Busts, Blunders, and Bad Draft Picks: A Deep Dive into NHL History
Have you ever wondered about the NHL draft picks that didn’t quite pan out as expected? The hockey world is full of stories of promising young players who failed to live up to their draft position. From generational talents to high-round surprises, the NHL has seen its fair share of busts. In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most infamous draft picks in NHL history, exploring the factors that contributed to their struggles and the lessons learned from their failures.
As we dive in and examine the fascinating world of NHL draft busts lets note that of the NHL 1st round picks since 1970, approximately 30-40% of those selected will in fact become Star NHL players with a career of over 500 games played, top 6 forward, starting goaltender or top 4 defensemen as a barometer. While points are not the only indicator they are considered stars, it is a major factor.
The reasons for several top 15 NHL entry draft picks failures to live up to the hype will vary but let’s look through a series of players throughout history who fell short and we could consider busts. The order is by teams while showing the year selected. Did I miss someone? Maybe someone I mentioned you would say ‘they were not a bust!’ being selected in the top 10 in a NHL draft, let me know and tell me why?
VANCOUVER CANUCKS –
Dale Tallon (1970, Number 2 overall Vancouver Canucks): Dale Tallon is a former NHL player and current executive. He played as a defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Black Hawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. After his playing career, he transitioned to broadcasting and then into front office roles, including serving as the general manager of the Florida Panthers. Currently, Tallon is a scout and senior advisor for the Vancouver Canucks. He has been instrumental in the team’s player development and scouting efforts. During his 10-year NHL career, Dale Tallon played in 642 games, scoring 98 goals and adding 238 assists for a total of 336 points. The Points per game for a 2nd overall in my books would have been a Draft Day Disaster.
Jocelyn Guevremont (1971 , 3rd overall , Vancouver Canucks): Jocelyn Guevremont played for the Vancouver Canucks from 1971 to 1975.During his time with the Canucks, he played in 225 games, scoring 44 goals and adding 78 assists for a total of 122 points. Here we have a player that was expected to take the Canucks to another level, yet again they fell short in their selection.
Dennis Ververgaert (1973, 3rd overall, Vancouver Canucks): Dennis Ververgaert was a talented right winger who played for the Vancouver Canucks from 1973 to 1978. He was known for his scoring ability and was a key player for the Canucks during that era. But once again while considered a scorer this was their 3rd player selected in top 3 in 3 years and once again still the results fell short for this high of a draft pick. He played: 583 games with 176 goals and 216 assists for 392 pts. He also accumulated 247PIM
Jere Gillis (1977, 4th overall, Vancouver Canucks): In 7 year span the Canucks had drafted 4 players in the top 4 and yet again while Jere Gillis was a good player, his number 4th overall position could be considered another disaster of a pick. Jere Gillis’s career saw him with 579 PIM’s and in 674 NHL games he had 190 goals and 223 assists for 413 points.
Bryan Allen (1998 , 4th overall, Vancouver Canucks): While not a terrible disaster, he was a 4th overall in 98 and fell short for being the defensemen the Canucks were looking for with a high pick like this. Bryan Allen played in the NHL for several years. He played 976 games accumulating 253 points and 928 PIMS. He played for several teams throughout his career, including the Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, and Ottawa Senators.
LOS ANGELES KINGS –
Rick Pagnutti (1967, 1st overall by the Los Angeles Kings): Rick Pagnutti was drafted first overall in the 1967 NHL Amateur Draft but never played in the NHL. He spent a ten-year career in the minor leagues, primarily for the Rochester Americans and Springfield Kings of the American Hockey League. He won the Governor’s Trophy as the top defenseman in the International Hockey League in 1972. While he didn’t play in the NHL, he was a highly skilled defenseman who had a significant impact on the minor leagues. His son, Matt Pagnutti, also played college hockey in the NCAA and professionally in the ECHL. This would be a draft the Kings would have liked back.
Doug Smith (1981, 2nd overall, Los Angeles Kings): Doug Smith was selected second overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. He played for several NHL teams during his career, including the Kings, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. While he had a promising start to his career, injuries and other factors hindered his full potential. He is remembered for his skill and toughness, but his career was unfortunately cut short. He played 535 games with 253 points during that span. 2nd overall however, the Kings once again fell short.
Aki-Petteri Berg (1995, 3rd overall, Los Angeles Kings): Aki-Petteri Berg was a Finnish player who played as a defenseman. He played for several teams in the NHL, including the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and Phoenix Coyotes. Berg was known for his strong defensive play and his ability to move the puck up the ice. While he wasn’t a prolific scorer, he was a reliable defenseman who could play a physical game. He played in 606 games and got 85 points over that span.
