The Best NHL Draft Picks Over The Last 10 Years
The NHL draft is incredibly important. It can set the tone for franchises frolicking in midtable mediocrity and potentially help them take the step up into the annals of history. It’s that consequential.
Just take a look at Mario Lemieux, the 1984 first round pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a transformational find, scoring 1,723 points (690 goals and 1,033 assists) for a 1.88 points per game average - only Wayne Gretzky averaged higher. His career was ravaged by injury, but he made a lasting impact and helped advance the fortunes of his team.
We are casting an eye to more recent times by looking at the top 10 NHL best draft picks since 2016.
Take a look and see if you agree with our findings.
NHL 2024 Pick of the Year - Macklin Celebrini (first overall, San Jose Sharks)
Macklin Celebrini’s college and rookie year validated why San Jose chose him first in 2024. Celebrini arrived as a two-way center with pro-level strength, speed and scoring instincts, which he exhibited with a memorable NHL hat-trick against the Minnesota Wild, becoming the first rookie last year to do so.
He then bagged 25 goals and racked up 63 points in 70 games as a rookie, finishing as a Calder finalist, and showed the polish of a top-line pivot despite his youth.
He likes to pick his puck battles wisely, is a tenacious driver of play at both ends, and contributes in high-leverage situations, giving San Jose a foundational piece right away. For the short but meaningful window since the 2024 draft, Celebrini’s immediate impact — rare for such a young player — makes him the best pick from that year.
NHL 2023 Pick of the Year - Connor Bedard (62nd overall, Chicago Blackhawks)
Connor Bedard arrived at the Chicago Blackhawks with extraordinary hype — many argued he was the closest the NHL has seen to a generational scoring prospect since Connor McDavid. Drafted first overall in 2023, Bedard’s elite shot, finish and hockey sense translated quickly to the NHL; he immediately became Chicago’s offensive focal point and one of the most exciting young scorers in the league.
Even accounting for the challenges in putting a young star on a rebuilding roster, Bedard’s combination of historic junior dominance and early NHL production makes him the obvious top pick from 2023. The long-term expectation is a franchise-transforming scorer who will redefine the Blackhawks’ timeline. He deserves his place in the pantheon.
Here’s hoping his injury record improves, though. He spent too long on the reserve list.
NHL 2022 Pick of the Year – Logan Cooley (third overall, Arizona Coyotes)
Logan Cooley’s development since being drafted in 2022 has fully justified Arizona’s decision to make him their franchise centerpiece. After dazzling in college with the University of Minnesota, Cooley transitioned to the NHL with the same blend of creativity, speed, and fearless puck control that made him a top prospect.
In his rookie campaign, Cooley recorded 20 goals and 45 assists, showing instant chemistry with Arizona’s young core and proving he could drive offense from the center position. His highlight-reel plays — including a spectacular coast-to-coast goal that went viral — showcased why many scouts pegged him as one of the most dynamic players in his class.
NHL 2021 Pick of the Year – Matty Beniers (2nd overall, Seattle Kraken)
As the Seattle Kraken’s first-ever draft selection, Matty Beniers carried immense expectations — and he’s exceeded them. Chosen second overall in 2021, Beniers became the face of the NHL’s newest franchise almost overnight.
He blends the responsibility of a veteran two-way center with the energy of a young star. His rookie campaign, culminating in the 2023 Calder Trophy, showcased his intelligence, speed, and ability to control play without sacrificing defense. Beniers excels in transition, supports teammates in all zones, and is trusted in every game situation — rare traits for a player so early in his career.
In a league dominated by elite centers, Beniers’ rise gives Seattle a foundation few expansion teams ever find so quickly. His maturity, work ethic, and leadership have set a tone for the Kraken organization. For his blend of talent, impact, and timing, he stands as the best selection of the 2021 draft.
NHL 2020 Pick of the Year – Tim Stützle (3rd overall, Ottawa Senators)
When the Ottawa Senators selected Tim Stützle third overall in 2020, they knew they were getting flair — but few anticipated just how complete his game would become.
