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

Every year, NHL teams enter the draft with hopes of finding their next big superstar. You know, someone that is developed as a homegrown talent that eventually steps on the ice ready to take care of business. An elite player that helps set or break franchise records and carves their path towards hopefully being a part of NHL history.

Here, we will go down memory lane and break down the top 30 best draft picks in NHL history. Picking at least one player from every team (yes, even the Arizona Coyotes!) with the exception of the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken. Considering that they’re both relatively new teams, we’ll omit them since the jury is still out on their draft picks over these next few years.

We’ll look at Stanley Cup champions, those that hit it off immediately upon arrival earning everything from the Conn Smythe Trophy to the Hart Memorial Trophy. Of course, not every amazing draft pick won a Stanley Cup championship but had a tremendous impact on their teams from the moment they started their journey.

It wasn’t easy to pick at least one best draft pick by a team and rank them to see who makes that elusive top-10 spot but here we are. Let’s begin breaking down each team’s best draft pick and why this particular hockey player was selected.

Editor’s Note: Updated for the 2022/2023 NHL season

30. Best NHL draft picks in history: Teemu Selanne, Winnipeg Jets

Unfortunately for the Winnipeg Jets, they haven’t had any major success in decades. Come draft time, it’s still their hopes and dreams to draft a future franchise player that is capable of doing their part to win their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. Back in 1988, the franchise shifted in a better direction towards that hopeful goal thanks to right winger Teemu Selanne.

Selanne, remembered by Jets fans as The Finnish Flash, was selected 10th overall in the 1988 NHL Draft. Doing things the old-school way, the Jets wanted to develop Selanne the right way as they knew he could be their next face of the franchise. They gave him a few years to develop on their minor league team and wow, was it worth it.

Not only did Selanne deliver but quickly became a force to reckon with. He was an offensive star, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy for the best rookie of 1993 and representing the Jets at that year’s NHL All-Star Game. It looked like the Jets drafted their next cornerstone player but unfortunately, things didn’t work out just as he was about to take off.

The Jets traded Selanne away to the Anaheim Ducks just four years after he debuted. In return, the Jets got players and future draft picks, much to the anger of fans across the globe for getting rid of a popular household name. The plan was to continue rebuilding after trading away their star player and clearly, it was the wrong decision to make, probably one of the worst in franchise history.

29. Best NHL draft picks in history: Gilbert Perreault, Buffalo Sabres

You know you struck gold when you draft a player that spends their entire career with your franchise. Such is the case with center Gilbert Perreault when the Buffalo Sabres drafted him as the first overall pick in the 1970 NHL Draft.

Perreault would spend 17 years with the Sabres and was even team captain for about five seasons. During his prime years with the Sabres, Perreault truly made a name for himself as a part of the French Connection. This was a triple threat opposing teams needed to prepare for with his teammates Rene Robert and Rick Martin back in the 70s. They were the talk of the professional hockey world that scored with ease and precision against opposing teams at will.

Unfortunately, even with the French Connection and everything Perreault brought to the table, the Sabres are still one of those NHL teams that have never won a Stanley Cup championship. Either way, the Sabres hit the nail right on the head when they drafted Perreault as he did everything that was asked of him and then some.

Needless to say, Perreault got his number retired by the Sabres and entered both the Sabres Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame. He still holds franchise records for most goals at 512, points 1,326, and playing in most games at 1,191 making him one of the best NHL draft picks in history.

28. Best NHL draft picks in history: Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild

It’s not easy to draft a player that fits the mold of a future leader on a team but the Minnesota Wild did just that back in the 2001 NHL Draft. Center Mikko Koivu was selected sixth overall and had leadership as his biggest attribute written all over him.

Koivu spent over 15 years on the Wild and worked his way up from top draft pick to be the team’s first-ever permanent team captain. A natural scoring machine, Koivu dominated the ice and still holds the franchise record for most points at 711.

