NHL Draft: Top 10 Number One Draft Picks of All-Time

9. Denis Potvin, 1973

When the New York Islanders selected Potvin they got themselves a stud. He was a force in junior and in the NHL. During his junior years with the Ottawa 67’s of the OHA, Potvin would tally up 329 points in 254 games. That’s an amazing number for a defenseman or any player position for that matter. Denis did a lot more than just score a solid amount of points in junior he also did it where it mattered.

During his first year as an Islander in 1973-74 Denis would score 54 points in 77 games, earning himself the Calder Trophy for most outstanding rookie. The seasons that followed just seemed to get better and better for Potvin. Making it to the playoffs every year of his career following his rookie campaign. Denis would go on to win the Norris Trophy for best defenseman in 1976, 1978 and 1979.

But his list of accomplishments didn’t stop there. From 1980 to 1983 he would captain the Islanders and led them to four Stanley Cup victories in a row. The second team in NHL history to ever do that with Montreal being the first. Potvin would also go on to play for Team Canada for the 1976 and 1981 Canada Cup teams scoring 16 points in 14 games.

He would win one Canada Cup Gold Medal during 1976. Denis would eventually retire from hockey altogether after the 1987-88 season. He left the NHL with 1,052 points in 1,060 career games. Leaving him 7th overall on the All-Time Scoring list for defensemen. He would also finish with 164 playoff points in 185 career playoff games.

Absolutely amazing numbers for a defenseman, and while 6 others posted more statistically speaking, Denis was the only one drafted first overall. In 1988 the Ottawa 67’s would pay tribute to Potvin by retiring his number from the team. They weren’t the only organization to do so though, as the Islanders would follow suit.

In 1991 Denis Potvin was ultimately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s not the only player on this list to have the accomplishment!