Best NHL Draft Picks of All Time - Top 10 Pinnacle Performers
by B Kishwar | Updated Dec 01, 2023
Top 10 Best NHL Draft Picks of All Time
1
Sidney Crosby
2005
2
Mario Lemieux
1984
3
Connor McDavid
2015
4
Eric Lindros
1991
5
Wayne Gretzky
1978
6
Connor Bedard
2023
7
Guy Lafleur
1971
8
Bobby Orr
1966
9
Alex Ovechkin
2004
10
Alexandre Daigle
1993
S. No
Best NHL Draft Picks of All Time
Year
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Best NHL Draft Picks of All Time
The NHL Draft has been the primary avenue for teams to acquire young talent and build for the future. Over the years, several players have stood out as the best draft picks of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. These exceptional individuals not only had stellar careers but also significantly impacted the landscape of professional hockey. From legendary goal scorers to elite playmakers and stalwart defensemen, the best NHL draft picks have left an enduring legacy, showcasing skill, dedication, and a profound influence on the game. Let's delve into the stories of these remarkable players whose draft selections transformed them into icons of the sport.
1. Sidney Crosby (2005)
Sidney Crosby, selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft, immediately lived up to the hype surrounding him as a generational talent. As the first overall pick in the post-lockout era, Crosby played an instrumental role in revitalizing the Penguins franchise. His exceptional skill set, including remarkable vision, precise playmaking, and a lethal scoring touch, quickly established him as one of the league's premier players. In just his second season, Crosby led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Final in 2008, ultimately falling short but signaling the team's resurgence.
Crosby's impact on the game extends beyond individual accomplishments. As the Penguins' captain, he guided the team to three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest leaders in NHL history. Renowned for his work ethic, sportsmanship, and dedication to the community, Crosby is not only a hockey icon but also a role model for aspiring players. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including multiple MVP awards, and he continues to be a dominant force in the league.
2. Mario Lemieux (1984)
Selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1984 NHL Draft, Mario Lemieux is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Lemieux's arrival in Pittsburgh had an immediate impact, transforming the struggling franchise into a perennial contender. Blessed with an extraordinary combination of size, skill, and finesse, Lemieux was a dominant force on the ice. His scoring prowess and playmaking abilities made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he quickly became the face of the Penguins.
Lemieux's career was not without challenges, as he battled various health issues, including a courageous comeback from Hodgkin's lymphoma. Despite these setbacks, Lemieux's impact on the game remained profound. He led the Penguins to two consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992, earning Conn Smythe Trophy honors both times. Lemieux's influence extends beyond his playing days, as he later became the Penguins' owner, ensuring the team's stability in Pittsburgh. His remarkable career, both as a player and an owner, solidifies his place among the all-time greats in NHL history.
3. Connor McDavid (2015)
The first overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Connor McDavid was heralded as the next face of the league, and he has more than lived up to those expectations. With exceptional speed, skill, and hockey IQ, McDavid quickly became one of the most electrifying players in the NHL. His ability to navigate through defenses with incredible speed and create scoring opportunities has earned him comparisons to some of the game's legends. In just his second season, McDavid won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
McDavid's impact on the Edmonton Oilers has been transformative. As the team's captain, he has revitalized the franchise and brought them back to playoff contention. Known for his dedication to the game and his relentless work ethic, McDavid continues to break records and earn accolades. Whether it's his breathtaking end-to-end rushes or his precise playmaking, McDavid's dynamic style of play has made him a fan favorite and a symbol of the league's future. As he continues to etch his name in the record books, McDavid's legacy is already cemented as one of the most exciting and talented players in NHL history.
4. Eric Lindros (1991)
Eric Lindros, selected first overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1991 NHL Draft, was a towering and immensely talented forward who entered the league with enormous expectations. However, he is perhaps equally renowned for the controversy surrounding his draft year. Lindros refused to play for the Nordiques and was eventually traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in a blockbuster deal that reshaped the landscape of the league.
In Philadelphia, Lindros lived up to the hype, becoming one of the most dominant players of his era. Known for his combination of size, skill, and physicality, Lindros was a force on the ice. He won the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP in the 1994-95 season and led the Flyers to multiple playoff appearances. Despite injuries cutting his career short, Lindros left an indelible mark on the game and is remembered as one of the most impactful players in NHL history.
5. Wayne Gretzky (1978)
Widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky's selection in the 1978 NHL Draft by the Indianapolis Racers (later merged with the Edmonton Oilers) marked the beginning of an era of unparalleled excellence. Despite a tumultuous start with the Racers, Gretzky's fate changed when he was traded to the Oilers. The "Great One" rewrote the NHL record books, setting numerous records that still stand today.
Gretzky won the Hart Trophy eight consecutive times from 1980 to 1987 and led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s. His vision, playmaking ability, and goal-scoring prowess were unmatched, and he finished his career with an astounding 2,857 points. Gretzky's impact extended beyond his on-ice achievements, as he played a pivotal role in popularizing and expanding the reach of hockey in North America.
