#7

Best Picks-Bernie Federko (1976) & Shane Doan (1995)

Worst

Lars Jonsson, a defenseman, was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2000 NHL draft. However, his NHL career failed to live up to the expectations associated with such a high draft position. Jonsson played only eight games in the NHL, recording two assists but no goals. He ended with a minus-four plus/minus rating, indicating his struggles on the ice.

Despite being chosen by the Bruins, Jonsson and the team could not agree on a contract, leading him to remain in Sweden. It was not until 2006 that he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as an unrestricted free agent. Unfortunately, his time with the Flyers was short-lived, lasting only two seasons primarily with their AHL affiliate.

Jonsson’s career trajectory continued to decline when he returned to Sweden in 2008. Arthritis eventually forced him to retire in 2013, marking the end of his playing days. This return to Sweden highlighted the lack of success he experienced during his North American hockey tenure.

One factor contributing to Jonsson’s underwhelming performance was the skepticism surrounding his draft selection. Scouts were surprised by his seventh overall pick, with many struggling to locate him on their draft lists. Central Scouting ranked him 11th in Europe, and NHL scouts believed he was chosen too high. This suggests that he may have been overestimated and projected as a player with greater potential than he could fulfill.

To further emphasize his draft bust status, notable players like Ron Hainsey, Brooks Orpik, and Niklas Kronwall were selected after Jonsson in the 2000 NHL draft. These players went on to have more successful careers, underscoring the disappointment surrounding Jonsson’s lack of impact in the NHL.

In conclusion, Lars Jonsson’s NHL career as the seventh overall pick in the 2000 draft fell far short of expectations. Limited playing time, contract disputes, and a return to Sweden all contributed to his status as a draft bust. Despite the circumstances, it is important to consider the challenges and uncertainties involved in the NHL draft process, which can lead to unexpected outcomes for both players and teams.

Winner- Lars Jonsson

#6

Best Picks- Paul Coffey (1980) & Ryan Smyth (1994)

Worst

When I first seen Daniel Tkaczuk at an U18 tournament in 1996 I thought he was one of the best players on the ice and was going to be a star in the NHL. He was the captain on a team with Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Nick Boynton to name a few. Tkaczuk was actually selected before Joe Thornton in the 1995 OHL draft.

Daniel Tkaczuk’s selection as the 6th overall pick in the 1997 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames seemed promising at the time. With impressive performances in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), including multiple 40-goal seasons with the Barrie Colts and leading Team Canada to a gold medal in the 1999 World Junior Championship, Tkaczuk was seen as a potential star. However, his career failed to live up to expectations.

Tkaczuk’s NHL career was disappointingly short-lived, appearing in only 19 games for the Calgary Flames. His point totals of 4 goals and 7 assists, amounting to 11 points, were far from what was anticipated from a top-10 draft selection. In comparison to the other players chosen in the top 12 of the 1997 draft, all of whom played at least 250 NHL games, Tkaczuk’s limited impact was glaring.

Although Tkaczuk was drafted ahead of notable players like Marian Hossa, his career trajectory did not match those of his peers. The Flames missed out on the opportunity to select players like Paul Mara (7th overall), Sergei Samsonov (8th overall), and Marian Hossa (12th overall), who went on to have successful NHL careers. In retrospect, it became clear that Tkaczuk’s selection was a missed opportunity for Calgary.

There were various factors contributing to Tkaczuk’s underwhelming career, with some attributing his struggles to character issues. However, the primary cause was a devastating concussion that not only limited his development but also affected his hockey sense, his most valuable asset. This injury’s impact on Tkaczuk’s career serves as a reminder of the long-lasting consequences of concussions in hockey and the importance of recognizing their effects.

Ultimately, Tkaczuk’s story highlights the unpredictability of the NHL Draft and the challenges young players face in transitioning from junior hockey to the professional level. Despite his promising beginnings, Tkaczuk’s inability to establish himself in the NHL and his limited impact on the ice label him as a draft bust. His case serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that success in junior hockey does not always guarantee a successful career in the NHL.

Brian Finley, (ironically enough team mate at the time with the guy posted above) selected by the Nashville Predators as the 6th overall pick in the 1999 NHL draft, is widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in the organization’s history. Despite showing promise during his junior hockey career with the Barrie Colts in the OHL and earning a spot on Canada’s U20 World Juniors team, (Once as a 17 year old) Finley’s professional career failed to live up to expectations.

His struggles began in the ’01-’02 season when he re-aggravated a groin injury, which kept him sidelined for the entire year. This setback severely hampered his development at the age of 20 and ultimately had a detrimental effect on his career. Upon his return from injury the following season, Finley found himself in a crowded crease battle with notable goaltenders such as Tomas Vokoun, Mike Dunham, Wade Flaherty, and Jan Lasak.

Finley managed to appear in just one NHL game for the Predators, allowing three goals on 13 shots in 47 minutes. The majority of his playing time was spent in the AHL, where he served as a full-time goaltender until his contract expired with the Predators. In 2006, he signed with the Boston Bruins but only made two starts for the team that year.

After a total of four NHL starts throughout his career, Finley made the decision to retire from professional hockey following the 2006-07 season. His lack of success and limited opportunities at the highest level of the sport solidified his status as an NHL draft bust.

Comparisons to other players drafted in the same round further emphasize the disappointment surrounding Finley’s career. The players chosen immediately after him, such as Taylor Pyatt, Barret Jackman, Nick Boynton, and Martin Havlat, all enjoyed more successful and impactful careers in the NHL. Finley is now a cop in Toronto. Thats nuts being a goalie is a hard enough job then you go to be a cop which is probably equally as hard🙄🤪

Winner- Brian Finley- You would think after his selection in 99 it may of turned others off from drafting goalies so high. One got drafted a tad higher the next year🙄😔