Ducks Select Drysdale with Sixth Overall Pick in 2020 NHL Draft

With the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Ducks select Jamie Drysdale from Erie of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The 5-foot-11, 175-pound defenseman finished his second season in the OHL with 47 points (9g/38a) in 49 games with the Otters, ranking 13th among league d-men in scoring and 10th in average points per game (0.96/GP). He was named an OHL First Team All-Star at the conclusion of the season and becomes the third Otter in the past five years to be selected in the first round, joining Connor McDavid (No. 1) and Dylan Strome (No. 3).

Drysdale, 18 (4/8/02), made an impact on the international stage this past season, helping Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2020 World Junior Championship with three points (1g/2a) in seven games. He also represented Canada at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2019 IIHF U18 World Championship.
"It's awesome," he said in his call with the media. "It's unbelievable being where I am right now. Its definitely a really fun time. There's nothing but excitement in the room and for myself when I got picked. Really exciting time. In regard to waiting, it's a very nerve-wracking time to say the least. But when you hear your name called, it's definitely something special. It lived up to - and surpassed - everything I thought it would be. It's awesome. I'm here at my house with my family and a few of my friends. Being with the people who are closest to me makes it really special. I'm very fortunate to be where I am."
The Toronto native was the highest-ranked North American defenseman and third overall among all skaters, behind only QMJHL Rimouski left wing Alexis Lafreniere and OHL Sudbury center Quinton Byfield.
Get to know a little bit more about Drysdale
in this Q&A
.