Five-hundred and seven NHL games later, Tatar says the events of that memorable Friday and Saturday were "all a big blur" because of his anticipation at the prospect of being plucked from the crowd at any moment.
"I was so excited to be at the Bell Centre for the first time. You're there just waiting to find out who is going to pick you. I was a little nervous. To be honest, I don't even remember where I went for dinner," joked Tatar, who entered the Draft as the 14th ranked European skater, according to the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau. "I was so excited about what was happening there. It was amazing."
When Tatar's dream of being selected finally came true, he remembers being completely awestruck.
"I was in shock. Everyone is shaking your hand, but I was just trying to stay calm and take in everything that was happening. It was a pretty special moment," he recalled. "I remember walking by the table where the Red Wings had their headquarters. I knew most of them from the pre-scouts and the pre-Draft meetings, but to go down and be accepted into their organization was special."