NHL Draft Is All Relative

The Edmonton Oilers drafted two sons of former Edmonton Oilers this weekend.

David Musil was drafted was picked 31st overall. His father Frantisek briefly played with Edmonton as part of his 800 game career in the NHL. David can also count former NHLer Bobby Holik as his uncle, Czech hockey legend Jaroslav Holik as his grandfather and tennis star Andrea Holikova as his mother.

The Oilers also drafted Dillon Simpson in the fourth round. He, of course, is the son of former Oilers sniper and coach Craig Simpson. Craig is currently the lead colour commentator for Hockey Night In Canada.

The Oilers passed on a third son. Keegan Lowe, the son of former Oilers defenceman Kevin Lowe, now the team’s president of hockey operations, was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 3. Keegan told the Oilers he would rather make his own way in the world and not to consider taking him.

Here's some of the other 2011 Entry Draft relationships:

Sean Coutourier was drafted 8th overall by Philadelphia. His father Sylvain spent most of his career in the minors and in Europe but he played 65 games for the Los Angeles Kings.

Defenseman Connor Murphy, drafted 20th overall by Phoenix, is the son of former NHL defenseman Gord Murphy. Gord is now an assistant coach in Florida.

Toronto selected Tyler Biggs 22nd overall. His father Don Biggs had a long professional career including 12 games played in the NHL.

Vladislav Namestnikov was taken 27th overall by Tampa Bay. He is the son of Evgeny "John" Namestnikov who played 43 games in the NHL. Long time NHLer Slava Kozlov is also his uncle.

Alexander Ruuttu, Phoenix’s second-round draft choice, is the son of Christian Ruuttu, who played nine seasons in the NHL and now is a scout with the same Coyotes team.

Winnipeg took Adam Lowry in the third round. Lowry’s father, Dave, played 1,045 NHL games. Another Lowry son, Joel, was drafted by Los Angeles in the 5th round.

Colorado selected Dillon Donnelly from Shawinigan in the seventh round. His father, Gord, played for three NHL teams including the Nordiques.

Carolina used the 193rd pick on centre Brody Sutter — the son of former NHL player Duane Sutter and the younger cousin of two players in the organization: Hurricanes forward Brandon Sutter and minor league forward Brett Sutter.