NHL: The last five number one picks and where they are now
Over the last five years, the NHL has acquired some extraordinarily talented hockey players. Here are the last five number one overall picks and where they are now.
The New Jersey Devils drafted Jack Hughes with the number one overall pick at the 2019 NHL Draft. Hughes is the latest player to be drafted first overall. He has an impressive legacy to live up to, as the last five first overall picks have made a huge difference in the NHL.
If Hughes can live up to the billing and be as good as his fellow first overall pick brethren, the Devils should be in good shape. Who does he have to live up to? Here are the five previous first overall picks, and what they’re up to these days.
1. Rasmus Dahlin
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Before Rasmus Dahlin was selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, it had been four years since a defenseman was picked with the first overall selection. Dahlin has proven to the league that he is deserving of that selection. As a rookie defenseman, he was able to put up a total amount of 44 points, making him one of the top rookies in the league.
Dahlin is a very dynamic skater and has an amazing ability to make plays for his team. Although, he is very young and has only had one year of play, his potential to be a star is extremely high; especially for a developing team.
The Sabres have been a struggling team for a lot of seasons and they are currently in a developing stage. However, they have been able to acquire a lot of dynamic players to help boost the team.
His future appears to be very promising to stay with the Sabres and help them blossom into a powerful team. Having the opportunity to play with players such as Jeff Skinner and Jack Eichel will certainly increase his potential as well as the team itself.
It is hard to tell whether or not Dahlin will have a lasting place in Buffalo, as he only has one year of experience. However, the Sabres certainly should hold on to him as long as they can. A trade involving Dahlin will definitely be a big one. As of now, they will benefit more by having him on the team.
Dahlin is a prime example of a true well-rounded defenseman. He can shoot, pass, score, read plays, and have a good physical play as well. This is exactly what the Sabres need in a player and one that will also help boost the rest of team. Dahlin has certainly earned his keep in the NHL so far and there’s no telling what the future will have in store for him but it can be inferred that it will be a bright one.