Nystrom Selected 10th Overall in NHL Entry Draft
6/22/2002 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Nystrom, the 10th overall pick in the draft, was the second American and collegiate player selected, finishing behind Boston University's Ryan Whitney, a native of Scituate, Mass., who was taken fifth overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The son of former New York Islanders great Bob Nystrom, Eric is the fourth highest pick in Michigan history and only the fourth player in U-M history to be selected among the first 10 picks in the draft.
Nystrom was Michigan's leading rookie scorer with 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 points and earned a spot on the Bauer/CCHA All-Rookie Team during the 2001-02 campaign. He is the fourth Wolverine in the last five years to be selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. Mike Van Ryn was selected 26th overall by New Jersey in 1998, Jeff Jillson was picked 14th overall by San Jose in 1999 and junior defenseman Mike Komisarek was tabbed seventh overall by Montreal in 2001 as the first collegiate player taken in last year's draft. During the 2001-02 season, Van Ryn skated with the St. Louis Blues, while Jillson saw action with the San Jose Sharks.
Nystrom is also the second Wolverine in the last two years to be drafted by Calgary. In last year's draft, sophomore forward David Moss (Dearborn, Mich.) was selected by the Flames in the seventh round as the 220th overall pick.
Ryznar, rated 32nd among North American forwards and defensemen entering the draft, posted nine goals and seven assists for 16 points in 40 games during the 2001-02 campaign and missed four of U-M's five games during its CCHA Super Six Championship run with an injured hand.
The 2002 NHL Entry Draft concludes on Sunday (June 23) with the fourth through ninth rounds. Sophomore forward Dwight Helminen (Brighton, Mich.), ranked 41st among North American forwards and defensemen, is expected to be selected during that time.
Contact: Paul Thomas (734) 763-4423