Thomas Hickey (2007 , 4th overall , Los Angeles Kings): Thomas Hickey is a Canadian hockey defenseman who played in the NHL for the Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders. He was drafted fourth overall by the Kings in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and never really lived up close to the expectation of such a high draft pick.
BOSTON BRUINS –
Frank Spring (1969, 4th overall Boston Bruins): Frank Spring was a talented Canadian hockey player who played for several NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, California Golden Seals, Cleveland Barons, and Indianapolis Racers after being drafted by Boston. He also played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) for the Indianapolis Racers and New Haven Nighthawks. Being drafted 4th overall he never lived up to his draft spot ranking . He played in only 61 games in the NHL putting up 34 points. That’s a lot of teams being moved around and yet not playing many games.
Gord Kluzak (1982, 1st overall , Boston Bruins): Gord Kluzak was selected first overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft.Despite his high draft position and early promise, his career was plagued by persistent knee injuries. Even with that he only had 103 NHL points in his 383 games.
MONTREAL CANADIENS –
Michel Plasse (1968 , 1st overall Montreal Canadiens): Michel Plasse was a goaltender who played in the (NHL) from 1970 to 1982. He was selected first overall in the 1968 NHL Amateur Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Despite being a highly-touted prospect, Plasse’s NHL career was somewhat inconsistent. He played for several teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Kansas City Scouts, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Rockies, and Quebec Nordiques. One of the most notable moments in Plasse’s career was when he scored a goal for the Kansas City Blues of the Central Hockey League in 1971, making him the first professional goaltender to score a goal. While Plasse didn’t reach the heights of some other first-overall picks, he was a solid goaltender who contributed to several teams during his career.
MINNESOTA NORTH STARS –
Bryan Maxwell (1975 , 4th overall , Minnesota North Stars): Bryan Maxwell was a skilled defenseman who played in both the NHL and the WHA. He was known for his strong defensive play and his ability to contribute offensively occasionally. Being a 4th overall pick however, he fell short of expectations. He played 331 games while putting up 144 points in the NHL and in 124 games he had 45 points in the WHA. Maxwell played for several teams throughout his career, including the Cleveland Crusaders, Cincinnati Stingers, New England Whalers, Minnesota North Stars, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Glen Sharpley (1976, 3rd overall, Minnesota North Stars): Another year with an excellent pick but once again the North Stars fall short on their pick. Glen Sharpley was a highly-touted prospect who the Minnesota North Stars were resting some hopes on. He played for the North Stars and Chicago Blackhawks during his NHL career. He played in 286 games while putting up 167 points.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS –
Darren Veitch (1980 , 5th overall, Washington Capitals) Drafted 5th overall, there were high expectations and while he came a stable player and journeyman in the NHL, he was never able to live up to the ranking of his draft year. Veitch played for the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs during his career.He was also known for his unfortunate injury, which involved falling through a glass coffee table. Despite this setback, he was able to make a remarkable comeback and continue his NHL career. He did end up playing in 511 games accumulating 273 points and 462 PIM’s.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS –
Craig Wolanin (1985, 3rd overall, New Jersey Devils): Craig Wolanin was a talented defenseman who played 13 seasons in the NHL from 1985 to 1998.He was known for his strong defensive play, physicality, and offensive abilities but mores in puck moving and not scoring prowess as they organization had hoped for at 3rd overall in the NHL entry draft. Wolanin was a tough, skilled defenseman who left a lasting impact on the New Jersey Devils franchise.His contributions helped establish the Devils as a competitive team in the NHL. Some would say this pick was not a disaster but at number 3 overall? Yeah, I’m not buying. Played 695 games while putting up 160 points.
Neil Brady (1986, 3rd overall, New Jersey Devils): Brady was drafted third overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Devils and the Ottawa Senators in the NHL. He is best known for scoring the first goal in the history of the contemporary Ottawa Senators franchise on October 8, 1992. He only played 89 games in the NHL putting up 31 points. After his NHL career, Brady continued to play in the International Hockey League until the league folded in 2001
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS –
Darrin Shannon (1988 , 4th overall, Pittsburgh Penguins): Darrin Shannon played in the NHL later for the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes too. He was drafted fourth overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, ahead of notable players like Jeremy Roenick, Rod Brind’Amour, and Teemu Selänne. While he didn’t quite live up to the expectations of a top-four pick, Shannon had a solid NHL career. He was known for his offensive skills and his ability to play a physical game. He did play for 506 games putting up 250 points. 4th overall though there is higher expectations.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS –
Dave Chyzowski (1989, 2nd overall, New York Islanders): Dave Chyzowski was drafted second overall by the New York Islanders in the NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Islanders and Chicago Blackhawks during his NHL career. While Chyzowski didn’t quite live up to the expectations of a second overall pick, he did have a solid career in the minor leagues. His NHL consisted of 31 points in 126 NHL games
Scott Scissons (1990, 6th overall, New York Islanders): Scott Scissons was a highly-touted prospect who was drafted sixth overall by the New York Islanders in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. However, his promising career was cut short due to injuries. Despite his limited NHL appearances, Scissons showed flashes of brilliance during his time in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Saskatoon Blades. He was known for his scoring ability and offensive skill. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his NHL career, leading to a premature retirement at a young age.Scissons’ story serves as a reminder of the fragility of a professional athlete’s career and the impact that injuries can have on a player’s potential. He ended up with 6 points in 38 games.
