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

24. Best NHL draft picks in history: Ray Bourque, Boston Bruins

Defenseman Ray Borque truly made a name for himself on the Boston Bruins where many consider him among the best of the best in the positional group. Drafted eighth overall in the 1979 NHL Draft, Borque went on to have an amazing career with the Bruins after living up to his pre-draft hype.

He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy five times in his career as Borque was tough as nails against anyone and everyone on his way to scoring and setting up big plays with his teammates. Borque still owns many NHL records for most career goals, assists, points and was one of the best draft picks to ever wear a Bruins uniform.

At 5-11 and 219lbs., Borque was deceptively strong and loved to shoot at will whenever he had the puck. He even owns the NHL record for most shots on goal in a single game at 19, talk about giving opposing goalies a tough day on the job.

Beantown will forever remember everything Borque did for the franchise during his over 20-year tenure with the team. He will always be associated with being one of the best Boston athletes of all time that worked hard and let his actions on the ice speak for his impact on hockey.