With 1,035 NHL games under his belt and winning many medals in international play representing his country of Finland, the Wild should be very proud of drafting one of the best players to ever do it. Koivu was also team captain for Finland several times and did his part when it came to those incredible World Championship games in the 00s.

Make no mistake about it, even though Koivu tested free agency towards the end of his career in 2020, he’ll forever be remembered for his tenure on the Wild. He spent just a few months with the Colombus Blue Jackets before officially retiring. Regardless, Wild fans will always remember the impact Koivu had as an incredible draft pick.

27. Best NHL draft picks in history: Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks are another one of those NHL teams that have, unfortunately, never won a Stanley Cup championship. In the late 90s, they needed someone to help change that and wow, did they land an absolute gem. In the 1997 NHL Draft, they took a sure-fire second overall pick in left winger/center Patrick Marleau and the rest is franchise history.

Marleau went on to set many franchise records thanks to his ability to use his raw speed, tenacity, and overall clutchness to score. He was as consistent as they come, having played in over 1,700 hockey games and always being an impact player every single time he steps foot on the ice.

Besides setting franchise records in power play goals, points, games played, and shots on goal, Marleau is also an accomplished Olympian. He won gold representing Canada in the Winter Olympics in the 00s to continue adding more to his legacy.

At the end of the day, even though Marleau tested free agency waters to see if he could finally win a Stanley Cup elsewhere, he’ll forever be thanked for helping to put the Sharks on the map. He currently ended up right back where he started on the Sharks and will more than likely retire with the team that drafted him to end his career the right way.

26. Best NHL draft picks in history: Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

In the 1994 NHL Draft with the 133rd pick, the Ottawa Senators had no idea what would transpire when they selected right winger Daniel Alfredsson. He spent well over a decade doing his best to finally get the Senators their first-ever Stanley Cup championship.

Unfortunately, they have yet to achieve such glory but if you could believe it, Alfredsson did his part to have the Senators keep consistently punching a ticket to the postseason. He provided a plethora of playoff memories for the Senators as they went to the Stanley Cup playoffs 11 times thanks to his amazing skill set. It was quite the run in the late 90s and a chunk of the 00s.

Throughout his 14-year career with the Senators, Alfredsson scored over 1,000 points for the franchise and holds several team records. From most regular-season points, goals, and assists, Alfredsson was a ton of fun to watch as he made the Senators competitive game in, game out.

It’s a shame Alfredsson couldn’t end his career saying all his efforts resulted in a championship for him and the Senators. He undoubtedly deserved it but at least he can brag for years to come about being the best draft pick in the history of the Senators.

25. Best NHL draft picks in history: Paul Kariya, Anaheim Ducks

There are a lot of hockey players that play with true grit and aggression and others that are simply ahead in an entirely different category of their own. When it comes to left winger Paul Kariya, he’s in a rare group of players that was easily able to dissect what he saw on the ice as good as if not better than many of the best head coaches in hockey.

From a player’s point of view, Kariya, selected fourth overall in the 1993 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, was able to make quick adjustments to strategies on the fly and capitalize on mismatches against opposing teams. He was eerily accurate in predicting what defensive alignments would be thrown his way and attack accordingly.

Kariya spent almost a decade with the Ducks, seven of which as team captain, and helped bring the franchise massive exposure to the hockey world. Besides being a great leader for his team, he won back-to-back Lady Byng Memorial Trophies in 1996 and 1997 respectively for incredible sportsmanlike conduct on the ice.

He was also a class act off the ice as many considered him one of the friendliest players you’d ever want to call a teammate or even face as an opponent. The Ducks officially retired Kariya’s No. 9 jersey, especially since he represented the franchise in six NHL All-Star Games.

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.

22. Best NHL draft picks in history: Bernie Nicholls, Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings tend to have luck when it comes to finding late-round draft picks that can turn out to be hidden gems. Such is the case with center Bernie Nicholls as he was selected 73rd overall in the 1980 NHL Draft.

