The Ottawa Sun talks to the hockey greats who were at the draft as team management and their memories of their draft year.

“It’s surreal,” said goalie Michael Hutchinson of Barrie, who was drafted in the third round, 77th overall, by the Boston Bruins. “I had never seen Wayne Gretzky live before last night. And Steve Yzerman …” …

Many former NHL stars, including Gretzky with the Phoenix Coyotes and Yzerman with the Detroit Red Wings, were at the draft as team executives. But they can still relate to what their draft picks are going through.

“Mine was in Montreal. It wasn’t as big an event way back then,” said Yzerman, drafted fourth overall by the Wings in 1983.

“It brings back good memories and I understand the excitement that they have. They’ll be forever endeared to the organization that drafted them, regardless of what happens in their careers.”