6. Connor Bedard (2023)
Connor Bedard represents a more recent entry into the world of hockey, having been born in 2005. Widely regarded as one of the top prospects in his draft year, Bedard possesses an impressive skill set that includes exceptional speed, scoring ability, and playmaking vision. His remarkable performances in junior leagues and international competitions have garnered significant attention, making him a highly anticipated prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft.
Bedard's development will be closely watched, and his impact on the NHL stage is eagerly anticipated, with the potential to follow in the footsteps of other iconic players who began their careers as highly touted draft picks. Please note that more recent developments beyond January 2023 may not be reflected in this response.
7. Guy Lafleur (1971)
Selected first overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1971 NHL Draft, Guy Lafleur quickly became one of the most iconic and skilled players in the history of the league. Hailing from Thurso, Quebec, Lafleur brought a combination of speed, finesse, and goal-scoring prowess to the Canadiens. His illustrious career spanned from 1971 to 1991, with the majority of his success coming in the 1970s as a key member of the Canadiens' dynasty. Lafleur won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer three times and secured back-to-back Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player in 1977 and 1978.
His contributions were pivotal to Montreal's four consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1976 to 1979. Lafleur's impact extended beyond his on-ice accomplishments, as he remains a revered figure in the hockey world, symbolizing excellence and flair.
8. Bobby Orr (1966)
Bobby Orr's selection by the Boston Bruins as the first overall pick in the 1966 NHL Draft marked the beginning of a revolutionary era for defensemen. Orr transformed the position with his exceptional offensive skills, becoming the first defenseman to win the league scoring title. Known for his remarkable skating ability, offensive vision, and scoring touch, Orr redefined the role of defense in hockey. His career, largely with the Boston Bruins, included two Stanley Cup championships and numerous individual accolades, including eight Norris Trophies as the league's best defenseman and three Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player.
Orr's famous overtime goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup Final remains one of the most iconic moments in hockey history. Even though knee injuries cut his career short, Orr's impact on the game is immeasurable, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
9. Alex Ovechkin (2004)
The Washington Capitals made a franchise-altering decision by selecting Alex Ovechkin with the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft. Hailing from Moscow, Russia, Ovechkin brought an electrifying style of play, marked by powerful and accurate shooting, physicality, and a goal-scoring prowess rarely seen in the modern era. Ovechkin quickly established himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in NHL history, consistently leading the league in scoring and setting numerous records.
His leadership was instrumental in the Capitals' Stanley Cup victory in 2018, where Ovechkin earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. Ovechkin's impact extends beyond the ice, as he became a cultural icon and played a crucial role in popularizing hockey in non-traditional markets.
10. Alexandre Daigle (1993)
Selected first overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 1993 NHL Draft, Alexandre Daigle entered the league with immense expectations. However, his career did not unfold as anticipated, and he fell short of the lofty projections associated with being a top draft pick. Despite showing flashes of skill, Daigle struggled to consistently produce at an elite level. He played for several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild, but failed to live up to the hype that surrounded his entry into the league.
Daigle's story serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of player development and the challenges young talents may face in meeting the high expectations placed upon them in the competitive world of professional hockey.
Which Draft Pick Illustrates the Challenges of Meeting High Expectations in the NHL?
Alexandre Daigle (1993):
Selected as the first overall pick by the Ottawa Senators in the 1993 NHL Draft, Alexandre Daigle entered the league amid sky-high expectations. His junior hockey career had been nothing short of exceptional, leading to comparisons with legendary players before he even set foot in the NHL. Daigle's arrival was surrounded by hype and anticipation, with many projecting him to be a game-changing talent.
However, Daigle's journey in the NHL didn't unfold as smoothly as anticipated. Despite displaying moments of skill and talent, he struggled to consistently deliver at the elite level expected of a top draft pick. His career spanned over several teams, including the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild. While Daigle had occasional flashes of brilliance, he fell short of the astronomical expectations set for him, becoming a cautionary tale of the challenges young prospects face when burdened with immense pressure and unrealistic projections.
Daigle's story serves as a reminder that success in the NHL is multifaceted, influenced by factors such as team dynamics, player development, and the ability to handle external pressures. His experiences highlight the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the difficulties some players encounter in meeting the colossal expectations associated with being a top draft pick.
Best NHL Draft Picks of All Time - FAQs
Guy Lafleur was the first overall pick in the 1971 NHL Draft, selected by the Montreal Canadiens.
Bobby Orr transformed the role of defensemen by introducing an unprecedented level of offensive skill. He became the first defenseman to win the league scoring title, showcasing remarkable skating ability, offensive vision, and goal-scoring prowess.
The Washington Capitals selected Alex Ovechkin with the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft.
In 2018, Alex Ovechkin led the Washington Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
Alexandre Daigle was the first overall pick in the 1993 NHL Draft, selected by the Ottawa Senators.