Nicholls blossomed over the years as he was a smart player that never needed to be coached on something more than twice. It took time for him to prove he deserved more playing time and it wasn’t until the Kings made one of the biggest trades in NHL history for Wayne Gretzky back in 1988 with the Edmonton Oilers that he took the next step.

Not only was he able to prove his worth by scoring a ton of points that season with Gretzky in the mix but he finally earned first line minutes on the ice. In 1989, Nicholls totaled 27 goals, 48 assists, and 150 points. Unfortunately, Nicholls never earned a Stanley Cup during his playing days, even after being able to call Gretzky a teammate for two seasons.

He was traded and didn’t return to the Kings until 2012 but in a coaching role and ironically enough, he finally earned a championship that year. Either way, throughout his career he scored 1,209 points and came back full circle to finish what he started. At least he can say he headed back home at the most perfect time to the team that originally drafted him to help the cause.

21. Best NHL draft picks in history: Jaden Schwartz, St. Louis Blues

When everything falls into place and the stars align towards finally winning your first Stanley Cup championship as a franchise, it’s just too good to be true. This is what happened when the St. Louis Blues selected left winger Jaden Schwartz in the 2010 NHL Draft 14th overall.

At the time, the Blues always had a high-caliber development system to give players they drafted ample time, solid coaching, and resources to be completely ready when they got called up. Schwartz only needed two years to put everything together and once his time came to bring some results at the NHL level, he delivered when it mattered most.

In 2018, Schwartz truly shined in the postseason. He totaled 12 playoff goals including two hat tricks and behind such success, the Blues were able to win their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. The Blues went over five decades before finally tasting that ultimate success and it was a huge accomplishment for Schwartz to prove how important proper development and coaching are crucial for long-term results.

Schwartz still plays at a high level as he recently went to the Seattle Kraken via free agency as he continues to carve out his legacy. So far and still at a decent age in his hockey career, the sky is the limit for what else he can add to the incredible impact he’s enjoying as of late.

20. Best NHL draft picks in history: Cam Atkinson, Columbus Blue Jackets

Unfortunately for the Colombus Blue Jackets, they’re also one of those teams that haven’t done much of anything in over two decades now. No Stanley Cup championships, Division championships, nothing. But at least when it came to the NHL Draft back in 2008, they found a star in the later rounds to try and change all this disappointment.

With the 157th overall pick, the Blue Jackets selected right winger Cam Atkinson who before even stepping foot in Nationwide Arena, was being criticized by NHL analysts and pundits for his small size. At just 5-8 and 182lbs., many believed he was too short to be an effective winger and it inspired him to continue on his journey towards greatness.

Atkinson proved the naysayers wrong by showcasing his blazing speed, ability to shoot effectively, and continue making the Blue Jackets a playoff-contending team. So far in his career, Atkinson has over 230 goals, 200 assists, and over 450 points.

Watching him shoot the puck against some of the top goaltenders in the NHL has been a delight over the last decade. In 2021 Atkinson was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers and is hoping to bring all his playoff experience to the City of Brotherly Love.

19. Best NHL draft picks in history: Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

It’s not easy earning the team captain role as it can take a number of years for a franchise to be 100 percent certain it goes to a player that deserves it. Selected 129th overall back in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars, left winger Jamie Benn worked his way to being just the sixth captain in franchise history six years later.

Benn brings a lot to the Stars as ever since he got promoted to captain in 2013, he’s been quite the household name. In 2014, he won the Art Ross Trophy for leading the NHL in points at the end of the regular season at 87 on top of numerous playoff appearances over the years.

So far with the Stars, they are undoubtedly heading in the right direction. It wasn’t all that long ago in 2020 that Benn led the way for the Stars straight to an appearance in that year’s Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately, the Stars lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning but the potential is still there over the next few years with him as captain.

From draft pick to being the NHL’s top scorer, Benn has done a great job proving that even if you’re drafted late, you can still rise to the top just like anyone else. It’ll be great to see how Benn’s career pans out as he continues to do what he does best.

