Wayne Simmonds, known as “Mr. 61”, was selected in the 61st position of the 2007 draft by the Los Angeles Kings. Despite not being an early pick, Simmonds proved his worth by accumulating the most goals (263) and points (526) among all players selected in that position.Simmonds recalls that his selection was compensation that Vancouver received from Anaheim, which was then traded to the Kings. This move turned out to be a “bargain” for Los Angeles, who found in Simmonds a valuable player in the second round of the draft.In the world of ice hockey, each position in the annual draft has produced outstanding players who have left their mark on the NHL. To determine the best players selected in each position since 1967, factors such as statistical impact, NHL awards, and the legacy of each player’s career were considered.
Below is a list of the most outstanding players selected in each draft position, from number 1 to 43, highlighting their achievements and the impact they had on the league:
Best Players by Position in the NHL Draft
Illustration by ESPN
1. Mario Lemieux, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (1984)
While Mario Lemieux had a career shortened by injuries, his average of 1.88 points per game positions him as one of the best in NHL history. Although the competition with players like Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid is fierce, his impact on the game is undeniable.
2. Marcel Dionne, C, Detroit Red Wings (1971)
The choice of the second-best player in the draft presents a debate similar to that of the first position. Marcel Dionne, with 1,771 career points, including 731 goals, stands out above other great players like Evgeni Malkin.
3. Scott Niedermayer, D, New Jersey Devils (1991)
Niedermayer, an exceptional defender, was key in four Stanley Cup victories. His ability to combine attack and defense made him a role model for many players.
4. Steve Yzerman, C, Detroit Red Wings (1983)
Despite not having the numbers of other players, Yzerman led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups and is a hockey legend.
5. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (1990)
Jagr’s career, marked by his return to the NHL after a time in the KHL, makes him a unique player. His impact on the game is undeniable.Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr were an incredible offensive force on the ice, and they both had incredible hair as well.
6. Paul Coffey, D, Edmonton Oilers (1980)
Coffey, the second-highest scoring defenseman in NHL history, was a key player for the Oilers.
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 points.
8. Ray Bourque, D, Boston Bruins (1979)
Bourque, with 15 Norris Trophy nominations and the leading points scorer among defensemen, is an easy choice.
9. Brian Leetch, D, New York Rangers (1986)
Leetch, a Hall of Famer, is one of the most prominent defensemen in NHL history.
10. Teemu Selanne, RW, Winnipeg Jets (1988)
Selanne, with a historic rookie season, left an indelible mark on hockey.
11. Jarome Iginla, RW, Dallas Stars (1995)
Iginla, with 625 career goals, stands out as a dominant power forward.
12. Marian Hossa, RW, Ottawa Senators (1997)
Hossa, with over 500 goals and 1,000 points, had a distinguished career in the NHL.
13. Dustin Brown, RW, Los Angeles Kings (2003)
Brown, former Kings captain, is the player with the most goals among those selected in 13th place.
14. Sergei Gonchar, D, Washington Capitals (1992)
Gonchar, with 811 points in his career, is the player with the most games played among those selected in 14th place.
15. Mike Bossy, RW, New York Islanders (1977)
Bossy, a Hall of Famer, is one of the all-time leading scorers.
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, an emblematic Flyers player, led the team to two Stanley Cups.
18. Ken Daneyko, D, New Jersey Devils (1982)
Daneyko, a key defensive defenseman for the Devils, won three Stanley Cups.Ken Daneyko was a key part of three Stanley Cup-winning teams, and he certainly also had the look of a hockey player.
19. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning (2012)
Vasilevskiy, with two Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy, has had an outstanding career in goal.
20. Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils (1990)
Brodeur, historical leader in wins, games played, and shutouts, rewrote the NHL record books.
21. Kevin Lowe, D, Edmonton Oilers (1979)
Lowe was a key defenseman for the Oilers dynasty and won six Stanley Cups.
22. Bryan Trottier, C, New York Islanders (1974)
Trottier, MVP of the Islanders during their four consecutive Stanley Cups, is an easy choice.
23. Ray Whitney, LW, San Jose Sharks (1991)
Whitney, with more than 1,000 points in her career, is the most outstanding player selected at the 23rd position.
24. Daniel Briere, C, Phoenix Coyotes (1996)
Briere leads in goals and points among players selected at the 24th position.
25. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins (2014)
Pastrnak, with a very high points-per-game average, stands out in 25th place.
26. Claude Lemieux, RW, Montreal Canadiens (1983)
Lemieux, with four Stanley Cups, is a standout choice at number 26.
27. Joe Nieuwendyk, C, Calgary Flames (1985)
Nieuwendyk, a Hall of Famer, leads in points and goals among those selected at number 27.
28. Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim Ducks (2003)
Perry, with 448 goals and 935 points, has had a distinguished career.
29. Danny Gare, RW, Buffalo Sabres (1974)
Gare, with 354 goals in his career, stands out in 29th place.
30. Randy Carlyle, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (1976)
Carlyle, with 647 career points, is the most prominent player selected at the 30th position.
31. Dave ‘Tiger’ Williams, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs (1974)
Williams, with 3,971 penalty minutes, holds the NHL record.
32. Tony McKegney, LW, Buffalo Sabres (1978)
McKegney, with 320 career goals, was the first Black player to score 40 goals in a season.
33. Ryan O’Reilly, C, Colorado Avalanche (2009)
O’Reilly, with a Selke Trophy and a Conn Smythe, is the pick at number 33.Ryan O’Reilly won the Conn Smythe as MVP of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.
34. Doug Weight, C, New York Rangers (1990)
Weight, with 1,033 career points, stands out in 34th place.
35. Pelle Lindbergh, G, Philadelphia Flyers (1979)
Lindbergh, with a brief but brilliant career, left a legacy in Philadelphia.
36. Rod Langway, D, Montreal Canadiens (1977)
Langway, with two Norris Trophies, is one of the best defensive defensemen in history.
37. Mats Naslund, LW, Montreal Canadiens (1979)
Naslund, with 634 points in his career, won the Stanley Cup in 1986.
38. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators (2008)
Josi, winner of the Norris Trophy in 2020, has had a distinguished career.
39. Charlie Simmer, LW, California Golden Seals (1974)
Simmer, with 342 goals in his career, stands out in 39th place.
40. Chris Chelios, D, Montreal Canadiens (1981)
Chelios, a Hall of Fame member, is one of the best two-way defensemen in history.
41. Dale Hunter, C, Quebec Nordiques (1979)
Hunter, with 1,020 points and 3,365 minutes of penalty, is the choice at position 41.
42. Neal Broten, C, Minnesota North Stars (1979)
Broten, with 923 points in his career, helped the Devils win the Cup in 1995.
