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

8. Best NHL draft picks in history: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

When it comes to the number one overall pick, there is always a 50 percent chance it can be a bust. Sometimes, however, a franchise might be lucky enough to get one of those generational players that end up being the complete package.

Such is the case with center Steven Stamkos as the Tampa Bay Lightning selected him first overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. At first, he didn’t live up to the huge expectations of being a number one draft pick but Stamkos knew he needed to refine his skills if he was to ever pan out and be a top player for the Lightning.

Through hard work and never giving up, Stamkos spent a number of years with numerous coaches trying to focus on his areas of opportunity. It was all worth it as he worked his way up the team’s lineup straight to being a consistent starter and performer. He was electrifying to watch as he lit up the scoreboard and eventually earned the title of team captain a few years later in 2013.

It wasn’t until 2020 that his constant efforts and leadership paid off when the Lightning won their second Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. After such a long career so far, it was great to see Stamkos finally get what he deserves after everything he’s been through.