18. Best NHL draft picks in history: David Legwand, Nashville Predators

There’s always something special when you’re the first-ever draft pick of a brand new franchise. Such is the case with center David Legwand as he was selected second overall back in the 1998 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators in their debut season.

12 seasons later, Legwand lived up to all expectations as he set many franchise records and even though it took a few years, started to truly make a name for himself. Legwand owns many franchise records that have yet to be broken.

To this day, Legwand has the record for most goals scored at 210, most assists at 356, and most points in franchise history at 566. It’s a great sight to see a draft pick deliver and how he exceeded all expectations.

Unfortunately, the Predators are one of those teams that have yet to win a Stanley Cup championship, even during Legwand’s tenure. Either way, he’ll go down as the best draft pick in the history of the Predators.

17. Best NHL draft picks in history: Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

When you’re drafted first overall in an NHL Draft, expectations are undoubtedly high to be a game-changing player. The Florida Panthers selected defenseman Aaron Ekblad with the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft and he’s still getting the job done to this very day.

In his rookie season, Ekblad was so good he earned the Calder Memorial Trophy for being the most proficient rookie in the entire NHL. That was a great rookie year for Ekblad as he set many franchise records for his positional group when it came to points.

That’s pretty much what he’s known for as a high-octane defenseman that within a blink of an eye, can make a big play out of nowhere to get some points on the board. Ever since his fantastic rookie season, Ekblad has been named alternative captain and signed a huge long-term contract to keep him on the Panthers until 2024.

It’s great to see Ekblad’s rich history and the trajectory he’s on as he continues to make a name for himself. Hopefully, things work out from here on out as the Panthers continue doing their best to finally win a championship for the first time in their history.

16. Best NHL draft picks in history: Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

Center Auston Matthews is another first-overall pick that broke many records from the moment he arrived. Selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matthew has quickly become a household name as even before he was drafted, many NHL analysts and pundits considered him the best player in the 2016 NHL Draft.

In his first official game for the Maple Leafs, Matthews lived up to the hype and scored not one, not two, but four goals in his NHL debut. That was enough to land in the NHL history books as he was the first to do so and it has yet to be broken. He showed off his great speed, puck handling, and ability to capitalize in the heat of the moment.

After such a huge debut and incredible rookie season, needless to say, Matthews won the Calder Memorial Trophy. Since then, he’s been a ton of fun to watch and making the case of already being the best draft pick ever by the Maple Leafs.

The future for the Maple Leafs is bright with Matthews looking like he’s the real deal and a cornerstone player that a contending team can be built around him. As it’s been a very long time since the Maple Leafs tasted a Stanley Cup victory, it looks like they struck gold with Matthews.

15. Best NHL draft picks in history: Larry Robinson, Montreal Canadiens

It’s no secret that in the 70s and 80s, the Montreal Canadiens were the best of the best. Not only were the Canadiens the team to beat but put on an absolute clinic thanks to defenseman Larry Robinson. He was drafted 20th overall in the 1971 NHL Draft by the Canadiens who knew he would help be a big part of some of their greatest seasons in franchise history.

At 6-4 and 225lbs., Robinson made a name for himself as a speedy defenseman that was proficient in scoring, assists, and being a catalyst when the Canadiens were the talk of the hockey world in his prime. Robinson did his part as during his tenure, the Canadiens won six Stanley Cup championships.

He was the epitome of success as in every season from 1972 all the way to 1989, the Canadiens never missed a postseason berth. Even when Robinson left in 1989 to play for the Los Angeles Kings for a few seasons until he retired, he also helped take them to the playoffs three years in a row.

Commonly called Big Bird by his teammates and fans alike, Robinson accomplished a lot in his legendary career. He’s in both the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame as his name appears 10 times on the Stanley Cup. He’s one of the very few that achieved this huge feat by having his name on there so many times due to being a player, coach, and scout.

