Back to the Future: NHL Draft 2008
- Big Kaluwski
- Dec 2, 2016
- 3 min read
It's time once again to go back in time, and revisit previous NHL drafts. This time we look at the 2008 NHL draft, which was held in Ottawa. I will highlight my top 5 steals, and top 5 busts of the draft from that year.
First off, my top 5 steals:
Drafted 7th Round 176th overall by the San Jose Sharks
Position: Defense
- A solid defenseman who can put up 20-30 points a season, and log a lot of ice time. Very responsible player, who has fit in with every team he has been for.
Drafted 3rd Round 82nd overall by the New Jersey Devils
Position: Forward
- Has twice put up 50+ point seasons, and scored 30 goals last year. Was an intrical part of the Devils 2011-12 Cup run.
Drafted 4th Round 121st overall by the Detroit Red Wings
Position: Forward
-Look at that, another late round steal by the Red Wings. Gustav has put up 40+ points the past 3 season. He is a complete player, and he should have a long NHL career.
Drafted 2nd Round 51st overall by the NY Rangers
Position: Forward
-Pretty much the heart and soul of the Rangers. Consistent player who can put up 50+ points a season. He can still take his game to the next level though. Sky is limit, and he is only 26 years old.
And now #1....
Drafted 4th Round 93rd overall by the Washington Capitals
Position: Goalie
Workhorse netminder who is easily in the Top 3 of current NHL goalies. Tied a record last year with most NHL wins in a season (48). Can easily play 60-70 games a season. A true stud, and an absolute steal by the Capitals. Just look at some of the goalies, that were chosen BEFORE Holtby
-Chet Pickard
-Tyler Beskorowany
-Peter Delmas
-Marco Cousineau
-Jacob De Serres
The total number of NHL games that those goalies have played... ZERO!! Holtby has to rank as one of the biggest NHL draft steals of all time
And now for the top 5 busts...
Drafted 1st Round 13th overall by the Los Angeles Kings
Position: Defense
-Over hyped "shutdown" defenseman, that could never establish himself in the NHL. Currently playing in the German Hockey League. A terrible pick by the Kings, but they get a mulligan on this one, as the drafted Drew Doughty before him.
Drafted 1st Round 21st overall by the Washington Capitals
Position: Forward
-Super talented Swede, who told the Capitals in 2010 that he would be returning to Sweden, and never came back. Zero NHL games.
Drafted 1st Round 11th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks
Position: Forward
Ouch, this one really stings. A player who had issues off the ice as well. A feisty forward, who floundered, as in currently playing in Austria. One of the the Hawks worst draft choices in recent memory.
Drafted 1st Round 10th overall by the Vancouver Canucks
Position: Forward
- A "can't miss" prospect who couldn't skate, and was a defensive liability. Didn't have the heart of a hockey player, and retired from the NHL a few months ago. A painful reminder for the Canucks, of how draft choices can go horribly wrong.
And now #1....
Drafted 1st Round 6th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets
Position: Forward
-A classic example of a immature ego driven player, who never grew up, and was never able to make his mark in the NHL. He let fame get to his head, and left the NHL in 2012. He just didn't understand what it take to play in the NHL. Currently playing in the KHL, where he will most likely finish his career. Super talent, who wasted his chance. As Metalica would say... "Sad but true"
Comments