Legacy selections run through 2023 NHL Draft

NASHVILLE -- Oliver Bonk earned the right to be a first-round pick at the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft with his outstanding play with London of the Ontario Hockey League.

But the defenseman, who was chosen by the Philadelphia Flyers with the No. 22 pick, knows the foundation of that success came from his father, former NHL forward Radek Bonk.

"He's had a huge influence on me," Oliver said. "I'm here because of him, thanks to him working with me growing up. A lot of life lessons for me. He's had a big impact."

Bonk was one of four players chosen by the Flyers during the two days of the draft with significant NHL bloodlines.

Their two fourth-round picks, forwards Cole Knuble (No. 103) of Fargo in the United States Hockey League and Alex Ciernik (No. 120) of Sodertalje in Sweden each had fathers who played in the League; Mike Knuble for 16 seasons, including five with the Flyers, and Ivan Ciernik for 89 NHL games in five seasons.

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Then in the seventh round (No. 199) they selected defenseman Matteo Mann from Chicoutimi of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the son of Ottawa Senators assistant general manager Trent Mann.

"I remember my first go-round in a locker room," Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said. "You walk in and I was obviously overwhelmed. It's not easy to navigate when you see some of the veterans that are in place. So maybe with some of these players it's going to be a little easier since they've been there. They might be a little bit more comfortable early on. I'm hoping so."

One spot after the Flyers chose Bonk, the New York Rangers selected USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team forward Gabriel Perreault at No. 23. His father, Yanic Perreault, played 14 NHL seasons, and his older brother, Jacob Perreault, was a first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2020 NHL Draft (No. 27) and played this season with San Diego of the American Hockey League.

Yanic Perreault retired in 2008, when Gabriel was 3 years old. He was too young to see his father play but has been told there are similarities in their styles of play.

"I've heard I have a good amount (of his ability)," Gabriel said. "He's really skilled and really smart player so I think I carry that a little bit."

Sherbrooke forward Ethan Gauthier was the first player from the QMJHL selected when the Tampa Bay Lightning chose him in the second round (No. 37). His father, Denis Gauthier, was a first-round pick (No. 20) by the Calgary Flames in the 1995 NHL Draft and played 10 seasons in the League.

He said the best advice he received from his father was about his character.

"Just having a good work ethic, being a good person, good teammate," he said. "That was the three things that was kind of the key for him. Growing up, I was kind of the skill guy, talented, maybe cocky and stuff like that. He said just stay humble. Be a good teammate, good person, a guy that people respect. When he taught me that, my career changed. I had success, teammates enjoyed being with me. Last couple years, I think that's the key and that's one thing he taught me a lot and that brought me where I am today."

The Lightning also selected Warroad (Minn.) High School forward Jayson Shaugabay in the fourth round (No. 115). His second cousin is Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie.

"He texted me this morning, said good luck and stuff," Shaugabay said.

Several other players with relatives who played in the League were chosen on the second day of the draft.

Forward Kalan Lind of Red Deer of the Western Hockey League was selected by the Predators in the second round (No. 46). His brother, Kole Lind, has 30 games of NHL experience and this season played for Coachella Valley, the Seattle Kraken's AHL affiliate.

The Montreal Canadiens selected Hamilton (OHL) forward Florian Xhekaj in the fourth round (No. 101). He is the younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

The Canadiens also chose University of Minnesota defenseman Luke Mittelstadt, the younger brother of Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt, in the seventh round (No. 197).

The Boston Bruins picked NTDP forward Beckett Hendrickson in the fourth round (No. 124). His father, Darby Hendrickson, played 10 NHL seasons and is an assistant coach with the Minnesota Wild.

The Wild selected Waterloo (USHL) defenseman Aaron Pionk in the fifth round (No. 149). He is the younger brother of Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk.

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