Stützle is one of the NHL’s most dynamic young forwards: fast, creative, and capable of taking over a game. His ability to handle the puck at top speed and generate offense from anywhere on the ice has made him Ottawa’s centerpiece. Within three seasons, he evolved from promising rookie to point-per-game superstar, finishing among the league’s top scorers.
Equally impressive is his willingness to battle defensively and adapt his game to team needs. Stützle’s vision, competitive drive, and relentless pace make him a franchise cornerstone. Considering his steady progression and long-term upside, no player from the 2020 draft has provided more combined skill, leadership, and production.
NHL 2019 Pick of the Year – Jack Hughes (1st overall, New Jersey Devils)
Jack Hughes’ development into a superstar has been one of the most rewarding storylines in recent Devils history. Drafted first overall in 2019, Hughes endured a tough rookie season before blossoming into one of the league’s elite offensive centers.
By 2023, Hughes had posted back-to-back 40-goal seasons, showing off explosive acceleration, pinpoint passing, and the ability to dictate pace. His creativity makes teammates better — the hallmark of an elite playmaker. He’s the engine of New Jersey’s offense, the face of the franchise, and one of the league’s most watchable players.
Hughes’ perseverance and steady progression underline why he’s the best pick of 2019. While others in his draft class have developed into solid contributors, none have matched his combination of flair, consistency, and leadership. The Devils struck gold in Hughes — a player built for the modern NHL.
NHL 2018 Pick of the Year – Rasmus Dahlin (1st overall, Buffalo Sabres)
The Buffalo Sabres selected Rasmus Dahlin first overall in 2018 with hopes he’d become their defensive cornerstone — and he’s delivered exactly that. Dahlin’s elite skating, puck control, and awareness make him a complete two-way defenseman capable of controlling every facet of the game.
After early development years, Dahlin blossomed into one of the NHL’s premier blueliners, consistently posting 50–70 points while handling heavy defensive assignments. He leads the Sabres in ice time, quarterbacks the power play, and provides the stability their rebuild desperately needed.
At just 25, Dahlin already ranks among the league’s best at his position. His consistency and leadership are invaluable to a young roster. In hindsight, Buffalo’s faith in Dahlin as a franchise pillar was entirely justified — making him the clear standout from the 2018 draft class.
NHL 2017 Pick of the Year – Cale Makar (4th overall, Colorado Avalanche)
Few defensemen have changed the game like Cale Makar. Drafted fourth overall in 2017, Makar brought a rare blend of speed, intelligence, and offensive creativity to Colorado’s blue line.
From his Calder Trophy-winning rookie year to his 2022 Norris and Conn Smythe triumphs, Makar has established himself as a generational defenseman. His skating allows him to dominate transition play, his puck movement powers the Avalanche’s offense, and his shot makes him a constant scoring threat.
What makes Makar the best pick of 2017 isn’t just his accolades — it’s how quickly he became the defining player at his position. His presence lifted Colorado to Stanley Cup glory and set a new standard for modern defensemen. In any re-draft, he’d be the undisputed No. 1.
NHL 2016 Pick of the Year – Auston Matthews (1st overall, Toronto Maple Leafs)
Auston Matthews’ debut set the tone — four goals in his first NHL game. Since that night, he’s become the face of the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the greatest pure goal scorers of his generation.
Drafted first overall in 2016, Matthews immediately became a franchise-changing player. His elite shot, intelligence, and off-puck movement have fueled multiple 40–60 goal seasons and a Hart Trophy campaign. Beyond statistics, Matthews transformed Toronto into a perennial contender, leading by example with both skill and defensive commitment. Nearly a decade later, he’s justified every bit of his top-pick status — and arguably surpassed it. His combination of consistency, leadership, and record-breaking scoring makes him the defining player of the 2016 class. Matthews didn’t just live up to the hype — he rewrote what a modern power center can be.