Eight active players who made immediate impacts in the NHL following their draft years
The 2023-24 season is rapidly approaching, and with Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard and Columbus Blue Jackets nailgun Adam Fantilli set to make their triumphant NHL debuts, many folks wonder what kind of numbers they can achieve by making the jump directly to the NHL following their draft year.
Bedard needs no introduction; the 2023 first-overall pick scored 71 goals and 143 points in 57 games with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and he added 20 points in seven playoff games. Bedard was named the Canadian Hockey League’s Player of the Year.
The winner of the CHL David Branch Player of the Year award presented by @KiaCanada is Connor Bedard of the @WHLPats!
📰 | https://t.co/WbViSuMaCV pic.twitter.com/veuH8SWtHO
Like Bedard, Fantilli needs no introduction, either. He was selected third overall by the Blue Jackets and captured the Hobey Baker Award and the Tim Taylor Trophy as the NCAA’s Top Collegiate Player and Top Collegiate Rookie after scoring an NCAA-leading 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games.
Today I look back on eight active players who had impactful seasons following their draft year. This list consists of many first-overall picks and Calder Trophy winners. Another common trait is how the players were able to rally their respective cities together and rejuvenate the fanbases.
Alex Ovechkin, 1st overall, 2004 (Washington Capitals)
Ovechkin didn’t technically jump to the NHL in his draft year. But had there not been a lockout during the 2004-05 NHL season, he would have done so and played in a separate rookie class from Sidney Crosby. Ovechkin had to wait a year to make his NHL debut.
He was highly anticipated as a generational talent and often compared to other great players in the league. During his debut season with the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin immediately lived up to the hype and proved why he was so highly regarded; he showcased his incredible goal-scoring abilities, powerful shot, and remarkable speed on the ice.
During the Russian phenom’s first NHL game on October 5, 2005, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ovechkin announced his arrival by scoring two goals, setting the tone for an exceptional rookie year.
Ovechkin played in all 82 games during his rookie campaign, displaying his durability and tenacity on the ice. He finished the regular season with a jaw-dropping stat line of 52 goals and 54 assists, totalling 106 points, earning himself the Calder Trophy and setting the tone for a Crosby versus Ovechkin rivalry. That same season, he scored one of the most spectacular goals in NHL history against the Phoenix Coyotes on Jan. 16, 2006.
Ovechkin’s presence revitalized the Capitals franchise. His electric style of play and offensive contributions brought excitement and energy to the team and the fan base. He quickly became the face of the Capitals and an integral part of their future success.
The Moscow product has continued to dominate the NHL and is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the sport. Ovechkin currently sits second among all-time NHL goal scorers, just 72 behind Wayne Gretzky. He has won numerous awards, including the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for leading the league in goals a record nine times, and led the Capitals to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory in 2018.
Sidney Crosby, 1st overall, 2005 (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Crosby entered the league with enormous hype and expectations after torching the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), notching 66 goals and 102 assists in 62 games with the Rimouski Oceanic. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, Crosby lived up to the anticipation and proved his exceptional talent on the ice. During his rookie season, Crosby appeared in 81 games and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, finishing the season with 39 goals and 63 assists for 102 points.
His performance made him a top scorer and made him a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. He made an immediate impact, showcasing his remarkable skills, vision, and playmaking abilities. However, it was another generational talent on the rise from D.C. who took home the hardware.
The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, product’s impact extended beyond just his statistical achievements; he brought a renewed sense of excitement and hope to the Penguins organization and the NHL. His dynamic style of play and mature demeanour on and off the ice garnered praise from fans, teammates, and opponents alike. Even in his rookie season, Crosby demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities and was appointed the youngest captain in NHL history at the time during the 2007-2008 season when he was only 19.
During Crosby’s rookie season, he laid the foundation for an illustrious career. He has since continued to impress, amass accolades, and cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the history of pro hockey. Throughout Sid the Kid’s 18-year career thus far, he has garnished 1,502 points in 1,109 games, hoisting the Stanley Cup three times and winning the Conn Smythe, the Maurice Richard and Art Ross Trophies twice.
