The 10 Greatest Draft Picks in NHL History: A Deep Dive into Exceptional Talent and Value
The National Hockey League (NHL) Draft is an annual event where dreams come true for young hockey prospects, franchises are reshaped, and the course of the league is subtly altered. A great draft pick can change the fate of a struggling team, become the cornerstone of a dynasty, or redefine the game itself. We’ve seen incredible talent emerge from the depths of late rounds and expected prodigies live up to their pre-draft hype. But which draft picks stand out as the greatest in NHL history?
In this blog post, we’ll examine the 10 greatest draft picks in NHL history, assessing their overall impact, statistics, and contributions to the sport.
No Data1. Wayne Gretzky: The Exception That Proves the Rule
Technically, Wayne Gretzky was never drafted into the NHL; he signed with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1978 and entered the NHL when the WHA-NHL merger took place. However, any list that discusses the greatest talents ever associated with the draft would be incomplete without mentioning “The Great One.” Gretzky’s NHL records—most notably his 2,857 career points—are untouchable. He changed the game and became its greatest ambassador.
2. Mario Lemieux: 1984, 1st Overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins
Dubbed “Super Mario,” Lemieux was a generational talent who could single-handedly change the outcome of a game. Despite battling severe health issues, including cancer, Lemieux amassed 1,723 points in just 915 games. He led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups and proved to be one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
3. Sidney Crosby: 2005, 1st Overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins
Another Penguin who had a significant impact on the league, Sidney Crosby was the most hyped prospect since Lemieux and has largely lived up to expectations. With multiple Stanley Cups and individual awards to his name, “Sid the Kid” continues to be an elite player, showcasing a combination of skill, leadership, and clutch play.
4. Steve Yzerman: 1983, 4th Overall by the Detroit Red Wings
Yzerman is one of the greatest leaders in NHL history. Spending his entire 22-season career with Detroit, he transformed the Red Wings from a struggling franchise into a perennial powerhouse, culminating in three Stanley Cup victories. His 1,755 career points are the icing on the cake.
5. Nicklas Lidstrom: 1989, 53rd Overall by the Detroit Red Wings
Arguably the greatest defenseman in NHL history, Lidstrom provided astonishing value as a late second-round pick. With seven Norris Trophies and four Stanley Cups, his impact on the game from the blue line was revolutionary.
6. Pavel Datsyuk: 1998, 171st Overall by the Detroit Red Wings
The “Magic Man” was a draft gem, selected in the 6th round. Datsyuk was an integral part of the Red Wings’ successes in the 2000s, winning two Stanley Cups and earning recognition as one of the league’s most skillful and complete forwards.
7. Patrick Roy: 1984, 51st Overall by the Montreal Canadiens
The butterfly goaltender who redefined his position, Roy was an incredible steal in the draft. He led the Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche to a total of four Stanley Cups and is often cited as the greatest goaltender in NHL history.
8. Jaromir Jagr: 1990, 5th Overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins
With a career spanning over two decades, Jagr is second only to Gretzky in career points. His longevity and consistent productivity make him one of the most valuable draft picks ever.
9. Martin Brodeur: 1990, 20th Overall by the New Jersey Devils
The all-time leader in wins and shutouts, Brodeur’s goaltending brilliance provided the backbone for the New Jersey Devils’ three Stanley Cups. Drafted 20th overall, Brodeur offered an incredible return on investment.
10. Henrik Zetterberg: 1999, 210th Overall by the Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings strike again with another late-round gem. Zetterberg, picked in the 7th round, became the team’s captain and was a cornerstone of their 2008 Stanley Cup win.
Greatness can emerge from any round of the NHL Draft, as evidenced by the diverse collection of talents on this list. These players have not only excelled individually but have lifted their teams to the highest levels of success. They’ve shattered records, redefined their positions, and left indelible marks on the sport of hockey.
Drafting is far from an exact science, but when teams strike gold, the impact reverberates for generations. These ten players are testament to the transformative power of an exceptional draft pick.