Being the top overall pick in any draft is a significant accomplishment, as this is typically the most sought-after player available to teams. Sometimes these picks work out perfectly, and a new franchise player is discovered. Other times, a first-round pick is a dud — possibly even a complete bust. Here is a list of every player selected with the #1 overall choice in the NHL Draft. We’ll begin with the most recent draft and progress back to the inaugural draft in 1963, when there were only six NHL teams. Let’s go down memory lane, even if it may be hard for some of these teams.
There was no question about who would be the top pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Bedard was the most hyped player since, well, another Connor: McDavid. Surprisingly, the Blackhawks decided to tear down their roster for a rebuild immediately before the Bedard draft. They won the lottery, and an Original Six franchise acquired a player who many consider to be a future star. The early results have been favorable.
For a few years, there was speculation that this would be the Shane Wright Draft, although Wright was always seen as more of a high-floor, medium-ceiling player. Wright finished fourth, while Slafkovsky took first place overall. As a teenager, he has stepped immediately into the lineup for the rebuilding Canadiens. So yet, he has not gotten ahead of himself. Surprisingly, along with Simon Nemec, the first two picks in 2022 were both from Slovakia.
- It was a significant draft for the University of Michigan in 2021. Three of the top five players were Wolverines, while Luke Hughes was taken fourth overall as a Michigan
prospect who planned to pursue collegiate hockey rather than go straight to the NHL. However, Power was the first of that quarter’s picks. He spent his draft season at Michigan, leading the team to the Frozen Four, but the smooth-skating defenseman, who stands 6’6” for good measure, is now a fixture on the Buffalo blue line.
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