14. Best NHL draft picks in history: Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

When it comes to the Vancouver Canucks and their passionate fan base, for many years from now, fans will always have fond memories of center Henrik Sedin. Drafted third overall in the 1999 NHL Draft, Sedin went above and beyond anything a franchise can ask for,

Not only did Sedin develop into being team captain and did well in the role for over eight years, but he will go down in franchise history as one of their best scorers ever. He ended his 18-year career with the Canucks scoring 240 goals, 830 assists, and 1,070 points.

Sedin is the all-time leader in points scored in franchise history and helped lead the Canucks to many winning years and postseason appearances. He did it all for the Canucks and he was honored with four Cyrus H. McLean Trophies throughout his career for being the top scorer on the team.

As Canucks think about life after Sedin’s incredible tenure ended with his retirement in 2018, one can’t help but appreciate how great of a draft pick he ended up being. He’ll definitely go down as one of the best draft picks in franchise history and set the foundation for hopefully, more years of continued success.

13. Best NHL draft picks in history: Al MacInnis, Calgary Flames

For over two decades, defenseman Al MacInnis was considered one of the best in his positional group to ever play the game. The Calgary Flames selected him 15th overall back in the 1981 NHL Draft as the rest became franchise history.

MacInnis came in, with his 6-1 and 204lbs. and put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to develop into an all-around amazing defenseman. He honed his craft and after about seven years, put everything together to do his part in delivering the first and only Stanley Cup championship in Flames history.

He was so good at scoring in that championship run, he made NHL history by being the first defenseman to lead all players in scoring. That year in the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, he scored seven goals, 24 assists, and a career-high 31 points.

Not bad for a draft pick that delivered for the Flames when they needed it most. MacInnis was very patient in his development and the Flames handled his development, coaching, and hockey knowledge to that of elite levels. So much so, he’s earned his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, which he was inducted into in 2007.

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.

11. Best NHL draft picks in history: Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes

Can you imagine what it would feel like to win a Stanley Cup championship in your rookie season? Or being MVP in the postseason in that first year on the job? This is what happened to goaltender Cam Ward and his dream rookie season with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Selected 25th overall in the 2002 NHL Draft, Ward was projected to be their next anchor at goalie. One that can stop anything coming his way from the bests corers the NHL had to offer and put the Hurricanes in a position to win many hockey games.

Once Ward debuted in 2005, the rest was NHL history as Ward stepped right in and immediately took care of business. Not only was he unstoppable that season but he led the way for the Hurricanes to win their first and only Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

That year, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the MVP of that year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. He joins another legendary goalie, Patrick Roy, for winning it all as a rookie goaltender which is just so rare for someone that young. The Hurricanes did a great job scouting Ward beforehand as selecting him changed their franchise forever in ways other teams can only dream of.

10. Best NHL draft picks in history: Denis Potvin, New York Islanders

As we enter the top 10 NHL Draft picks in history, we start this final part off with a true impact player of a defenseman. One that put the big apple in all the sports headlines in the late 70s and early 80s thanks to their incredible abilities.

In the 1973 NHL Draft, the New York Islanders selected defenseman Denis Potvin with the first overall pick. It took a few years of Potvin honing his craft but after he put everything together, things really took off.

Potvin developed into what many consider to be one of the best defensemen to ever play the game thanks to how hard he hit and his ability to dominate during power play situations. He led the Islanders to four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1979-1983.

Make no mistake about it, Potvin had a legendary career and did it all in stride in one of the toughest sports markets in the world. It goes to show that anything can happen when you use the number one overall pick on a player that can turn your franchise into a powerhouse through a tough defense.

9. Best NHL draft picks in history: Scott Niedermayer, New Jersey Devils

When you think of the term “offensive defenseman” there are only a handful of players that come to mind. One will almost always be defenseman Scott Niedermayer who is the true definition of such a term.

