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. An achievement that earned him the nickname “Mr. 61”.
Simmonds recalled that his selection was a “compensatory pick” that Vancouver obtained from Anaheim, and that was later traded to the Kings for Brent Sopel. Thus, Los Angeles got a valuable second-round pick.I like it. I appreciate it.
Wayne Simmonds
Each draft position has produced players who have left their mark on the NHL, some becoming legends. In this context, a ranking of the best players by position since 1967 has been compiled, considering statistical impact, awards, and legacy, taking into account only achievements in the NHL.
Best in Each NHL Draft Position
The analysis begins at the top.1. Mario Lemieux, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (1984)
If this ranking had been done 15 years ago, Lemieux would have been undeniably the best in the first position. Despite playing only 915 games due to injuries and illnesses, he accumulated 1,723 points, averaging 1.88 points per game, surpassed only by Wayne Gretzky.
However, the arrival of generational talents like Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid has opened the debate. Ovechkin is the all-time leading scorer, Crosby has multiple Stanley Cups, and McDavid holds impressive records.The discussion about whether Lemieux is still number one is still ongoing.2. Marcel Dionne, C, Detroit Red Wings (1971)
The choice for number 2 also presents a fierce debate, with figures like Brendan Shanahan, Patrick Marleau, Daniel Sedin, Aleksander Barkov, Gabriel Landeskog, and Jack Eichel competing for the spot.In the final discussion, Evgeni Malkin and Dionne are considered. Malkin achieved 1,346 points in 1,213 games and won several awards. Dionne, for his part, accumulated 1,771 points in 1,348 games, including the sixth-highest number of goals in history.The decision is close, but Dionne is considered the right choice, adjusting for the different eras.3. Scott Niedermayer, D, New Jersey Devils (1991)
Niedermayer, a defenseman of great skill, was key in four Stanley Cup victories, winning the Conn Smythe and Norris Trophy. His style inspired a generation of players capable of scoring and defending.This placed him above Denis Savard, Pat LaFontaine, and Henrik Sedin, although Leon Draisaitl is building a strong case for the number 3 spot.4. Steve Yzerman, C, Detroit Red Wings (1983)
Although he doesn’t match Mike Gartner’s goal totals or Ron Francis’s points, Yzerman is among the best in both categories in history, leading the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups and earning the playoff MVP award in 1998.
The question is whether Cale Makar could claim this position in the future.5. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (1990)
Jagr’s career, with his iconic style, is a case study of “what if”. A unique player.
6. Paul Coffey, D, Edmonton Oilers (1980)
Coffey, the third defenseman selected in 1980, became the second-highest scorer among defensemen in NHL history, winning three Norris trophies.7. Bernie Federko, C, St. Louis Blues (1976)
Federko, a Hall of Famer, is the only player selected at the 7th position with more than 1,000 career points.8. Ray Bourque, D, Boston Bruins (1979)
Bourque, with 15 Norris Trophy nominations and five wins, leads all defensemen in points in NHL history.9. Brian Leetch, D, New York Rangers (1986)
Leetch, a Hall of Famer, amassed 1,028 points in 1,205 games, ranking among the top ten defensemen of all time.10. Teemu Selanne, RW, Winnipeg Jets (1988)
Selanne, after joining the NHL, had a historic rookie season, with 76 goals in 1992-93. His career led him to the Hall of Fame, with 1,457 points in 1,451 games.11. Jarome Iginla, RW, Dallas Stars (1995)
Iginla surpassed Anze Kopitar, who is close to matching his point total. With 625 goals in 1,554 games, Iginla stood out as a model power player.12. Marian Hossa, RW, Ottawa Senators (1997)
Hossa surpassed 500 goals and 1,000 points, achieving both milestones in 1,309 games. His play on both sides of the ice earned him votes for the Selke. He won three Stanley Cups with Chicago.13. Dustin Brown, RW, Los Angeles Kings (2003)
Although Craig Janney had more points, Brown, former Kings captain, scored more goals than any other player selected at the 13th position. Brown even has a statue in his honor.14. Sergei Gonchar, D, Washington Capitals (1992)
Gonchar accumulated 811 points in 1,301 games, the most for a player selected 14th overall. 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 in a career cut short by injuries.He must be considered one of the best scorers of all time.
Wayne Gretzky
16. Dave Andreychuk, LW, Buffalo Sabres (1982)
Andreychuk is the only player selected at the 16th position with more than 400 goals, with a total of 640.17. Bobby Clarke, C, Philadelphia Flyers (1969)
Clarke, a Flyers symbol, accumulated 1,210 points and 1,453 penalty minutes in 1,144 games. He led Philadelphia to its only two Stanley Cup victories.18. Ken Daneyko, D, New Jersey Devils (1982)
Daneyko, a defensive defenseman, was key in three Stanley Cup championships with the Devils.
19. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning (2012)
Vasilevskiy has won two Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe, and a Vezina, with 331 wins in 540 regular season games.20. Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils (1990)
Brodeur, NHL’s historical leader in wins (691), games played (1,266) and shutouts (125), won three Cups and four Vezinas.21. Kevin Lowe, D, Edmonton Oilers (1979)
Lowe was a key defenseman in the Oilers dynasty and won a sixth Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994.22. Bryan Trottier, C, New York Islanders (1974)
Trottier was a star for the Islanders during their four consecutive Stanley Cups and then contributed to the Penguins’ victories. With 524 goals and 1,425 points, he’s an easy choice.23. Ray Whitney, LW, San Jose Sharks (1991)
Whitney, known as “The Wizard”, surpassed 1,000 points, finishing with 1,064 in 1,330 games.24. Daniel Briere, C, Phoenix Coyotes (1996)
Briere leads in goals (307) and points (696) in fewer games than others, with outstanding numbers in the playoffs.25. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins (2014)
Pastrnak has 126 more goals than the next best scorer in 25th place, Brendan Morrow. His points-per-game average places him among the best active players.26. Claude Lemieux, RW, Montreal Canadiens (1983)
Lemieux stands out for his postseason performances, winning four Stanley Cups, including the Conn Smythe with the Devils in 1995.27. Joe Nieuwendyk, C, Calgary Flames (1985)
Nieuwendyk leads in points (1,126) and goals (564) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.28. Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim Ducks (2003)
Perry, with 448 goals and 935 points, has had a distinguished career, winning the Hart Trophy in 2011.29. Danny Gare, RW, Buffalo Sabres (1974)
Gare scored 354 goals in 827 matches, including two seasons of 50 goals.30. Randy Carlyle, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (1976)
Carlyle, a 17-year-old defenseman in the NHL, has more points (647) than any other player selected at the 30th position. He won the Norris Trophy with the Penguins.31. Dave “Tiger” Williams, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs (1974)
Williams combined his physical play with the ability to score points (513 in his career). In addition, he holds the record for penalty minutes in NHL history.32. Tony McKegney, LW, Buffalo Sabres (1978)
McKegney scored 320 goals in 912 games and was the first black player in NHL history to score 40 goals in a season.33. Ryan O’Reilly, C, Colorado Avalanche (2009)
O’Reilly, with a Selke and a Conn Smythe, is a clear choice.
