Former NHLers’ sons and other relatives are on the radar as top prospects available at the 2014 draft, which kicks off Friday in Philadelphia.
The 2014 draft class is a geneticist’s dream, as it includes prospects hailing from rich NHL bloodlines. Here are the most noteworthy sons, brothers, nephews and cousins, whose NHL-drafted relatives include Stanley Cup champs and a Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
SAM REINHART, C
Father: Paul Reinhart
Brothers: Max Reinhart, Griffin Reinhart
Paul played in multiple All-Star Games as a Calgary Flame. He was one of the better offensive blueliners of the 1980s. Max is working his way into Calgary’s plans after a great AHL season, while hulking D-man Griffin was the fourth overall pick in 2012. Sam, however, should be picked higher than any of his family members.
DOMINIC TURGEON, C
Father: Pierre Turgeon
Uncle: Sylvain Turgeon
Dominic’s ceiling projects closer to his uncle Sylvain, a decent scorer in the '80s and '90s, than his dad’s. Pierre, the No. 1 pick in 1987, was one of his generation’s more underrated offensive players.
RYAN MACINNIS, LW
Father: Al MacInnis
Ryan, a big forward, has quite the role model in Hall of Famer Al MacInnis. Dad did his damage on defense, but at least passed his famously heavy shot on to his son.
BRENDAN LEMIEUX, LW
Father: Claude Lemieux
Uncle: Jocelyn Lemieux
Brendan Lemieux, an agitating forward who can score and drive opponents bananas, is strikingly similar to superpest Claude Lemieux, who happens to be his dad.
JOHN QUENNEVILLE, C
Second Cousin: Joel Quenneville
Uncle: Johnny Boychuk
The family influence on John’s game is more environmental than hereditary. Second cousin Joel is far more successful as a coach than as a player, and Boychuk is his uncle via marriage, not blood.
JOSH WESLEY, D
Father: Glen Wesley
Uncle: Blake Wesley
Glen is the more accomplished Wesley brother, but Blake’s stay-at-home game is a better comparison to that of Josh, who is bigger than his father and uncle.
DANIEL AUDETTE, C
Father: Donald Audette
Daniel projects to go far higher than his father, a ninth-round Sabres pick. Daniel has the same strengths and weaknesses: a nifty scoring touch, but a frame that will have trouble handling the rigors of NHL play.
RYAN DONATO, C
Father: Ted Donato
Ryan’s roots tie closer to his proud papa than any other player in the draft. He and Ted came up through the U.S. high school system and Ryan has committed to Harvard, where Ted played and now coaches.
BRENDAN PERLINI, LW
Father: Fred Perlini
Brother: Brett Perlini
NICK RITCHIE, LW
Brother: Brett Ritchie
NIKOLAJ EHLERS, LW
Father: Heinz Ehlers
NICK SCHMALTZ, RW
Brother: Jordan Schmaltz
HUNTER SMITH, RW
Uncle: Brad Smith
ALEX PETERS, D
Brother: Justin Peters
LUC SNUGGERUD, D
Uncle: Dave Snuggerud
RYAN MANTHA, D
Father: Moe Mantha
ROBERT CARPENTER, C
Father: Bobby Carpenter
JOSH THROWER, D
Brother: Dalton Thrower
TYLER NANNE, D
Grandfather: Lou Nanne
ALEX GUDBRANSON, D
Brother: Erik Gudbranson
WILLIAM NYLANDER, C
Father: Michael Nylander
KASPERI KAPANEN, RW
Father: Sami Kapanen
This article originally appeared in THN's annual Draft Preview edition.