Why Bob, Why?: Canadiens Pass on Angelo Esposito

As the Montreal Canadiens prepared to make their first pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft, all eyes were on GM Bob Gainey and recruiting director Trevor Timmins.

 

The reason: Angelo Esposito of the Quebec Ramparts was still on the board.

 

But oh surprise!

The Hurricanes chose Brandon Sutter, leaving the Montreal native for his hometown team.

This is it, I thought, Esposito's ours. 

And then Timmins approached the microphone to announce the Habs' selection.

''The Montreal Canadiens are proud to select...Ryan McDonagh.''

WHAT?!? WHO?!?

That was my first reaction, anyway. Then I got pissed. And then I got curious.

My only question: Why Bob Why?

Are you anti-francophone? Is this another ridiculous Doug Wickenheiser-over-Denis Savard kind of pick?

To make matters worse, the Pittsburgh Penguins ultimately landed Esposito. Think of the first Pittsburgh line in a few years: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Angelo Esposito.

That spells trouble for the rest of the league.

And just imagine how the Montreal press will react when Esposito scores against the Habs with McDonagh on the ice.

Somewhere, Bob Gainey will be kicking himself.