List of first overall NHL draft picks
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The NHL entry draft, originally known as the NHL amateur draft, is a collective meeting in which the franchises of the National Hockey League (NHL) systematically select the exclusive rights to available amateur players who meet the eligibility requirements to play professional hockey in the NHL. First held in 1963, the draft prior to 1969 was a shorter affair. Any amateur player who was aged 17 years and older and was not already sponsored by an NHL club was eligible to be drafted. In 1969 the rules were changed so that any amateur player between the ages of 17 and 20 was eligible to be drafted.[1] The draft has grown, and in 2021, 223 players were selected over seven rounds.[2]
A total of 61 different players have been selected first. Of those, 44 have been Canadian, eight American, three Russian, two Czech, two Swedish, one Slovak and one Swiss. Every first overall pick taken between 1968 and 2016 has played in at least 299 NHL games.[3] Three players retired without having played an NHL game.
The Montreal Canadiens have had the most first overall picks of any other team, selecting six players first overall since 1963. The Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights have never selected first overall. Five players have come from the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, more than any other team. Twelve players have won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year: Gilbert Perreault, Denis Potvin, Bobby Smith, Dale Hawerchuk, Mario Lemieux, Bryan Berard, Alexander Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Nathan MacKinnon, Aaron Ekblad, Auston Matthews and Connor Bedard . Nine have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: Perreault, Potvin, Guy Lafleur, Eric Lindros, Hawerchuk, Lemieux, Pierre Turgeon, Mats Sundin and Mike Modano.
First overall picks
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Mats Sundin, drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1989, the first European player to be picked first overall.
- Key
| bold | Active in the NHL |
| ‡ | Expansion team |
| ^ | Calder Memorial Trophy winner |
| * | Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame |
| # | Calder Memorial Trophy winner and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame |
| ¤ | No games played in the NHL[4] |
| Draft | Selected by | Player | Nationality | Position | Amateur/junior/former club | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Montreal Canadiens | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | St. Michael's Buzzers | CJBHL |
| 1964 | Detroit Red Wings | Script error: No such module "Sort". ¤ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Comité des jeunes (Rosemont) | QC Midget |
| 1965 | New York Rangers | Script error: No such module "Sort". ¤ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Montreal Rangers Jr. B | QC Jr. B |
| 1966 | Boston Bruins | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Estevan Bruins | SJHL |
| 1967 | Los Angeles Kings‡ | Script error: No such module "Sort". ¤ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Garson Native Sons | NOHA |
| 1968 | Montreal Canadiens | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Goaltender | Drummondville Rangers | QMJHL |
| 1969 | Montreal Canadiens | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Montreal Junior Canadiens | OHA |
| 1970 | Buffalo Sabres‡ | Script error: No such module "Sort". # | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Montreal Junior Canadiens | OHA |
| 1971 | Montreal Canadiens | Script error: No such module "Sort". * | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Quebec Remparts | QMJHL |
| 1972 | New York Islanders‡ | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Peterborough Petes | OHA |
| 1973 | New York Islanders | Script error: No such module "Sort". # | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Ottawa 67's | OHA |
| 1974 | Washington Capitals | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Regina Pats | WCHL |
| 1975 | Philadelphia Flyers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Victoria Cougars | WCHL |
| 1976 | Washington Capitals | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | London Knights | OHA |
| 1977 | Detroit Red Wings | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Hamilton Fincups | OHA |
| 1978 | Minnesota North Stars | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Ottawa 67's | OHA |
| 1979 | Colorado Rockies | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | London Knights | OHA |
| 1980 | Montreal Canadiens | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Regina Pats | WHL |
| 1981 | Winnipeg Jets | Script error: No such module "Sort". # | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Cornwall Royals | QMJHL |
| 1982 | Boston Bruins | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Billings Bighorns | WHL |
| 1983 | Minnesota North Stars | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Mount Saint Charles Mounties | USHS-RI |
| 1984 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Script error: No such module "Sort". # | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Laval Voisins | QMJHL |
| 1985 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman1 | Saskatoon Blades | WHL |
| 1986 | Detroit Red Wings | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Michigan State Spartans | CCHA |
| 1987 | Buffalo Sabres | Script error: No such module "Sort". * | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Granby Bisons | QMJHL |
| 1988 | Minnesota North Stars | Script error: No such module "Sort". * | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Prince Albert Raiders | WHL |
| 1989 | Quebec Nordiques | Script error: No such module "Sort". * | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Nacka HK | Swe-2 |
| 1990 | Quebec Nordiques | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Cornwall Royals | OHL |
| 1991 | Quebec Nordiques | Script error: No such module "Sort". * | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Oshawa Generals | OHL |
| 1992 | Tampa Bay Lightning‡ | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | HC Zlin | CS-1HL |
| 1993 | Ottawa Senators | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Victoriaville Tigres | QMJHL |
| 1994 | Florida Panthers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Windsor Spitfires | OHL |
