The Canadian Press's Stephen Whyno penned a lengthy article about the father-son connections that run deep in this year's crop of draft picks, and it's an intriguing read:

Their last names follow them to every rink: Lemieux, MacInnis, Turgeon.

It’s a blessing and a burden for nine sons of former NHL players who are all expected to be taken in the first four rounds of the draft this weekend. There’s Sam Reinhart, son of Paul; William Nylander, son of Michael; Kasperi Kapanen, son of Sami; Ryan MacInnis, son of Al; Brendan Lemieux, son of Claude; Ryan Donato, son of Ted; Daniel Audette, son of Donald; Dominic Turgeon, son of Pierre; and Josh Wesley, son of Glen.

“It’s just awesome to see that other players’ sons are being able to make it because there’s a little bit of pressure that comes with playing with the name on your back,” Brendan Lemieux said. “And it’s not very easy, especially when you’re playing minor hockey, to do it when your dad’s there and people see you different just because of who your dad is.”

So many of these young men shared similar experiences along the way, getting a taste of the NHL lifestyle at practice rinks and in locker-rooms.

“I felt like I was kind of born into hockey with my dad,” Dominic Turgeon said. “At that very young age I promised myself, that’s what I want to do with my life.”

Whyno continues, and as a Red Wings fan, this made me smile:

The pre-draft interview that surprised Lemieux was with the Detroit Red Wings, who his father spent years tormenting as an agitator extraordinaire. Lemieux didn’t think it would be a legitimate interview, especially with one of Claude’s biggest rivals, Kris Draper, in the room.

“I thought they were going to walk in, make a few jokes,” Lemieux said. “They were extremely professional, they barely brought it up. I tried to joke about it, they weren’t even budging. They were extremely serious. I was really impressed. I’d have no problem playing in Detroit after that interview, for sure.”