Panthers pick Markstrom to open 2nd round of NHL draft

More pro hockey careers were officially launched Saturday in Ottawa as the NHL continued with round two of its seven-round draft.

The Florida Panthers selected Sweden's Jacob Markstrom, the top-ranked European goalie prospect, with the 31st pick to open the second round.

The Vancouver Canucks were the first Canadian-based team to make a selection in round two, taking defenceman Yann Sauve of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the 41st pick.

The Ottawa Senators picked next and chose defenceman Patrick Wiercioch of the United States Hockey League

The Calgary Flames had the 48th pick and took centre Mitch Wahl from Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.

With the 56th pick, the Montreal Canadiens picked forward Danny Kristo of the U.S. under-18 team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were the last Canadian team to make a selection in the second round and used their 60th pick on right winger Jimmy Hayes of the USHL.

Another notable player selected in the second round was right-winger Jared Staal, who was picked 49th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes.

Staal, who plays for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League, is the youngest member of hockey's Stall family that's produced three first-round picks: Eric (selected No. 2 by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2003), Marc (12th overall by the New York Rangers in 2005), and Jordan (selected No. 2 by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006).

The draft will be completed later on Saturday.

On Friday, the Tampa Bay Lightning surprised no one by selecting centre Steven Stamkos with the first overall pick.