#27

Best Picks- Joe Nieuwendyk (1983) & Scott Gomez (1998)

Worst

Ari Ahonen was perhaps the most questionable first-round pick made by former General Manager Lou Lamoriello. The writer points out that the Finnish goaltender never played a single game for the Devils or in the NHL, making it an unusual choice. The draft itself was historic as it marked the first time that Europeans were selected in the top four picks. Ahonen came from the SM-liiga and was among the 15 European players, including three goalies, chosen in the first round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

At the time of Ahonen’s selection, Martin Brodeur, who was 27 years old, was in his prime. Choosing Ahonen didn’t seem to align with the team’s needs, as Lamoriello had always valued organizational depth. However, the writer speculates that Lamoriello may have viewed Ahonen as the best player available. Despite Brodeur’s status as one of the league’s top goaltenders, the Devils had only won a single playoff series since their Stanley Cup championship in 1995 and had suffered first-round upsets for two consecutive seasons. This raises the question of whether Lamoriello’s faith in Brodeur was wavering, leading him to explore other options.

Ahonen arrived in North America in 2001 and played five seasons in Albany, appearing in 178 games with a record of 51-118-16. He then returned to Europe and had stints in the SEL, KHL, and SM-liiga over the next 10 seasons. Looking back, the writer suggests that Lamoriello’s decision to select Ahonen could be understood if he had the mindset of choosing the best player available. However, it’s worth mentioning that, at the time, nobody knew that Ahonen would be passed over for several other goalies who went on to have successful NHL careers, such as Alex Auld, Craig Anderson, and Ryan Miller.

Mike Morris stands as a prime example of an NHL draft bust, as he never played a single game in the NHL and had a rather unremarkable career overall. After completing four years at Northeastern University, Morris only managed to appear in 26 games in the AHL before ultimately deciding to retire. Although being selected 27th overall may not initially seem like an overly early pick, it becomes evident that the San Jose Sharks missed out on several notable players in the 2002 draft by choosing Morris. Notably, they passed up the opportunity to select Duncan Keith, Jiri Hudler, Johnny Boychuk, and Frans Nielsen, all of whom went on to have successful NHL careers.

The Sharks had two picks in the first round, either of which could have been used to select Duncan Keith. It’s difficult not to imagine the tantalizing scenario of Keith donning a Sharks uniform and lifting the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, the Sharks have yet to capture the elusive championship, and Morris certainly did not contribute to their cause. Despite never playing an NHL game, Morris’s draft position and lack of impact make him a more significant bust than others on the list.

Injuries proved to be a significant obstacle for Morris. Towards the end of his college career, he experienced severe concussion issues, which significantly hampered his playing time in the AHL (He only played 26 AHL games in total). Ultimately, these injuries took their toll, leading to his retirement from professional hockey after the 2008-09 season. The unfortunate circumstances surrounding Morris’s health prevented him from realizing his potential and solidified his status as an NHL draft bust.

Philippe Paradis is often regarded as a draft bust from the 2009 NHL Draft due to his lack of success in the professional hockey world. Paradis was chosen as the 27th overall pick by the Carolina Hurricanes, which suggested that he had promising potential at the time. However, his career trajectory failed to live up to expectations.

Following his draft selection, Paradis struggled to find his footing in the NHL. He never managed to crack the Hurricanes’ lineup and didn’t play a single game in the NHL. This lack of NHL presence is a significant factor in labeling him a draft bust. Expectations were high for a first-round pick, and Paradis’s inability to make an impact at the highest level reflected a disappointing outcome.

Paradis’s professional career mostly consisted of playing in the minor leagues. He spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with various teams, including the Rockford IceHogs and the Syracuse Crunch. However, he never managed to establish himself as a standout player or make a significant impact in the AHL either. Paradis struggled to produce consistent offensive numbers and failed to demonstrate the skills and potential that warranted his first-round selection.

After his time in the AHL, Paradis embarked on a journey played in Slovenia for a season. He then finished up his career in the Quebec goon league where he currently plays. Ultimately, Paradis’s career after being drafted in 2009 was marked by underwhelming performances and an inability to live up to his initial potential. He failed to make an impact in the NHL, struggled to find success in the minor leagues. These factors, combined with his first-round draft status, contribute to his classification as a draft bust from the 2009 NHL Draft.

Winner- Mike Morris.

#26

Best Picks- Claude Lemieux (1983) & David Perron (2007)

Worst

Kevin Grimes never played a game in the NHL. After his junior career as a stay at home defenecman he went and played the same boring game in the ECHL and the IHL (for only 9 games). In the East Coast League he played with such teams as The Pee Dee Pride, the Mobile Mysticks, and the Jackson Bandits. One scout said this about him “A plug. Should have never been drafted in the first round.”

Martin Vanger was chosen by the Dallas Stars as the 26th overall pick in the 2002 draft. This talented defenseman showcased a promising performance during his tenure with the Hull Olympics of the QMJHL, which is now known as the Gatineau Olympics, managing to accumulate an impressive 34 points throughout 64 games. Unfortunately, Vanger failed to replicate his success at the junior level thereafter. With a mere 44 points recorded across 139 QMJHL games, he failed to garner much attention from the Stars, ultimately leading to their decision not to sign him. Following his junior hockey stint, Vanger pursued a professional career in his native Czech Republic, where he continues to play in the Czech 4 division (which appears to be a glorified beer league for old Czech guys) However, he currently finds himself navigating between the second and third-tier leagues, constantly seeking a stable position to further his hockey journey.

Winner- Martin Vagner- As bad as Kevin Grimes is and as much as a plug as he may of been even in the ECHL. He isn’t or never was as bad as Vagner.

#25

Best Picks- Mark Howe (1974) & David Pastrnak (2014)

Worst

Patrick White was selected 25th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was a highly regarded prospect at the time, known for his size, skill, and scoring ability. However, White’s professional career did not pan out as expected, and he is often referred to as a “bust.”

The hype surrounding White stemmed from his success in the United States high school hockey system. He played for Grand Rapids High School in Minnesota and put up impressive numbers, which caught the attention of NHL scouts. His combination of size (6’1″ and 190 pounds) and offensive prowess made him an attractive prospect.

After being drafted, White decided to forgo college hockey and committed to playing for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. However, his time at Minnesota was plagued by various personal and performance-related issues. He struggled to adjust to the college game and faced difficulties both on and off the ice. In his freshman season, White dealt with injuries that limited his playing time, and he failed to make a significant impact when he did play. Off the ice, he faced personal challenges that affected his focus and overall performance. These issues included homesickness, mental health concerns, and a lack of confidence.

White’s struggles continued into his sophomore season, and he ultimately decided to leave the University of Minnesota. White’s professional career prospects dwindled, as he played in places like The German third division, Slovakia, Norway, Allsvenskan, and France. He eventually chose to leave the sport entirely.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single factor that led to White being labeled a bust, his inability to adapt to the college game, combined with personal issues, played a significant role in his downfall. His story serves as a reminder that success in the NHL requires not only talent but also mental resilience and the ability to overcome challenges both on and off the ice.

Winner- Patrick White. No one else is close