Brian Burke, Fancy Stats, and Drafting Ryan Kesler at First Sight

Thomas Drance of Canucks Army posted an interesting tidbit the other day regarding the Sloan Sports Conference over the weekend where Brian Burke was quoted for some classic controversial lines. After dismissing the value of advanced stats, Burke went on to explain the evaluation process in Vancouver before the team drafter Ryan Kesler under Burke's control. Burke told the conferences he saw Kesler play only one shift before telling his scouts they had to have the talented center. No wonder things aren't going so well in Toronto.

That's too good.


Thankfully it was the 2003 first round, which is pretty much the best first round ever.

Seriously 2003 NHL Entry Draft | Hockey-Reference.com


Hugh Jessiman, victim of the bell curve.