2008 NHL Draft, what does it mean if they were 4th draft choice?

Question

If someone is drafted into the NHL (4th round I believe), why would they not take it and go back to College?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Being drafted doesn't necessarily mean that you will be able to play right away. It depends if the team that drafted him need him or just be a person that they can call up from the minors if someone on the roster is injured. Many players also need and want to work on their skills some more before they are consider themselves ready to play in the NHL.

Answer 2

It may also depend on that person's realistic assessment of his chances of making it to the NHL.

Maybe he thinks he can learn or improve more in his current university program than in the minors.

Answer 3

It's good to get a college degree. That way the individual something to fall back on if their dream of playing in the NHL doesn't work out.

Answer 4

4th Choice and 4th round are very different things....

But Basically, a lot of players are better off developing their game more at the college level. Just because they're drafted doesn't mean they'll make the team. If you go through college first, you develop your skills and your body further to where you can play in the NHL. The team that drafted you will still have your rights when you graduate.

You don't stop being an NHL pick if you got to college.

Answer 5

Because if you get injured a few years into your career, you have nothing to fall back on and forced to work as a burger-flipper.