It took eight years, but Hugh Jessiman, the Rangers 12th overall pick in the 2003, finally made his NHL debut last night with the Florida Panthers in their 2-1 loss to the Devils.
Jessiman had no points, skating 12 shifts for 09:31 of ice time.
Jessiman had the dubious distinction of being the only player picked in the first round of 2003 Draft not to play in the NHL. The Rangers drafted Jessiman ahead of players such as Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards and Ryan Kesler.
H/T to Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy.
Here’s post game video of Jessiman…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhSJuXvT3Fg&w=480&h=390]…one thing I didn’t realize about Jessiman that Wyshynski points out is a bad ankle injury the year after the Rangers draft him that sent his career in the wrong direction.
…either way you’ve got to feel good for the kid for finally making it to the show. Rangers scouts are probably pretty happy about it as well. What were they thinking?
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at [email protected].
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
