Sarnia Sting defenceman Jakob Chychrun is now a member of the Arizona Coyotes after the team selected him 16th overall in the NHL draft Friday.
The Coyotes traded up to acquire the pick from the Detroit Red Wings, and had to take on retiring Pavel Datsyuk's $7.5-million contract in the process. The Red Wings got Joe Vitale, and the 20th and 53rd overall picks.
In two seasons with the Sting, Chychrun has been productive offensively, scoring 27 goals and adding 55 assists in 104 games played.
Fellow Sting teammates Jordan Kyrou and Anthony Salinitri were each chosen on day two of the draft. Kyrou was chosen 35th overall by the St Louis Blues. Kyrou scored 17 goals and had 34 assists for 51 points in 65 games last season.
Anthony Salinitri was chosen 172nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. He put up 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points in 62 games last season.
Three players previously drafted by the Sting were also taken in this year's draft. Finnish prospect Patrik Laine was the second selection overall by Winnipeg, Luke Kunin went 15th in the first round to Minnesota and on Saturday Graham McPhee was chosen 149th overall by Edmonton.
A former Sarnia Legionnaire went in the draft as well. Defenceman Cameron Clarke was selected 136th overall by the Boston Bruins. He had 50 points in 59 games with the NAHL's Lone Star Brahmas last season and is committed to go to Ferris State for the upcoming year.
