#5

Worst

Before I go with Chistov here I would like to note there is a good chance that next year or the year after this fifth spot could be changed to Olli Juolevi. I think the Canucks brass was hanging out having fun on Hastings before they went to the table and made that pick. Brains must of been fried at the time. But Juolevi could stil have a career🤔

Stanislav Chistov was a highly anticipated prospect when he was drafted 5th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He showed promise early on, with a strong rookie season in the Russian Super League and an impressive debut in the NHL, scoring 30 points in his first season with the Ducks. However, his career failed to live up to expectations, and he quickly fizzled out as a notable draft bust. After his rookie season, his production dropped significantly, and he only managed to score 18 points in his sophomore season. Following that, he was demoted to the AHL, and despite a brief stint with the Boston Bruins, he was unable to regain his form. I can remember after he got drafted I thought he would be the next super star like Bure.

Ultimately, Chistov’s NHL career was disappointing, as he only played a total of 196 games and recorded just 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists). He failed to become the impactful player the Ducks had hoped for when they selected him with their top pick. After his NHL stint, Chistov returned to play in Russia, primarily in the KHL, but he was never able to replicate the success he had in his rookie season.

Prior to the 2001 draft, there was considerable hype surrounding Stanislav Chistov, with many scouts comparing his natural talent to that of Ilya Kovalchuk. Some even believed that if it weren’t for his smaller stature, he could have been a serious contender for the first overall pick. While some comparisons were drawn to Paul Kariya, it seems that these were largely based on physical attributes rather than playing style.

There were whispers circulating about Chistov possibly battling alcohol addiction, although the veracity of these claims remains uncertain. These rumors have persisted over time, and it has been suggested that Dave King, while coaching Metallurg in Russia, made comments alluding to one of his players struggling with alcohol issues, which seemed to align with Chistov’s situation. In addition to these concerns, a lack of motivation was also cited as a recurring problem for Chistov.

Overall, Chistov’s career was marked by the high expectations placed upon him due to his immense talent. However, various off-ice challenges, such as potential alcohol-related issues and a perceived lack of drive, likely hindered his ability to fulfill his potential and establish a successful and enduring NHL career.

Winner- Stanislav Chistov

#4

Best Picks- Ron Francis (1980) & Nicklas Backstrom (2006)

Worst

As bad as Bonsignore was as a pick and as terrible as Griffin Reinhart of a pick is (which is still probably fresh in many memories) No 4th overall selection was worse than Alexandre Volchkov. Most people would of even thought maybe Pavel Brendl would go here. Volchkov. Who? But lets look at them all maybe someone is worse than Volchkov.

A young American boy, who had recently moved from Rochester, New York, found himself playing in his second season with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Newmarket Royals. The team had high hopes for several young players, including Aaron Brand, Jim Brown, Paul Andrea, Todd Walker, and the boy, Jason Bonsignore. However, only Bonsignore made it to the NHL, which put additional pressure on the struggling franchise. After a disappointing season, Bonsignore was traded to the Niagara Falls team, where he joined Ethan Moreau, the future captain of the Oilers. Bonsignore had a productive season, but the Oilers and he never saw eye to eye, and his time with the team was marked by disagreements and inconsistent opportunities.

The 1994 draft brought a change in the NHL’s perspective, as teams began focusing on drafting young players with size and potential. Bonsignore found himself selected as the 4th overall pick by the Edmonton Oilers, who were aiming to rebuild their team with promising talents like Bonsignore, Joe Hulbig, Jason Arnott, and Nick Stajduhar. However, Bonsignore’s relationship with the Oilers was tumultuous from the beginning. He felt the organization did not give him a fair chance to showcase his abilities and was often moved between different teams. Despite some glimpses of success, Bonsignore’s NHL career was short-lived, as he was eventually traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played a total of 79 NHL games between the two teams before transitioning to minor league franchises and ultimately retiring from professional hockey.

Alexandre Volchkov, a highly anticipated right-winger, was chosen as the 4th Overall Selection by the Washington Capitals in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. His exceptional offensive skills while playing for the Barrie Colts in junior hockey had caught the attention of many. Despite being aware of Volchkov’s attitude issues, the Capitals believed that his talent overshadowed any potential problems. Unfortunately, Volchkov’s poor attitude prevented him from realizing his full potential as a professional player.

During his stint with the Capitals, Volchkov played in only three NHL games without registering a single point. His lackluster performance was a disappointment for the team. One notable incident occurred while he was playing for the Capitals’ minor league affiliate, the Portland Pirates. In a crucial playoff game, Volchkov abruptly walked out on the team, demonstrating he is a complete arrogant asshole.

Growing increasingly frustrated with Volchkov’s chronic underachieving and problematic behavior, the Capitals eventually traded him to the Edmonton Oilers on February 4, 2000, in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. However, Volchkov never had the opportunity to play for the Oilers’ parent club. Kevin Lowe, the former Oilers’ General Manager and coach, recalled an encounter during the training camp when Volchkov insisted on being referred to as ‘The Volch-inator,’ highlighting his inflated sense of self-importance.

After a mere twenty-five games with the Oilers’ minor league affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, team management soured on Volchkov due to his poor attitude, prompting him to return to play in Russia. The once-promising talent of Alexandre Volchkov had been overshadowed by his inability to adapt, unprofessional conduct, and failure to live up to expectations in the NHL.

I watched Reinhart alot in his draft year and after. I never understood why he was selected and praised as much as he was. I really believe it was the last name. I think he would of been a mediocre junior B player back then. Griffin Reinhart, a Canadian defenseman, was highly touted leading up to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He possessed an impressive combination of size, standing at 6’4″ and weighing over 200 pounds, and skill, with good skating ability and offensive potential. Reinhart was ranked as one of the top prospects for the draft and was ultimately selected fourth overall by the New York Islanders.

It really shouldn’t of been any surprise that Reinhart’s NHL career did not pan out as expected, leading to the label of a draft bust. After being drafted, he struggled to make a significant impact at the professional level. His defensive play and overall development fell short of the high expectations set for him. Reinhart struggled with consistency, often making mistakes and lacking the offensive production that was projected. Despite multiple opportunities with the Islanders and later the Edmonton Oilers, he failed to secure a regular spot in the NHL lineup. Since then he has played in China, Germany, and Northern Ireland with the Belfast Giants.

Winner- The VOLCHINATOR