| 1995 | Ottawa Senators | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Detroit Junior Red Wings | OHL |
| 1996 | Ottawa Senators | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Prince Albert Raiders | WHL |
| 1997 | Boston Bruins | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds | OHL |
| 1998 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Rimouski Oceanic | QMJHL |
| 1999 | Atlanta Thrashers‡ | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Long Beach Ice Dogs | IHL |
| 2000 | New York Islanders | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Goaltender | Boston University Terriers | HEA |
| 2001 | Atlanta Thrashers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Spartak Moscow | RUS-2 |
| 2002 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | London Knights | OHL |
| 2003 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Goaltender | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles | QMJHL |
| 2004 | Washington Capitals | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Dynamo Moscow | RSL |
| 2005 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Rimouski Océanic | QMJHL |
| 2006 | St. Louis Blues | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | U.S. NTDP | NAHL |
| 2007 | Chicago Blackhawks | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | London Knights | OHL |
| 2008 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Sarnia Sting | OHL |
| 2009 | New York Islanders | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | London Knights | OHL |
| 2010 | Edmonton Oilers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Windsor Spitfires | OHL |
| 2011 | Edmonton Oilers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Red Deer Rebels | WHL |
| 2012 | Edmonton Oilers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Sarnia Sting | OHL |
| 2013 | Colorado Avalanche | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Halifax Mooseheads | QMJHL |
| 2014 | Florida Panthers | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Barrie Colts | OHL |
| 2015 | Edmonton Oilers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Erie Otters | OHL |
| 2016 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | ZSC Lions | NLA |
| 2017 | New Jersey Devils | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | Halifax Mooseheads | QMJHL |
| 2018 | Buffalo Sabres | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Defenceman | Frolunda HC | SHL |
| 2019 | New Jersey Devils | Script error: No such module "Sort". | Script error: No such module "sort". | Forward | U.S. NTDP | USHL |
| 2020 | New York Rangers | Script error: No such module "Sort". | File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada | Forward | Rimouski Océanic | QMJHL |
| 2021 | Buffalo Sabres | Script error: No such module "Sort". | File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada | Defenceman | Michigan Wolverines | Big Ten |
| 2022 | Montreal Canadiens | Script error: No such module "Sort". | File:Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia | Forward | TPS | Liiga |
| 2023 | Chicago Blackhawks | Script error: No such module "Sort". ^ | File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada | Forward | Regina Pats | WHL |
| 2024 | San Jose Sharks | Script error: No such module "Sort". | File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada | Forward | Boston University Terriers | Hockey East |
| 2025 | New York Islanders | Script error: No such module "Sort". | File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada | Defenceman | Erie Otters | OHL |
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- Notes
- Wendel Clark was drafted as a defenceman
First overall picks by team
- Color key
- <templatestyles src="Legend/styles.css" /> Has never been awarded a first overall pick
- <templatestyles src="Legend/styles.css" /> Franchise is defunct
| Team | Last #1 overall pick | Total picks awarded/made | Trades/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 2022 | 4(6) | Acquired pick from Devils (Rockies) in 1980 Acquired pick from the Golden Seals in 1971 |
| New Jersey Devils (formerly Kansas City Scouts/Colorado Rockies) |
2019 | 5(3) | Traded pick to Bruins in 1982
Traded pick to Canadiens in 1980 |
| Florida Panthers | 2014 | 5(2) | Traded pick to Blue Jackets in 2002 Traded pick to Penguins in 2003 Traded pick to Lightning in 1998 |
| Washington Capitals | 2004 | 4(3) | Traded pick to Flyers in 1975 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 2008 | 4(3) | Traded pick to Jets (Thrashers) in 1999 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 2005 | 3(3) | Acquired pick from Panthers in 2003
Traded pick to Stars (North Stars) in 1983 |
| Boston Bruins | 1997 | 2(3) | Acquired pick from Devils (Rockies) in 1982 |
| Winnipeg Jets (formerly Atlanta Thrashers) |
2001 | 1(2) | Acquired pick from Lightning in 1999 |
| California Golden Seals/Cleveland Barons (defunct) | 1971 | 1(0) | Traded pick to Canadiens in 1971 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 2002 | 0(1) | Acquired pick from Panthers in 2002 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 1975 | 0(1) | Acquired pick from Capitals in 1975 |
| Colorado Avalanche (formerly Quebec Nordiques) |
2013 | 4 | |
| New York Islanders | 2025 | 5 | |
| Edmonton Oilers | 2015 | 4 | 4 picks were awarded between the years 2010 and 2015; 3 of them awarded in consecutive years (2010, 2011, 2012) |
| Buffalo Sabres | 2021 | 4 | |
| Detroit Red Wings | 1986 | 3 | |
| Ottawa Senators | 1996 | 3 | |
| Dallas Stars (formerly Minnesota North Stars) |
1988 | 2(3) | Acquired pick from Penguins in 1983 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 2016 | 2 | |
| New York Rangers | 2020 | 2 | Held first overall pick in the 2020 draft despite taking part in the playoffs, whose format was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 2023 | 2 | |
| St. Louis Blues | 2006 | 1 | |
| Arizona Coyotes (inactive) (formerly Winnipeg Jets) |
1981 | 1 | |
| Los Angeles Kings | 1967 | 1 | |
| San Jose Sharks | 2024 | 1 | |
| Vancouver Canucks | N/A | 0 | |
| Anaheim Ducks | N/A | 0 | |
| Calgary Flames (formerly Atlanta Flames) |
N/A | 0 | |
| Vegas Golden Knights | N/A | 0 | |
| Carolina Hurricanes | N/A | 0 | |
| Seattle Kraken | N/A | 0 | |
| Nashville Predators | N/A | 0 | |
| Minnesota Wild | N/A | 0 | |
| Utah Mammoth | N/A | 0 |
See also
References
- General
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- Specific
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