It was back in the 1991 NHL Draft that the New Jersey Devils selected Niedermayer with the third overall pick and it was a franchise-changing decision. He would go on to have an amazing 13-year career with the Devils that saw him win three Stanley Cup championships with the team thanks to his ability to play tough defense and score with ease and precision.

Throughout his tenure with the Devils, Niedermayer scored 112 goals, 364 assists, and 476 points. As a 6-1 and 200lbs. defenseman, to accomplish all that on a single franchise spoke volumes about what kind of player Niedermayer was.

Needless to say, it was a no-brainer that once he hung up his skates, his name would be etched into the halls of professional hockey history for everything he achieved. Niedermayer was an easy decision to be in both the Canada Sports Hall of Fame and of course, the Hockey Hall of Fame once he was eligible.

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.

7. Best NHL draft picks in history: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

As a number one overall draft pick, you’re not only expected to be the next face of the franchise but also be a catalyst in achieving some winning seasons. You know, seasons that itch closer and closer to eventually earning a championship.

Luckily for the Chicago Blackhawks, they saw that right winger Patrick Kane was everything and then some to fit what they were looking for. They selected him with the number one overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft and he ended a close to a 40-year drought of championship success.

Kane was an incredible right winger, capable of coming through in the clutch to win close games which separated him from the rest. In 2009, Kane shined throughout the postseason where he was truly a force to reckon with scoring 10 goals, 18 assists, and 28 points to end that drought.

The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup that season, again in 2012, and even a third time in 2014. Kane blossomed nicely during this dynasty era of the Blackhawks as he earned the title of alternate captain and continues getting the job done to this very day. Talk about an incredible draft pick that brought three championships, lots of trophies, and nine NHL All-Star Game trips to the Windy City.

6. Best NHL draft picks in history: Bobby Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers

As the Philadelphia Flyers prepared to head into the 70s trying to have a new identity as a franchise. They wanted to be known as a tough, defensive team that won games by being physical from the 1st Period all the way to the end.

Back in the 1969 NHL Draft, the Flyers selected center Bobby Clarke 17th overall to usher in the famous era of the “Broad Street Bullies” in the City of Brotherly Love. A team that focused on making their presence felt with every hit and penalty they incurred straight to enjoying many victories at home and on the road.

Clarke was a big part of that as he spent his entire 15-year career with the Flyers and led them as team captain to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975, respectively. Clarke scored over 1,200 goals for the Flyers during his tenure and even earned the famous Hart Trophy three times for being the most valuable player on the team.

Once Clarke’s playing days were over, he immediately got into the front office style of things and became general manager of the Flyers for over 20 years. He helped continue that mindset on the Flyers and helped bring them to two Stanley Cup Finals but it didn’t yield the results the franchise wanted as they lost in both appearances. Regardless, Clarke was as iconic as they come and will forever be remembered as the best draft pick in the rich history of the Flyers.

5. Best NHL draft picks in history: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

The Great Eight. Over 800 goals scored. Not only a Stanley Cup champion but represented the Washington Capitals a plethora of times in the NHL All-Star Game. These are just some of the many achievements earned by left winger Alex Ovechkin.

The hockey world knew that Ovechkin would indeed be a special player, hence why the Capitals made him the number one overall pick back in the 2004 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut in 2005 and started off great by being a human scoring machine. He dropped 52 goals in his rookie season and hasn’t cooled off since.

Ovechkin continues to chase NHL history with his unique skill set of speed, shooting abilities, and leading his team as captain. His leadership is fantastic as his very own teammates undoubtedly love playing alongside him as they know he’s going to be an all-time great and future Hockey Hall of Famer once he hangs up his skates.

Who knows what else awaits Ovechkin but one thing is for sure, he’ll be always known as the best draft pick in the history of the Capitals. The great thing is, he’s still got a few more left in him to hopefully, be a Stanley Cup champion one more time in his legendary career.