Griffin Reinhart (2012, 4th overall, New York Islanders): He was once a highly touted prospect, drafted fourth overall by the New York Islanders in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft but his career never was able to take off. His list of leagues were New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers of the NHL , Kunlun Red Star (KHL), Iserlohn Roosters (DEL) and Belfast Giants (EIHL). This was a selection that was a disaster at 4th overall. His constant injuries really limited his growing years early on.
Michael DalColle (2014, 5th overall, New York Islanders): Have to admit, in my REVS TOP 15, in 2014, I ranked him at 5th overall as well. However his ability to translate his game to the NHL never panned out. He is currently playing for the Iserlohn Roosters of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Dal Colle was a highly-touted prospect, known for his skill and offensive abilities. but struggled to establish himself as a consistent NHL player. While his NHL career didn’t quite reach the heights expected of a top-five draft pick, Dal Colle remains a talented player with the ability to contribute at the highest levels. His journey highlights the challenges and unpredictability of a professional hockey career.
SAN JOSE SHARKS –
Mike Rathje (1992, 3rd overall, San Jose Sharks): He was a talented defenseman who played 13 seasons in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers. While that is a great career it was not the player they were needing with a 3rd overall selection in 92. Rathje was a solid, dependable defenseman who was respected for his physical play and defensive prowess. His injuries, however, prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Andrei Zyuzin (1996, 2nd overall, San Jose Sharks): He was a talented Russian defenseman who played in the NHL for several teams, like San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks. While Zyuzin didn’t quite reach the heights expected of a second overall pick, he had a solid NHL career and was a valuable contributor to several teams. This still would quailify as a disaster for the Sharks being he was selected 2nd overall. He had 109 points in 415 games.
OTTAWA SENATORS –
Alexandre Daigle (1993, 1st overall, Ottawa Senators): A highly touted junior prospect, Daigle was drafted first overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Despite his immense talent and high expectations, Daigle never quite lived up to the hype. He struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his career. While he had some productive seasons, he was ultimately considered a draft bust by many. He played for the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, and several teams in European leagues. Won two World Junior Championships with Team Canada.
EDMONTON OILERS –
Jason Bonsignore (1994, 4th overall, Edmonton Oilers): He had strength, and offensive skills, Bonsignore had a promising junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). However, his NHL career was plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his NHL career. Despite his early potential, Bonsignore’s NHL career was relatively short-lived.He spent most of his career playing in the AHL,
Nail Yakupov (2012, 1st overall, Edmonton Oilers): Nail Yakupov is a Russian professional ice hockey forward who was drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The world and most pro scouts said he was ready but it never panned out for him. Known for his exceptional skill and offensive abilities in the OHL, Yakupov was expected to be a dominant force in the NHL. However, his career was marked by inconsistency and off-ice issues. He played for several NHL teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, and Colorado Avalanche. He ended up with 136 points in 350 games played. Despite that early promise, Yakupov’s NHL career didn’t live up to expectations and he returned to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he continues to play.
Jesse Puljujarvi (2016, 4th overall, Edmonton Oilers): He is currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was drafted fourth overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his size, skill, and offensive potential prior to the draft, Puljujärvi had been a promising talent since his junior days.However, his NHL career has been somewhat inconsistent, with periods of strong performance mixed with struggles. He is a powerful forward with good puck skills and a strong shot.Currently his stats are showing 169 points in 369 games.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING –
Alexandr Svitov (2001, 3rd overall, Tampa Bay Lightning): A powerful forward known for his size and physical play, Svitov has spent most of his career playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He has also played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite his high draft position, Svitov’s NHL career was relatively short-lived. He struggled to adapt to the North American style of play and faced challenges with consistency. However, he has been a dominant force in the KHL, winning multiple championships and individual awards. While he may not have reached the heights expected of a third overall pick, Svitov remains a respected player in Russia and a notable figure in international hockey.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS –
Cam Barker (2004, 3rd overall, Chicago Blackhawks): Known for his offensive abilities and powerful shot in juniors, he was expected to be a cornerstone defenseman for years to come. However, despite his early promise, Barker’s career was plagued by inconsistent performance and injuries. He played for both the Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers and the Minnesota Wild during his NHL career. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he was never able to fully realize his potential. Barker’s career serves as a reminder that even highly-touted prospects can struggle to live up to expectations.
