I am going to look back at previous drafts and re-draft the top ten with the hindsight we have now. This will value their entire body of work over the years not just where they are in the present moment. I'm looking for who would provide the most value over their careers to this point even if they may be in decline (spoiler the players today are all ~31 years old). The first draft up is 2005, otherwise known as the Sidney Crosby draft. Original draft slot will be in parenthesis.
1. Sidney Crosby (1)
He's the best player of his generation. The Penguins were lucky to get him.
2. Anze Kopitar (11)
One of the very best two way forwards in hockey. After shedding Daryll Sutter he set career highs in goals, assists, and points last season to compliment his Selke caliber defending
3. Kris Letang (62)
He's one of the best skating and most talented defenders in the league. He's a dynamic weapon that feeds transition and is able to bump up to create odd man rushes.
4. Tuukka Rask (21)
He's the most consistently good goalie of this draft year. His floor is higher than everyone else and has the ability to hit a high ceiling as well.
5. Carey Price (5)
One of the very best goaltenders in the league. After playing over 32,000 minutes his still has an overall save percentage of .918 which is almost league average for what you want at 5v5.
6. Paul Stastny (44)
On the surface this probably seems a bit high, but I value his playmaking skills and ability to facilitate for others. He's been a steady producer of offense at even-strength throughout his career.
7. Marc-Edouard Vlasic (35)
Goes about his business quietly, but has been tasked with playing against the best players in the league for a long time and still comes out the other side positively with possession. Not an offensive juggernaut, but not inept either.
8. TJ Oshie (24)
Well rounded player that has great spatial awareness and tremendous hands. Is able to produce offensively in all-situations and was close in value to some of the other wingers on this list. He gets a bump because of the shootout ability and the standings points he can help a team get.
9. Bobby Ryan (2)
Had a stretch of years when you could write his name in ink for 30+ goals. Since 2007-08 his points per 60 at 5v5 remains at 2.02.
10. James Neal (33)
One of the deadliest shots in the NHL. Has the ability to find the soft spots to release that demonary known as his wrist shot. Only 40 goal guy on the list other than Sidney Crosby.
Honorable mentions: Patric Hornqvist, Matt Niskanen, Jonathan Quick, Anton Stralman
Thanks for reading!
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