4. Best NHL draft picks in history: Brian Leetch, New York Rangers

When the New York Rangers selected defenseman Brian Leetch with the ninth overall pick in the 1986 NHL Draft, they were getting a player who had many unique attributes to their game. Leetch made a name for himself before he was drafted by being a speedy defenseman that scored quickly and efficiently.

Once Leetch made it to the NHL, he quickly rose to fame as the Rangers were the team to watch in the mid-90s. They were a playoff-contending team that won it all in 1993 with Leetch scoring 79 points during the regular season and 34 points when it mattered most in the Stanley Cup playoffs straight to a championship.

Leetch had such an impact as a player that he went down in NHL history as one of just two players to win the Norris Trophy, the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Calder Trophy throughout his amazing career. He’s also one of only five other defensemen to score over 100 points in a single season, which he did in 1991 with 102.

As a final bow on a prolific career, Leetch can feel loved in the hockey world forever as he’s a part of two Hall of Fames. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Leetch was officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the United States Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.

3. Best NHL draft picks in history: Paul Coffey, Edmonton Oilers

Drafted sixth overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980 NHL Draft, there is no other defenseman that did it better than the legendary Paul Coffey. Not only was Coffey a huge part of that Oilers dynasty during the mid to late 80s but set the standard for measuring every defenseman after him.

Coffey did it all for the Oilers when it came to scoring, assists, and was relentless when it came to scoring goals. He has over 30 NHL records when it comes to what he accomplished in his career with a huge one that will likely never be broken.

Believe it or not, Coffey owns the NHL record for most goals by a defenseman if you combine the regular season and postseason at 455. Coffey’s production during just seven years with the Oilers is something that will likely never be replicated anytime soon. He won three Stanley Cup championships with the Oilers and set many postseason franchise records for goals scored, assists, and points.

He’s gone to 14 NHL All-Star Games throughout his career and provided millions of fans across the globe with some of the best hockey moments one can ever ask for. Whether it was a game-winning shot or the fact that he had success on nine different teams in his career, there is no debate that Coffey is one the best NHL draft picks in NHL history.

2. Best NHL draft picks in history: Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings

It’s not easy to be drafted with major hopes of taking a team from worst to best. Such is the case with the Detroit Red Wings that were pretty bad in most of the 70s. In the early 80s with a mentality of changing that losing narrative, they knew drafting top talent would help put together a championship-worthy team capable of contending.

In the 1983 NHL Draft with the fourth overall pick, the Red Wings selected center Steve Yzerman. In just a few years, he was so good, the Red Wings were all in on what he was capable of and named him team captain. It was that moment that changed the franchise for better days ahead with Yzerman leading the way.

Yzerman was a beast when it came to scoring as he had numerous years of totaling 100+ points per season. During the mid-90s, the Red Wings were the talk of the hockey world thanks to Yzerman leading by example against opponents.

The Red Wings won three Stanley Cup championships under Yzerman’s skill set, leadership, and was their team captain for 19 years. Not only was he one of the best draft picks of all time but is a true legend in the Motor City.

1. Best NHL draft picks in history: Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins

The greatest draft pick of all time in the history of the NHL is none other than center Mario Lemieux. A legend on and off the ice for his many contributions to charity causes, Lemieux was not only the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins but did his part to put the world of professional hockey on the map.

One can’t argue that Lemieux’s impact helped make hockey popular with the masses as a plethora of fans tuned in and attended games just to watch him play. He played his entire career in the Steel City which produced 17 years of amazing plays, goals, and extraordinary moments on the ice.

The Penguins drafted Lemieux with the first overall pick in the 1984 NHL Draft and that decision put the franchise on iconic status. They enjoyed many playoff runs, two Stanley Cup championships, and a new owner. That’s right, Lemieux would go on to actually purchase the Penguins with an investor group to bring three more championships home.

There is no greater impact a number one draft pick could ever have had on a single franchise than Lemieux. From player, captain, and future Hall of Famer to owner, Lemieux did it all and continues to impact the Penguins to this very day.