1st Round, No. 28: Ryan Suzuki, C, Barrie (OHL)
Yorke's take: "The definition of speed and skill. You look at a guy who can really drive possession and carry the puck into the offensive zone. He can make plays on both sides of the puck. He's really the definition of the playmaking center that you really covet."
Waddell's take: "He was high on our list. I think he was 12th on our list, and we drafted him 28th. … When you're able to get that type of skill, we think it's a great addition to the organization."
Suzuki on the feeling of being drafted: "Right now, I can't really to put into words. I think when I reflect on it maybe tomorrow or the next day I'll be able to look back and really enjoy the moment. … I'm just super excited to be a part of Carolina."
Suzuki on his style of play: "I'm a playmaking centerman. I like to be electric and make plays all around the ice. I think I'm a super smart player."
Suzuki on playing with Andrei Svechnikov in Barrie: "He's a true professional. I learned a lot from him. … Everyone saw what he did on the ice, but they didn't really see all the background stuff he was doing. He was in the gym all the time. He was stretching and just taking care of himself. Just being a pro on and off the ice. That's something I can take away from him. That's what I did, and it helped me out a lot this year."
Suzuki on sharing his draft moment with his brother, Nick, who was selected by Vegas in 2017: "Just having him by my side, he's always been my biggest role model throughout my whole career. Just seeing him, he was so happy for me. It was definitely a good moment for our family. I've got a bunch of my family here, and I'm looking forward to celebrating with them."
Suzuki on what he knows about the Hurricanes: "I saw the Storm Surges they were doing. It was always good fun. The fans are pretty wild there, so I'm looking forward to playing in front of them. I've heard great things from Svech. They're a young team. I'm looking forward to getting down there and getting to work."