St. Louis drafts Trevor Nill
Wings’ assistant GM Jim Nill’s son, Trevor, (and my brother’s friend) was eligible this year and ended up being drafted #190 overall by the St. Louis Blues. Interestingly enough, Jim Nill was himself drafted by the Blues in 1978.
“I didn’t even know, I was getting ready for our next pick, and someone told me,” said Nill, who as coincidence would have it, was also drafted by the Blues at the start of his playing career. “I’ve told him drafted or not, it’s a lot of work so just keep working hard and go from there.”
Jim Nill had told the Red Wings staff that they would not be drafting his son because it can only complicate matters when family gets involved.
Nill’s son, Trevor, was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the seventh round (190th). He’s a 6-3, 185-pound center/right wing who played midget hockey for Compuware. Nill said he never considered drafting his own son due to a conflict of interest.
“I told our staff we weren’t going to draft him. I don’t like to get families involved,” Nill said. “It’s great for him. He’s a solid two-way player, works hard up and down the ice, responsible player, good size.”
Nill will play Tier II junior hockey in Penticton, British Columbia next season before heading to Michigan State on a full scholarship in the fall of 2008.
Nill told his son not to come to the draft. After the Blues called his name, Nill walked over to the St. Louis table to pick up a cap and jersey that teams give to all their picks.
When I had talked to Jim Nill on Tuesday afternoon at the Joe, he told me it didn’t really matter if Trevor was drafted or not this year or the next because when you’re drafted in the later rounds, you’re definitely not going to make a jump to the NHL real quick. He was going to need time to work hard and develop his game whether he was drafted or not. Obviously, he’s proud that his son was drafted especially when it was by the team that drafted him.
“It’s a great feeling,†said Nill, who didn’t even notice his son’s name on the board until someone pointed it out. “It’s my original team, so it’s a nice touch that way. My wife is from there, and we still have family there.â€
Congrats Trevor!
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