NHL Draft '09 Third Round Reaction

"It starts now, it starts now."

Those were the words spoken by defenseman Ryan Bourque, the Rangers third round pick, when he was interviewed just after pulling on a Blueshirt for the first time. I love it.

The Rangers used the 80th pick on Bourque, one of Ray's son's. Like the second rounder Werek, Bourque decided not to go the college route - he decided against UNH to play for crazy Patrick Roy in Quebec. His dad also played in the QMJHL but his brother Chris, who will likely make the Caps this fall, spent a year in college. It is a tough call as the Quebec league isn't the most physical and Ryan is a small guy. In fact, his size is likely what let him slip down to the third round, but he is a Bourque so there is toughness in his DNA.

A solid skater with dual citizenship, Bourque went through the NTDP program and will play in the World Juniors for Team USA. It is fantastic top level experience to go along with league play for his dad's former teammate. From what I saw, he looks like his dad, and from what I read, he plays like his dad. Not a bad selection at all.

Before the draft a lot of folks (including myself) had the Blueshirts picking a goaltender in this spot. No netminders were picked in the first, two picked in the second and three before the Rangers picked. The Islanders grabbed two. I am still sure there will be a goaltender selected by the Blueshirts, but I'm guessing that one of the ones they wanted were picked so they figure they will bide their time.