Patrick Kane, 1st overall, 2007 (Chicago Blackhawks)
We started the list with the future of the Blackhawks; let us end it with a player who profoundly impacted the city of Chicago.
Buffalo product Kane notched an astonishing 145 points in 58 games during the 2006-07 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season with the London Knights. Kane was unanimously projected as the No. 1 overall selection at the 2007 NHL Draft; the Chicago Blackhawks held the coveted pick and took the American.
In his first NHL game on Oct. 4, 2007, against the Minnesota Wild, Kane made an impressive debut, scoring his first NHL goal and adding an assist. He continued to dazzle throughout the season, consistently displaying his unique offensive flair and hockey IQ.
Kane played in all 82 games during his rookie campaign, displaying durability and remarkable consistency for a player his age. He finished the regular season with an outstanding 21 goals and 51 assists, totalling 72 points. His exceptional point production and offensive contributions earned him nominations for several awards, including the Calder Trophy, which he won.
His exceptional skills and impact on the Blackhawks’ offense were undeniable, and he quickly became a fan favorite in the city of Chicago. Kane’s presence on the ice rejuvenated the Blackhawks, who were in the early stages of building a championship-contending team. His dynamic style of play and offensive contributions helped propel the Blackhawks into the playoffs, marking their return to postseason action after several years of disarray.
Kane remained a cornerstone player for the Blackhawks until his departure in 2023 when he got traded to the New York Rangers. He has won numerous awards, including the Hart Memorial Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy. He played a vital role in the Blackhawks’ success, helping the team secure three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, 1st overall, 2011 (Edmonton Oilers)
After notching a whopping 106 points in 69 games during his draft year with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was ready to jump to the NHL.
Nugent-Hopkins was selected No. 1 overall at the 2011 NHL Draft; he was the Oilers’ second straight first-overall selection after taking Taylor Hall No. 1 in 2010. Nugent-Hopkins entered the league with high expectations, as he was known for his exceptional offensive skills and playmaking abilities with the Rebels.
In his first NHL game on October 9, 2011, against the Penguins, Nugent-Hopkins scored his first goal and registered an assist, making an impressive debut in the league. He played 62 games during his rookie campaign, as he missed some time due to injuries. Despite the absence, he still managed to tally 18 goals and 34 assists, totalling 52 points in his rookie season. His scoring touch and offensive contributions made him a finalist for the Calder Trophy, which Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog won.
Beyond his point production, Nugent-Hopkins’ versatility and ability to contribute in all situations were evident during his rookie season. He quickly became essential to the Oilers’ roster and demonstrated leadership qualities beyond his years. Nugent-Hopkins has remained a key player for the Edmonton Oilers, providing consistent scoring and contributing to the team’s success. While he faced some injury challenges over the years, he remained a valuable asset, and his skillset made him an important player in the Oilers’ lineup.
Gabriel Landeskog, 2nd overall, 2011 (Colorado Avalanche)
Swedish star Landeskog was taken No. 2 overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by the Avalanche behind Nugent-Hopkins. The two rookies battled it out for the Calder Trophy, ultimately awarded to Landeskog.
Landeskog made an immediate impact and quickly became an integral part of the Avs. He showcased his physicality, offensive skills, and defensive responsibility on the ice. In his very first NHL game on Oct. 8, 2011, against the Detroit Red Wings, Landeskog scored his first NHL goal, making an instant impression on the league. He played in all 82 games during his rookie campaign, displaying durability and consistency in his performance. He finished the regular season with an impressive stat line of 22 goals and 30 assists, totalling 52 points.
Landeskog’s impact extended beyond the scoresheet. He quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches with his work ethic, competitiveness, and willingness to do whatever it took to help the team succeed. At 19 years and 286 days old, the Avalanche named Landeskog the youngest captain in NHL history.
Since his rookie year, Landeskog has remained a key player for the Avalanche, serving as their team captain since the 2012-2013 season. He has been a consistent scorer, a physical presence on the ice, and a driving force behind the team’s success. He won a Stanley Cup with the Avs in 2021-22.
