By Jordan Chong /
Since 1997, the majority of top picks have fallen into the ‘franchise player’ category: Thornton, Lecavalier, Kovalchuk, Nash, Ovechkin, and Crosby. Names like DiPietro, Fleury, and Kane aren’t bad either. And though nobody can say for sure, young guns like Erik Johnson, Steve Stamkos, and John Tavares will eventually develop into top-end players.
Ten years ago, the Atlanta Thrashers selected Patrik Stefan with the first overall pick in the 1999 NHL Draft.
The Czech centre’s 188 points in 455 games seem like peanuts compared to his phenomenal first overall counterparts.
The additions of Fleury in 2003 and Crosby in 2005 immediately changed Pittsburgh from a franchise in turmoil, to one of the league’s most exciting teams and an eventual Stanley Cup champion.
Like the Pens, the struggling Washington Capitals received a huge boost in 2004 when they picked Alexander Ovechkin first overall. Not only did Ovechkin put hockey back on the map in Washington, but he helped turn the team around into a division champion and a serious contender for the Stanley Cup.
When you think of the Atlanta Thrashers and Columbus Blue Jackets, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The answer is Ilya Kovalchuk and Rick Nash – both first overall picks – and now the face of their respective franchises.
Chicago’s Kane, in just his second season in the NHL, led the Blackhawks to the Western Conference Final, this year.
Rick DiPietro, the 2000 first overall pick, has been the only consistent bright spot on the Islanders roster for years.
Teenagers Stamkos and Tavares have alot to prove but a betting-man would have to predict that these two will be gems.
Stamkos is coming off an impressive second-half to his rookie campaign and an excellent showing at the World Championships.
Tavares had an outstanding performance at the World Junior Championship at Christmas time.
Only time will tell if players like Stamkos and Tavares can turn their struggling franchises around, but by all indications, both will be big-time stars.
So while most first picks become household names, Patrik Stefan proves not all Number 1’s are created equal. |