David Legwand
On June 26, 1998 David Legwand was chosen second overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft with the Predator's first pick. He was the first draft selection in Nashville's franchise history and has been arguably the most significant part of their success. Legwand began his professional hockey career with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. It was in the OHL that his dominance began to assert itself, as he led the league in several categories including most game winning goals and most rookie points.
Legwand was voted the OHL's Most Valuable Player, the OHL's Rookie of the Year and made the OHL First All-Star Team. He also received votes in four different categories of the OHL Coaches Poll, demonstrating the type of player he would become in the NHL. Legwand received votes for smartest player, most dangerous in the goal area, best playmaker, and best skater.
In the NHL, Legwand has been a leader-by-example on the Predators. Usually putting up about 40 points a year, he has shown signs of becoming a star and breaking out big time. Legwand's best season has been his last one. In 2006-2007, he ended the year with 63 regular season points in 78 games (27 goals and 36 assists).
Legwand still needs to play the complete game for a player of his calibre, however, and he tends to have good instincts. He tends to be somewhat invisible for long periods of time in a game, however, which can lead to a lack of impact from the skilled forward. Legwand needs to be more consistent.
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