Seth Griffith Passed Over in 2011 NHL Entry Draft

Seth Griffith of the London Knights - Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

What was hoped to be a launching point for an NHL career, came and went as Wallaceburg’s Seth Griffith was passed over in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Griffith who starred for the London Knights and played for Team Canada’s World Under-18 team, was no sure thing to be drafted entering Saturday’s second half of the draft ranked 158th by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters.

Throughout the season, Griffith took home OHL Player of the Week honours and was named the London Knights’ most imrproved player. The Knights had two players selected during Firday and Saturday’s draft including Vladislav Namestnikov who went 27th overall to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and defenseman Scott Harrington who went 54th overall to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Prior to the NHL Draft, Seth Griffith sat down with CKSN and had this to say about his expectations,  “Hopefully I get drafted, but anything can happen, and I’ll keep working hard on my game either way. I’m going to work on my foot speed, improving my overall game, and try to get stronger so I can get to the next level.”

Griffith will be returning to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League next season to work on his game and try to impress scouts in order to earn free agent tryouts, interest in next seasons draft, or a professional contract.

Although some analysts had Griffith pegged as high as the 4th round after he made Team Canada’s Under-18 team, others claimed the young scorer has several aspects, including skating and his defensive game, that need improvement.