Nathan MacKinnon, 1st overall, 2013 (Colorado Avalanche)
Following an illustrious season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, which saw Nathan MacKinnon notch 75 points in 44 regular season games and add 33 points in 17 QMJHL Playoff games as the Moosheads went on to capture the Memorial Cup, the league’s next big star from Cole Harbour was anxiously awaiting to make his NHL debut.
MacKinnon was selected No. 1 overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Draft. He eagerly entered the league, regarded as a promising young talent. Throughout his rookie campaign, MacKinnon’s performance was impressive. He played in all 82 games for the Avalanche and finished the regular season with an outstanding stat line of 24 goals and 39 assists, earning him the Calder Trophy.
Beyond his individual achievements, MacKinnon played an instrumental role in the resurgence of the Avs that season. His contributions helped the team secure a playoff spot and played a vital part in their playoff run.
MacKinnon has continued to grow and develop into one of the league’s premier players. He has earned numerous All-Star selections, is a three-time Hart Trophy finalist, won the Lady Byng Trophy, hoisted Lord Stanley in 2021-22, and has consistently been among the league’s top point producers.
Connor McDavid, 1st overall, 2015 (Edmonton Oilers)
McDavid ignited the OHL during his draft year, registering 120 points in 47 games and taking home the CHL Player of the Year Award, along with other hardware. He left the OHL as one of the most decorated players in the league’s history. Much like Bedard, McDavid was highly touted since he was a young teen, and it was no surprise to anyone to see the Edmonton Oilers take the generational talent with the first overall selection at the 2015 NHL Draft.
McDavid immediately lived up to the superstar expectations and showcased his exceptional speed and skill. In his first NHL game on October 8, 2015, against the St. Louis Blues, the Richmond Hill, Ontario, product found the back of the net. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken collarbone early in the season, which temporarily sidelined him for several months.
Despite the injury setback, which caused him to miss 37 games, McDavid returned to the ice and continued to create highlight-reel plays. His talent and contributions were undeniable as he registered 16 goals and 32 assists, totalling 48 points in limited playing time. With many highlights during his rookie campaign, at the top of the list would be his five-point game on Feb. 11, 2016, against the Maple Leafs.
During the 2022-23 season, McDavid became the 22nd NHL player to score at least 60 goals in a season after he racked up 64 goals and 153 points in 82 games. His 153 points marked the first time an NHL player had that many since Mario Lemieux had 160 in 1995-96.
McDavid continues to amaze hockey fans with his extraordinary talent and has solidified his place as one of the best players in the world. He has won five Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading point scorer, one Maurice Richard Trophy, three Hart Trophies and four Ted Lindsay Awards.
Auston Matthews, 1st overall, 2016 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Auston Matthews took the more scenic route to the draft floor and played in Switzerland during his draft year, scoring 46 points in 36 games and helping the ZSC Lions capture the Swiss Cup. Ultimately, he was taken No. 1 overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016.
During his rookie campaign, Matthews played in all 82 games. In his first NHL game on Oct. 12, 2016, against the Ottawa Senators in the Battle of Ontario, he put on an unforgettable performance, scoring an awe-inspiring four goals. This remarkable feat in his debut game made him the first player in modern NHL history to score four goals in his first game.
The California-born, Arizona-raised product consistently showcased his exceptional goal-scoring ability, incredible hockey sense, and overall skill on the ice throughout the 2016-17 season. He finished the regular season with an impressive 40 goals and 29 assists, totalling 69 points. His scoring prowess and playmaking ability earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
Matthews’ debut season profoundly impacted the Maple Leafs franchise, as he played a crucial role in the team’s resurgence and brought hope to the fan base. His contributions helped the Maple Leafs secure a playoff spot, making it the team’s first postseason appearance since the 2012-2013 season.
Matthews has continued to excel and has solidified his place as one of the league’s elite players. He has earned multiple All-Star selections, won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for leading the NHL in goals after notching 60 in 2021-22, and become a cornerstone player for Toronto.
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