BLADEOFSTEEL  /  NHL  /  ENTRY DRAFT

NHL teams reportedly ask multiple dark and strange question at this year's draft combine

Published June 12, 2023 at 4:45 PM
BY JOSH

The NHL Draft Combine is an important event for both teams and draft eligible prospects. The Combine gives prospects an opportunity to show off their physical attributes, while also interviewing with interested teams. Pre-draft interviews hold a ton of value for teams and have famously led teams to make some very interesting decisions.

Last season, projected 1st overall pick Shane Wright, saw his draft stock fall significantly after some disappointing interviews. Former Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke reportedly felt extremely disrespected by former 1st overall pick, Nail Yakupov, that he vowed to never draft the player due to their meeting. Burke described the interview as follows:

We weren't going to take him. His draft interview was the worst interview I've ever had in my life. Terrible.

He was defiant, obnoxious, and sullen. John Lilley, one of our scouts ... almost fought him in the interview, so it was not a good interview.



It's clear just how important these interviews are to teams and sometimes teams use these opportunities to push players buttons and ask uncomfortable questions. That was evident this week as multiple players shared some very strange questions they were asked this weekend.

Flint players Tristan Bertucci and Coulson Pitre each said that NHL teams asked them at points "How's the water in Flint these days?"


A question about the toxic drinking water in Flint, Michigan is an extremely sensitive topic and not something you'd expect prospects to be asked about. That wasn't the only odd question as another prospect shared they were asked about their funeral.

One prospect said the weirdest question he got asked in a combine interview is what he wants said at his funeral. He said he was pretty sure Columbus asked that one.


This is just another example of some questions team's feel comfortable asking 18 and 19-year-old prospects.
POLL
June 12   |   63 answers
NHL teams reportedly ask multiple dark and strange question at this year's draft combine

Are these questions appropriate or inappropriate?

Appropriate2844.4 %
Inappropriate1523.8 %
Somewhere in the middle1422.2 %
See results69.5 %
LIST OF POLL
Latest 10 stories