was assigned to the Rochester Americans the following day. Three days later, Bogosian was suspended by the Sabres for failing to report to Rochester.[26] On February 21, Bogosian was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a contract termination.[27]

Tampa Bay Lightning

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As a free agent, Bogosian drew league interest before signing a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 23, 2020.[28] On August 3, 2020, Bogosian skated in his first career NHL playoff game.[29] On August 15, 2020, Bogosian recorded his first career NHL playoff assist and point in a 3–2 game 3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.[30][31] On September 28, 2020, Bogosian won the Stanley Cup for the first time.

Toronto Maple Leafs

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As a free agent, Bogosian signed a one year, $1 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 10, 2020.[32] In the 2020–21 season, Bogosian was a regular physical presence on the blueline with the Maple Leafs, registering 4 assists through 45 regular season games. He collected 1 assist in 7 game first-round series defeat in the post-season to the Montreal Canadiens. Bogosian's play was praised by analysts for his performance in a depth role, and the team made attempts to re-sign him, although were unable to among rumors that Bogosian was unhappy with the Canadian and Ontario governments' public health restrictions in response to COVID-19.[33][34]

Return to Tampa Bay

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As a free agent from the Maple Leafs, Bogosian opted to return to the two time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in agreeing to a three-year, $2.55 million contract on July 28, 2021.[35]

Minnesota Wild

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On November 8, 2023, Bogosian was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick.[36] On March 6, 2024, the Wild signed Bogosian to a two-year contract extension.[37]

International

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Bogosian made his international debut with the American national team at the 2009 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland. He appeared in all nine games for the team, and recorded one assist, in a game against France, as the Americans finished fourth overall.[38][39] During the 2009–10 season he was mentioned as a candidate to join the American team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, but a wrist and thumb injury led to a decrease in performance and he was ultimately not selected.[20] He was invited to join the American team at the 2010 IIHF World Championship, but declined in order to heal his injuries.[23]

Personal life

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Bogosian was born to Ike and Vicky Bogosian[40] in Massena, New York, a town of 13,000 adjacent to the Saint Lawrence River.[41] Zach is the first NHL player of Armenian descent;[42][43] his great-grandfather, Stephen Bogosian, left Western Armenia in 1923 at the age of 16 as a result of the Armenian genocide.[44][45][46] Zach's father Ike was an athlete when he was younger, playing college football with Syracuse University from 1979 to 1981.[44][45] In his senior season at Syracuse Ike was co-captain of the team with future New York Giants running back Joe Morris. He currently runs a carpet and floor cleaning business with his brother in Massena.[47] Vicky works as a hairdresser.[48] Zach has two older brothers, Ike Jr. and Aaron. Aaron was also a professional ice hockey player who attended St. Lawrence University where he played four seasons with the Saints and served as team captain.[49] Aaron most recently played in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades.[50]

Bogosian joined the Massena Minor Hockey Association when he was 3, staying in the program until he was 14, when he left for Cushing Academy.[51] Bogosian first began to play defense at the Squirt level (under-10); though he was smaller than most of his peers, he was a good skater. He alternated between forward and defense throughout minor hockey. When he began attending Cushing Academy he was a forward the first year, before he converted to a defender full-time.[52] After leaving the school and moving to Canada with two years of high school to complete, Bogosian took courses on the internet.[citation needed]

Bogosian is married to Boston Breakers and former United States women's national under-23 soccer team midfielder Bianca D'Agostino.[53] The pair married in August 2015. They met in Winnipeg.[54] The couple has four children.[55]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2004–05 Cushing Academy HS-MA 34 0 1 1 — — — — — —
2005–06 Cushing Academy HS-MA 36 1 16 17 — — — — — —
2006–07 Peterborough Petes OHL 67 7 26 33 63 — — — — —
2007–08 Peterborough Petes OHL 60 11 50 61 72 5 0 3 3 8
2008–09 Atlanta Thrashers NHL 47 9 10 19 47 — — — — —
2008–09 Chicago Wolves AHL 5 1 0 1 0 — — — — —
2009–10 Atlanta Thrashers NHL 81 10 13 23 61 — — — — —
2010–11 Atlanta Thrashers NHL 71 5 12 17 29 — — — — —
2011–12 Winnipeg Jets NHL 65 5 25 30 71 — — — — —
2012–13 Winnipeg Jets NHL 33 5 9 14 29 — — — — —
2013–14 Winnipeg Jets NHL 55 3 8 11 48 — — — — —
2014–15 Winnipeg Jets NHL 41 3 10 13 40 — — — — —
2014–15 Buffalo Sabres NHL 21 0 7 7 38 — — — — —
2015–16 Buffalo Sabres NHL 64 7 17 24 68 — — — — —
2016–17 Buffalo Sabres NHL 56 2 9 11 46 — — — — —
2017–18 Buffalo Sabres NHL 18 0 1 1 20 — — — — —
2018–19 Buffalo Sabres NHL 65 3 16 19 52 — — — — —
2019–20 Buffalo Sabres NHL 19 1 4 5 10 — — — — —
2019–20 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 8 0 2 2 12 20 0 4 4 12
2020–21 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 45 0 4 4 49 7 0 1 1 0
2021–22 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 48 3 5 8 53 22 0 3 3 4
2022–23 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 46 1 4 5 42 5 0 1 1 7
2023–24 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 4 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2023–24 Minnesota Wild NHL 61 3 11 14 63 — — — — —
NHL totals 848 60 167 227 778 54 0 9 9 23