COLUMBUS BLUEJACKETS –
Nikolai Zherdev (2003, 3rd overall by the Atlanta Thrashers): Zherdev showed flashes of brilliance, but his career was derailed by injuries and inconsistency and off-ice issues. Zherdev was expected to be a dominant force in the NHL. While he had some impressive seasons, particularly with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he struggled to maintain that level of performance throughout his career. Zherdev played for several NHL teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and Philadelphia Flyers. He also spent significant time playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he continued to showcase his offensive talent. He finished with 261 points in 421 games. Good numbers but not for a 3rd overall draft pick.
Gilbert Brule (2006, 6th overall, Columbus BlueJackets): He was known for his speed, skill, and offensive creativity in the WHL. However, despite his early promise, Brulé struggled to consistently perform at the NHL level. He played for several teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.While Brulé didn’t reach the heights expected of a top-six pick, he remains a notable figure in the hockey world due to his early promise and high draft position.
Nikita Filatov (2008, 6th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets): Filatov struggled to adapt to the NHL and eventually returned to Russia to continue his career. Known for his exceptional skill and scoring ability, he was expected to be a star in the NHL. However, Filatov’s NHL career didn’t pan out as anticipated. He struggled to adapt to the North American style of play and faced various challenges, including injuries and personal issues. After a brief stint in the NHL, as mentioned above, he returned to Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he has enjoyed more success. While Filatov’s NHL career was short-lived, he remains a talented player with a strong offensive skill set. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities and unpredictability of professional sports. He scored 7 points in 38 games in the NHL.
ATLANTA THRASHERS –
Patrick Stefan (1995, 1st overall by the Atlanta Thrashers): Stefan struggled to find consistent playing time in the NHL and never lived up to his draft position. A Swedish professional ice hockey player who was selected 1st overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. This made him the first European player to be drafted first overall. Despite his high draft position, Stefan’s NHL career was largely disappointing. He struggled to consistently perform at the NHL level and was often criticized for his lack of physicality and defensive abilities. He finished with 188 points in 455 games in the NHL. One of the biggest disappointments in Hockey History.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS –
Nolan Patrick (2017, 2nd overall, Philadelphia Flyers): Nolan Patrick is currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights but continues to face injuries in his career to date. A highly-touted prospect known for his size and skill, Patrick has faced numerous health issues throughout his career, which have hindered his development. Despite these challenges, he has shown flashes of brilliance and possesses the talent to be a top-six forward in the NHL.I will say this, Patrick’s career is a testament to his resilience and determination. He continues to work hard to overcome his health challenges and establish himself as a key player in the NHL. It may be too late to every live up to that 2nd overall selection however.
NEW YORK RANGERS –
Kaapo Kakko (2019, 2nd overall, New York Rangers): It’s only 5 years out so the final verdict is not out yet. Drafted second overall by the Rangers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Kakko is known for his size, strength, and offensive skill however that offence they were hoping for has not yet been seen at the NHL level 5 years later. While Kakko has faced some challenges in his early NHL career, he remains a promising young player to the NYR franchise with the potential to become a significant contributor to the Rangers in their eyes and fans too. Still developing, but has shown flashes of brilliance and potential to become a top-line forward. 5 years in and 2nd overall pick should be considered a disaster at that spot. Currently he has 97 points in 236 games.
Players career’s of not living up to expectations should serve as a cautionary tale about the pressures and pitfalls of being a highly-touted draft pick. While they have undeniable talent, they are not always able to translate it into sustained success at the NHL level. I have omitted a couple key draft day disasters in the Top 5 that you may have watched . Let us know in the comments if someone else is missing that you believe should be on this list as well.
Keep on Keeping on!
Evan ‘REV’ Renaerts / You can follow me on X @revingev
For news going on in the hockey world and future Prospects in Jr hockey you can head over to REVS TOP 15 where I post yearly prospects that I see as players who will end with the best careers. (Special thanks to several Scouts and agents around several Hockey leagues across North America & Europe for sending me stats and stories for many places I am unable to be at myself.) Also I post and share several newest updates and rumours around the world of hockey at every level including the NHL.
