Wayne Simmonds, selected 61st overall in the 2007 draft by the Los Angeles Kings, stands out as the player with the most goals (263) and points (526) among all those chosen in that position in the NHL. “Mr. 61”, as he is known, joked about it, recalling that the original pick was compensation that Vancouver received from Anaheim.
This second-round pick turned out to be a great success for Los Angeles. The annual NHL draft has produced notable players in every position, some becoming legends. Following the current format (picks 1 to 224) and considering players since 1967, we analyze the best players in each position, based on their statistical impact, NHL awards, and legacy.
1. Mario Lemieux, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (1984)
Fifteen years ago, the discussion about the best player selected in the first position would have been simple: Mario Lemieux. Despite a career shortened by injuries, Lemieux accumulated 1,723 points in 915 games, with an average of 1.88 points per game, surpassed only by Wayne Gretzky.However, the debate has been complicated by the emergence of generational talents like Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid.2. Marcel Dionne, C, Detroit Red Wings (1971)
The choice of the best player in the second position is also a matter of debate. Players like Evgeni Malkin and Marcel Dionne compete. Although Malkin has fewer points, he achieved more individual recognitions. Dionne, with 1,771 points in 1,348 games, including 731 goals, is the choice.3. Scott Niedermayer, D, New Jersey Devils (1991)
Niedermayer, a defenseman who stood out on four Stanley Cup-winning teams, earned a place in the Hall of Fame. His skating ability and play inspired a generation of players.4. Steve Yzerman, C, Detroit Red Wings (1983)Although he didn’t surpass Mike Gartner in goals or Ron Francis in points, Yzerman led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup titles, winning the Most Valuable Player award in 1998. His legacy makes him an icon.5. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (1990)Jagr’s career, marked by his time in the KHL, made him a unique player. His impact on the game is undeniable.
7. Bernie Federko, C, St. Louis Blues (1976)
Federko, a Hall of Famer, is the only player selected in the seventh position who surpassed 1,000 points.8. Ray Bourque, D, Boston Bruins (1979)Bourque, with 15 Norris Trophy nominations and the NHL’s all-time leading scorer among defensemen, is a clear choice.9. Brian Leetch, D, New York Rangers (1986)
Leetch, with over 1,000 career points and already in the Hall of Fame, excels in this position.10. Teemu Selanne, RW, Winnipeg Jets (1988)Selanne, with a historic rookie season, accumulated 1,457 points in 1,451 games, establishing himself as an elite player.11. Jarome Iginla, RW, Dallas Stars (1995)
Iginla, with 625 goals in 1,554 games, stands out as a power forward who dominated in different eras of the NHL.12. Marian Hossa, RW, Ottawa Senators (1997)
Hossa, with more than 500 goals and 1,000 points, played a two-way game that earned him votes for the Selke. He won the Stanley Cup three times with Chicago.13. Dustin Brown, RW, Los Angeles Kings (2003)
Brown, former Kings captain, leads the selected players in the 13th position in goals scored.14. Sergei Gonchar, D, Washington Capitals (1992)
Gonchar accumulated 811 points in 1,301 games, the most for a player selected in the 14th position. He won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2009.15. Mike Bossy, RW, New York Islanders (1977)
Bossy, a Hall of Famer, scored 573 goals in 752 games, and his career was cut short by injuries.16. Dave Andreychuk, LW, Buffalo Sabres (1982)
Andreychuk, with 640 goals, is the player with the most goals among those selected in the 16th position.17. Bobby Clarke, C, Philadelphia Flyers (1969)
Clarke, a Flyers symbol, accumulated 1,210 points and 1,453 penalty minutes in his Hall of Fame career, and led Philadelphia to its two only Stanley Cup victories.18. Ken Daneyko, D, New Jersey Devils (1982)Daneyko, a key defensive defenseman on three Stanley Cup championships with the Devils.
19. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning (2012)
Vasilevskiy, with two Stanley Cup wins, a Conn Smythe, and a Vezina, stands out in this position.20. Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils (1990)Brodeur, NHL’s historical leader in wins (691), games played (1,266) and shutouts (125), with three Cups and four Vezinas, is the choice.21. Kevin Lowe, D, Edmonton Oilers (1979)Lowe, a key defenseman in the Oilers’ dynasty, with six Stanley Cups.22. Bryan Trottier, C, New York Islanders (1974)Trottier, a star player for the Islanders during their four consecutive Cups, and contributed to the Penguins’ victories.23. Ray Whitney, LW, San Jose Sharks (1991)
Whitney, with more than 1,000 points in her career, is the choice in this position.24. Daniel Briere, C, Phoenix Coyotes (1996)
Briere leads in goals (307) and points (696) in fewer games than other prominent players.25. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins (2014)
Pastrnak, with a high points-per-game average, is the choice in this position.26. Claude Lemieux, RW, Montreal Canadiens (1983)
Lemieux, with four Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe, is the choice.27. Joe Nieuwendyk, C, Calgary Flames (1985)
Nieuwendyk, with over 1,000 points and a Hall of Famer, is the choice.28. Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim Ducks (2003)
Perry, with 448 goals and 935 points, is the choice.29. Danny Gare, RW, Buffalo Sabres (1974)
Gare, with 354 goals in 827 matches, is the choice.30. Randy Carlyle, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (1976)
Carlyle, with more points than any other player selected at the 30th position, is the pick.31. Dave ‘Tiger’ Williams, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs (1974)
Williams, with 3,971 penalty minutes, is the choice.32. Tony McKegney, LW, Buffalo Sabres (1978)
McKegney, with 320 goals in 912 games, is the choice.33. Ryan O’Reilly, C, Colorado Avalanche (2009)O’Reilly, with a Selke and a Conn Smythe, is the choice.
34. Doug Weight, C, New York Rangers (1990)
Weight, with 1,033 points in his career, is the choice.35. Pelle Lindbergh, G, Philadelphia Flyers (1979)
Lindbergh, whose legacy endures in Philadelphia, is the choice.36. Rod Langway, D, Montreal Canadiens (1977)
Langway, with two Norris Trophies, is the choice.37. Mats Naslund, LW, Montreal Canadiens (1979)
Naslund, with 634 points in 651 games, is the choice.38. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators (2008)
Josi, with a Norris Trophy and 724 points in 962 games, is the choice.39. Charlie Simmer, LW, California Golden Seals (1974)
Simmer, with 342 goals in 712 matches, is the choice.40. Chris Chelios, D, Montreal Canadiens (1981)Chelios, a Hall of Fame member, is the choice.41. Dale Hunter, C, Quebec Nordiques (1979)
Hunter, with 1,020 points and 3,365 penalty minutes, is the choice.42. Neal Broten, C, Minnesota North Stars (1979)Broten, with 923 points in 1,099 games, is the choice.43. P.K. Subban, D,…