International

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Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2009 United States WC 4th 9 0 1 1 2
Senior totals 9 0 1 1 2

Awards and honors

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Award Year Ref
OHL
Second All-Rookie Team 2007
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game 2008
First All-Star Team 2008
NHL
Stanley Cup champion 2020 [56]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Joyce, Gare (June 17, 2008). "Doughty, Bogosian take different approaches to NHL draft". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  2. ^ NHL (2008). "Zach Bogosian Prospect Card". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  3. ^ TSN (September 4, 2008). "Thrashers sign Bogosian to muilt-year deal". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on July 25, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  4. ^ a b Koch, Rob, ed. (2010). 2010–11 Atlanta Thrashers Media Guide (PDF). Atlanta Thrashers. p. 32. Retrieved January 9, 2011.[dead link‍]
  5. ^ Bell, Aaron, ed. (2010). 2010–11 OHL Media Information Guide. Ontario Hockey League. p. 149. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  6. ^ McGourty, John (June 19, 2008). "Big Bogosian well-prepared for NHL battles". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  7. ^ Morreale, Mike G. (August 12, 2008). "Bogosian focused on making NHL now". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  8. ^ Bell, Aaron, ed. (2010). 2010–11 OHL Media Information Guide. Ontario Hockey League. p. 145. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  9. ^ Canadian Press (April 24, 2008). "Steve Stamkos rated No. 1 prospect for NHL draft by NHL Central Scouting". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  10. ^ Canadian Press (June 22, 2008). "Real work starts now for draft pick looking to make NHL next season". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  11. ^ Wright, Ben (June 27, 2008). "2008 Thrashers Draft Review". AtlantaThrashers.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.[dead link‍]
  12. ^ Schwartz, Adam (September 3, 2008). "Bogosian learned from two NHL legends". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  13. ^ Wright, Ben (July 27, 2008). "Prospect Development Camp Recap". AtlantaThrashers.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.[dead link‍]
  14. ^ Knobler, Mike (September 4, 2008). "Thrashers sign first-round pick Bogosian". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved October 31, 2008.
  15. ^ "Thrashers 7, Capitals 4". NHL.com. Associated Press. October 11, 2008. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  16. ^ Rosen, Dan (October 19, 2008). "Bogosian won't back down from challenge". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  17. ^ Atlanta Thrashers (January 14, 2009). "Thrashers Recall D Zach Bogosian from Chicago (AHL)". AtlantaThrashers.com. Retrieved October 8, 2009.[dead link‍]
  18. ^ Knobler, Mike (January 18, 2009). "THRASHERS 7, PREDATORS 2: Offensive explosion nets 2nd straight win". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  19. ^ NHL (2009). "Zach Bogosian's NHL Profile". NHL.com. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  20. ^ a b c d Manasso, John (September 7, 2010). "Bogosian healthy and ready for a big season". NHL.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  21. ^ a b Vivlamore, Chris (April 2, 2010). "Bogosian no longer hampered by wrist injury". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  22. ^ Atlanta Thrashers (April 29, 2010). "Thrashers Set Personal Highs". AtlantaThrashers.com. Retrieved January 10, 2011.[dead link‍]
  23. ^ a b Cooper, Jon (April 28, 2010). "Zach Getting Back on Track". AtlantaThrashers.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.[dead link‍]
  24. ^ "JETS, BOGOSIAN AGREE TO NEW TWO-YEAR, $5 MILLION CONTRACT". TSN.ca. September 14, 2011. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  25. ^ "Kane, Bogosian dealt to Sabres in eight-player blockbuster deal". TSN. February 11, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  26. ^ "Sabres suspend Zach Bogosian for not reporting to Rochester". National Post. February 17, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  27. ^ Buffalo Sabres (February 22, 2020). "Zach Bogosian contract termination". Twitter. