The NHL Draft is an exciting time for hockey fans, as it marks the beginning of a new season and the start of a new era for many teams. Every year, teams select players from all over the world in hopes of finding the next star player. The 20th overall pick is often seen as a wild card, as it is usually too early to predict who will become a star and who will be a bust. However, by looking at the career paths of 20th overall picks from the past, we can gain insight into what teams should expect when making this selection.
When examining the career paths of 20th overall picks, it is important to note that not all players reach their full potential. Some players may never make it to the NHL, while others may become stars. However, there are some common trends that can be observed. For example, many 20th overall picks have gone on to have successful NHL careers. Some of the most notable 20th overall picks include Hall of Famers such as Joe Sakic and Sergei Fedorov, as well as current stars like Brad Marchand and Blake Wheeler.
In addition to these stars, there have been several 20th overall picks who have had solid, but not spectacular NHL careers. These players often become reliable role players or depth players for their respective teams. Examples of these players include Ryan Kesler, Matt Stajan, and Kyle Turris. While these players may not have reached the heights of some of their peers, they have still been able to carve out successful NHL careers.
Finally, there have been some 20th overall picks who have failed to make an impact in the NHL. These players often struggle to make an impact at the NHL level and may end up playing in other leagues or retiring early. Examples of these players include Alexander Svitov and Nikita Filatov.
Overall, the 20th overall pick in the NHL Draft can be a risky selection for teams. While some teams have been able to find stars with this pick, others have not been so lucky. By examining the career paths of 20th overall picks from the past, teams can gain insight into what they should expect when making this selection.
