Wayne Simmonds: ‘Mr. 61’ and the Top Players in the NHL Draft
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. Simmonds, known as “Mr. 61”, humorously recalls the moment of his selection and the trade that led the Kings to obtain his valuable second-round pick. This analysis explores the most outstanding players from each position in the NHL draft since 1967, considering the statistical impact, awards, and legacy of each player. Achievements in the NHL are evaluated, using the current draft format (picks 1 to 224).
2. Marcel Dionne, C, Detroit Red Wings (1971)
The choice of the best player in the second draft spot is equally complicated. Dionne, with 1,771 points in 1,348 games and 731 goals, stands out above other great players like Evgeni Malkin, Brendan Shanahan, and Patrick Marleau.3. Scott Niedermayer, D, New Jersey Devils (1991)
Niedermayer, with his elegant playing style, was key in four Stanley Cup victories. His ability to score goals and defend made him a role model for many defensemen.4. Steve Yzerman, C, Detroit Red Wings (1983)
Yzerman, despite not having Mike Gartner’s goal totals or Ron Francis’ points, led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups, solidifying his legacy as a hockey icon.5. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (1990)
Jagr’s career, with his unique talent, is remembered for his impact on the game and his longevity. His time in the KHL interrupted what could have been an even more impressive career.
6. Paul Coffey, D, Edmonton Oilers (1980)
Coffey, the second-highest scoring defenseman in NHL history and winner of three Norris Trophies, is a clear example of excellence in his position.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 in the NHL.8. Ray Bourque, D, Boston Bruins (1979)
Bourque, with 15 Norris Trophy nominations and the all-time points leader for defensemen, is an undisputed choice.9. Brian Leetch, D, New York Rangers (1986)
Leetch, a Hall of Fame member, stands out with 1,028 points in 1,205 games, being the eighth defenseman with the most points in history.10. Teemu Selanne, RW, Winnipeg Jets (1988)
Selanne, with a historic rookie season and 1,457 points in 1,451 games, solidifies himself in this position.11. Jarome Iginla, RW, Dallas Stars (1995)
Iginla, with 625 goals in 1,554 games, surpasses Anze Kopitar thanks to his leadership skills and his dominance in different eras of the NHL.12. Marian Hossa, RW, Ottawa Senators (1997)
Hossa, with over 500 goals and 1,000 points, is the most outstanding player in this position, winning three Stanley Cups with Chicago.13. Dustin Brown, RW, Los Angeles Kings (2003)
Brown, former Kings captain, leads in goals among the players selected at the 13th position, with a statue in his honor.14. Sergei Gonchar, D, Washington Capitals (1992)
Gonchar, with 811 points in 1,301 games, is the player with the most games played among those selected in the 14th position, and he won a 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, solidifying himself as one of the best scorers in history.16. Dave Andreychuk, LW, Buffalo Sabres (1982)
Andreychuk, with 640 goals, is the top scorer among players selected in the 16th position.17. Bobby Clarke, C, Philadelphia Flyers (1969)
Clarke, a Flyers symbol, led the team to two Stanley Cup victories, with 1,210 points and 1,453 penalty minutes.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 Cups, a Conn Smythe and a Vezina, is the most outstanding player in this position.20. Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils (1990)
Brodeur, the NHL’s historical leader in wins, games played, and shutouts, is a legend in his position.21. Kevin Lowe, D, Edmonton Oilers (1979)
Lowe, a key defenseman in the Oilers dynasty, won six Stanley Cups.22. Bryan Trottier, C, New York Islanders (1974)
Trottier, MVP on the Islanders and contributor on the Penguins, has a guaranteed place in the Hall of Fame.23. Ray Whitney, LW, San Jose Sharks (1991)
Whitney, with more than 1,000 points, is the most outstanding player in this position.24. Daniel Briere, C, Phoenix Coyotes (1996)
Briere leads in goals and points among the players selected in this position, with an outstanding performance in the playoffs.25. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins (2014)
Pastrnak, with a high points-per-game average, stands out from other players in this position.26. Claude Lemieux, RW, Montreal Canadiens (1983)
Lemieux, known for his playoff performances, won four Stanley Cups, including the Conn Smythe in 1995.27. Joe Nieuwendyk, C, Calgary Flames (1985)
Nieuwendyk, a Hall of Fame member, leads in points and goals among players selected at the 27th position.28. Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim Ducks (2003)
Perry, winner of the Hart Trophy in 2011, has had a distinguished career.29. Danny Gare, RW, Buffalo Sabres (1974)
Gare, with 354 goals in 827 games, stands out for his goalscoring ability.30. Randy Carlyle, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (1976)
Carlyle, with more points than anyone selected at the 30th position, won the Norris Trophy in 1981.31. Dave ‘Tiger’ Williams, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs (1974)
Williams, with 3,971 penalty minutes, holds the record for most penalty minutes in NHL history.32. Tony McKegney, LW, Buffalo Sabres (1978)
McKegney, a pioneer as the first Black player to score 40 goals in an NHL season.33. Ryan O’Reilly, C, Colorado Avalanche (2009)
O’Reilly, with a Selke and a Conn Smythe, is the choice in this position.
34. Doug Weight, C, New York Rangers (1990)
Weight, with 1,033 career points, is the most outstanding player in this position.35. Pelle Lindbergh, G, Philadelphia Flyers (1979)
Lindbergh, with a brief but brilliant career, won the Vezina Trophy in 1985.36. Rod Langway, D, Montreal Canadiens (1977)
Langway, known as the “Secretary of Defense”, was an elite defensive defenseman and Norris Trophy winner.37. Mats Naslund, LW, Montreal Canadiens (1979)
Naslund, with 634 points in 651 games, won the Stanley Cup in 1986.38. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators (2008)
Josi, winner of the Norris Trophy in 2020, has had an outstanding career in Nashville.39. Charlie Simmer, LW, California Golden Seals (1974)
Simmer, with 342 goals in 712 games, had outstanding seasons with the Kings.40. Chris Chelios, D, Montreal Canadiens (1981)
Chelios, a Hall of Famer, is one of the best two-way defensemen in history, with three Norris Trophies.41. Dale Hunter, C, Quebec Nordiques (1979)
Hunter, with 1,020 points and 3,365 minutes of penalty, is the choice in this position.42. Neal Broten, C, Minnesota North Stars (1979)Broughton, with 923 points in 1,099 games, was a star for the North Stars and won the Cup with the Devils.43. P.K. Subban