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  28. ^ "Lightning sign free agent defenseman Zach Bogosian". Tampa Bay Lightning. February 23, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  29. ^ "Ex-Sabre Zach Bogosian finally appears in playoffs for Tampa Bay". The Buffalo News. August 3, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  30. ^ Burns, Bryan [@BBurnsNHL] (August 15, 2020). "Bogosian records his first career playoff point" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ "Lightning finally break through on Korpisalo, win Game 3". NBC Sports. August 15, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  32. ^ "Maple Leafs sign defenceman Zach Bogosian to one-year, $1M contract". sportsnet.ca. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  33. ^ "Expectation is that Bogosian will hit market once NHL free agency opens on July 28". Toronto Sun. July 14, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  34. ^ "Did Zach Bogosian Leave The Leafs Because Of COVID?". LetsGoLeafs.com. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  35. ^ "Lightning sign defenseman Zach Bogosian to a three-year, contract". Tampa Bay Lightning. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  36. ^ "Lightning trade Zach Bogosian to Wild for 2025 seventh-round pick". sportsnet.ca. November 8, 2023.
  37. ^ "Minnesota Wild Signs Zach Bogosian to Contract Extension". NHL.com. March 6, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  38. ^ IIHF (May 10, 2009). "USA Player Statistics by Team" (PDF). IIHF. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  39. ^ IIHF (May 1, 2009). "USA–France Game Summary" (PDF). IIHF. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  40. ^ Beckstead, Bob (June 1, 2017). "NHL player Bogosian gets first look at Massena display case". www.nny360.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  41. ^ Bell, Aaron (November 27, 2007). "Peterborough's Bogosian wise beyond his years". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  42. ^ "Zach Bogosian proud to be first Armenian in NHL". sport.news.am. March 25, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  43. ^ "Massena's Zach Bogosian now playing closer to home". cornwallseawaynews.com. February 11, 2015. Archived from the original on May 19, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  44. ^ a b Fish, Wayne (March 18, 2013). "Jets' Bogosian embraces heritage". New York Hockey Journal. Archived from the original on March 28, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  45. ^ a b Hummer, Steve (October 12, 2008). "Bogosian is eager to please". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta. Archived from the original on November 16, 2009. Retrieved August 26, 2009.
  46. ^ Knobler, Mike (February 17, 2009). "Thrashers beat Kings in shootout". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2009.
  47. ^ Watertown Daily Times (July 6, 2009). "Bogosian's ability left winning legacy". Watertown Daily Times. Watertown, New York. Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  48. ^ Hummer, Steve (October 13, 2008). "A short time to grow up". Palm Beach Post. West Palm Beach, Florida. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  49. ^ Campbell, Don (June 18, 2008). "The pride of north Country". Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  50. ^ Ellis, Steven (September 19, 2012). "Former AHLer Aaron Bogosian Signs With ECHL Florida Everblades". thehockeyhouse.net. The Hockey House. Archived from the original on December 4, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  51. ^ The Canadian Press (June 19, 2008). "BEYOND STAMKOS, DOUGHTY AND BOGOSIAN GRABBING ATTENTION AT NHL DRAFT". The Hockey News. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  52. ^ Wright, Ben (March 24, 2010). "Ask Zach: Zach Bogosian Answers". AtlantaThrashers.com. Archived from the original on March 28, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  53. ^ Marcoux, Rheanne (March 20, 2014). "InFlight Vol. VI: Roomies: A glimpse in the life at home with roommates Bogosian & Trouba, Wright & Scheifele". jets.nhl.com. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  54. ^ Malamala, Lauren (March 14, 2016). "A Classic, Romantic Wedding At Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island". Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  55. ^ Mendes, Ian (February 26, 2024). "Former NHL wives launch business to help athletes relocate after a trade". The Athletic.
  56. ^ "Tampa Bay Lightning win Stanley Cup in Pandemic Bubble". New York Times. September 28, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
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Awards and achievements
Preceded by Atlanta Thrashers first round draft pick
2008 		Succeeded by
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