Too Many Kids at the NHL Draft?

Every year that goes by, I wonder how many kids showed up to the NHL draft in hopes of being drafted, but never do. Just read this over at Jason Gregor’s draft live blog,

The seventh round is under way. There are 25 picks left and it is painful to watch the handful of kids that are still sitting in the stands waiting for their name to be called. I have no idea what parents are thinking when they agree to let their son come here, unless he is rated in the top 60. Those guys do drop, but normally not all the way out of the draft. If you son is rated in the 4th or 5th round, don’t bring him.

You can see the frustration, sadness and humiliation in their body with ever pick that passes them by.

There is no need for them to be here and I think it is on the shoulder of the parents and agents to convince them not to come. Some might be motivated by it, but many never recover from not getting the call.

I’ve never attended a draft to see this first hand, but it’s always something that I’ve thought about happening. I do remember back in 1995 when the draft was in Edmonton, one of the guys from my high school was there jumping up and down “Pick me! Pick me!” in hopes of yeah you know, getting picked. Did he? Of course not.

What do you think? Does Gregor make a good point by telling parents not to send their low ranked kids to the draft? Or do you want them to be there no matter what the chance, just in case they get to walk up on stage and get that jersey?