NHL: The 30 best draft picks in NHL history (Updated 2023)

12. Best NHL draft picks in history: Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche

When you’re having fun while being the best, one can see why it’s important to always have a positive mentality when playing professional hockey. Center Joe Sakic lived by this mentality ever since he was selected 15th overall by the Colorado Avalanche (Quebec Nordiques at the time) back in the 1987 NHL Draft.

Over his 21-year tenure with the Avalanche, he made played in over 1,300 games, was team captain for well over a decade, and was a driving force behind the franchise winning not one but two Stanley Cup championships. Besides that, Sakic was known league-wide for having one of the hardest shots of any center as opposing goaltenders often complained that the velocity of them made you feel it the next morning.

A natural-born leader, Sakic was a big part in creating a fun, friendly, and work-oriented locker room that created consistent results. His journey is that of legend to see him develop as a draft pick, to team captain, and then being an important part of turning things around for the Avalanche which equated to championships.

To this day, Sakic owns the franchise record for most goals at 625 and most assists at 1,016. He retired to the final tune of 1,641 points and worldwide recognition by fans for being the best draft pick in Avalanche history.