Columbus Blue Jackets: Best: With their first four selections in the 2005 draft Columbus selected a quartet of players who enjoyed varying degrees of success in the NHL. First rounder Gilbert Brule would be deemed the disappointment of the group. After recording only 12 goals in 146 games with Columbus, he was dealt to Edmonton for Raffi Torres. Brule would be out of the NHL within 5 years and ended up with 95…
Colorado Avalanche: (includes Quebec) Best: Two drafts stand out in particular as being the best in team history. One draft helped propel the team to early success following the WHA’s merger with the NHL while the other draft influences the current Avalanche team. With that mind the 1979 draft ranks as the best draft in history while the 2009 draft will assume the runner-up position. Only time will tell if…
Carolina Hurricanes: Best: When it comes to selecting the best draft in Carolina/Hartford history one has to go back over 30 years to a pair of drafts in the early 1980’s. In 1981, the club drafted Ron Francis (4th overall) and Paul MacDermid (3rd round, 61st overall). The selection of Francis would help propel the Whalers team to improve on ice play and garner greater respect throughout the league. Francis…
Calgary Flames: Best: In the 1984 draft, the Flames selected six players who would play in the NHL, four of whom reached the 1000 game plateau. With the 12th overall pick, the Flames drafted Gary Roberts who would emerge as one of the best power forwards of his era. A Stanley Cup and Masterson Trophy winner, Roberts was a gritty two way player who left everything out on the ice….
Chicago Blackhawks: Best: I’ll start with the 2003 draft as my honourable mention choice. In the 1st round the Blackhawks selected Brent Seabrook while Corey Crawford was nabbed in round two. Both players continue to be key contributors on a Chicago team that will be aiming for its 4th Stanley Cup title since 2010. While no longer with the team, the Hawks picked Dustin Byfuglien in the 8th round. The…