NHL.com will take a look back at the NHL Draft from five, 10 and 20 years ago this week, leading up to the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. How would those drafts look today?
Heading into the 2008-09 season, there was little doubt center John Tavares was the best player available in the 2009 NHL Draft. Five years later, there's little question he's the best player from that talented group.
A few of the other forwards have made an impact, with more ready to as soon as next season, and some impressive defensemen have the look of budding stars.
Every player picked at the 2009 draft is at a different level of development. But with five years of hindsight, how would that draft go if the players were made available today?
| Note: Players listed with current team (pick number in parentheses) | |||
| ORDER | TEAM | PLAYER | SKINNY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
John Tavares, C, New York Islanders (1) |
Already among top players in League and looks to be improving. |
| 2 |  |
Matt Duchene, C, Colorado Avalanche (3) |
After two down seasons rebounded in major way under new coach. |
| 3 |  |
Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning (2) |
Breakout in 2013-14 has him set as long-term defensive cornerstone. |
| 4 | |
Ryan O'Reilly, C, Colorado Avalanche (33) |
Played mostly on wing this season and set career highs in goals, assists and points; one minor penalty all season. |
| 5 |  |
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Phoenix Coyotes (6) |
Offensive-minded defenseman getting stronger, better; 15 goals in 2013-14 fifth among NHL defensemen. |
| 6 |  |
Chris Kreider, LW, New York Rangers (19) |
After minor-league wake-up call, had strong regular season and was solid in 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. |
| 7 |  |
Tomas Tatar, LW, Detroit Red Wings (60) |
After injuries to Detroit veterans in 2013-14, scored 19 goals to earn full-time spot among top six next season. |
| 8 |  |
Evander Kane, LW, Winnipeg Jets (4) |
Hasn't gotten back to 30-goal level of two seasons ago but brings rare blend of size and skating. |
| 9 |  |
Reilly Smith, RW, Boston Bruins (69) |
Surprise on Bruins' opening-day roster scored 20 goals and played all 82 games, then had four goals in 12 playoff games. Drafted by Stars. |
| 10 | |
Tyson Barrie, D, Colorado Avalanche (64) |
Outstanding second half of 2013-14 was cut short by knee injury during playoffs. |
| 11 |  |
Brayden Schenn, C, Philadelphia Flyers (5) |
Played 82 games for first time in 2013-14, led to first 20-goal season. Drafted by Kings. |
| 12 |  |
Nick Leddy, D, Chicago Blackhawks (16) |
Not as consistent in 2013-14 but provides offensive depth. Drafted by Wild. |
| 13 |  |
Nazem Kadri, C, Toronto Maple Leafs (7) |
Continued to improve with first 20-goal season in 2013-14. |
| 14 |  |
Ryan Ellis, D, Nashville Predators (11) |
Offensive skills will keep him part of young defense group. |
| 15 |  |
Marcus Johansson, C, Washington Capitals (24) |
Looking to match numbers from 2011-12 season, has skills to surpass. |
| 16 | |
Marcus Kruger, C, Chicago Blackhawks (149) |
Speedy fourth-line center, top penalty-killer given chances to play higher in lineup. |
| 17 |  |
Cody Eakin, C, Dallas Stars (85) |
Second-line scoring option behind big guns. Drafted by Capitals. |
| 18 |  |
Darcy Kuemper, G, Minnesota Wild (161) |
Sixth-round pick saved Wild's season when Josh Harding and Niklas Backstrom were injured. |
| 19 |  |
Dmitry Kulikov, D, Florida Panthers (14) |
Averaged more than 20 minutes per game past four seasons; career-best eight goals in 2013-14. |
| 20 |  |
Kyle Palmieri, RW, Anaheim Ducks (26) |
Raised offensive totals each of four seasons; with Teemu Selanne's retirement could see more ice time. |
| 21 |  |
Kyle Clifford, LW, Los Angeles Kings (35) |
Powerful forward key part of fourth line, has talent to play higher in lineup if needed. |
| 22 | |
Sami Vatanen, D, Anaheim Ducks (106) |
Speedy defenseman getting used to North American game; in five years could be higher on list. |
| 23 | |
Jakob Silfverberg, RW, Anaheim Ducks (39) |
Acquired from Ottawa Senators in Bobby Ryan trade; Ducks hope more ice time will lead to greater production. |
| 24 |  |
Eric Gelinas, D, New Jersey Devils (54) |
In 60 games this season, finished in top five among rookie defensemen in goals, points. |
| 25 | |
Calvin de Haan, D, New York Islanders (12) |
Talent obvious but health has been issue going back to draft season. |
| 26 |  |
Robin Lehner, G, Ottawa Senators (46) |
Solid backup to Craig Anderson; 23 next month, going into fifth season could get more playing time. |
| 27 | |
Erik Haula, C, Minnesota Wild (182) |
Fourth-line forward had four goals in 13 playoff games this season. |
| 28 | |
Alex Chiasson, RW, Dallas Stars (38) |
Nine goals in first 10 NHL games; 13 goals, 35 points in 2013-14 nice foundation. |
| 29 |  |
Marcus Foligno, LW, Buffalo Sabres (104) |
Power forward has size, talent to be strong net-front presence. |
| 30 | |
John Moore, D, New York Rangers (21) |
Third-pair defenseman who sees power-play time; strong skater developing game. Drafted by Blue Jackets. |
| Missing first-round picks: Scott Glennie (8), Jared Cowen (9), Magnus Paajarvi (10), Zack Kassian (13), Peter Holland (15), David Rundblad (17), Louis Leblanc (18), Jacob Josefson (20), Jordan Schroeder (22), Tim Erixon (23), Jordan Caron (25), Philippe Paradis (27), Dylan Olsen (28), Carter Ashton (29), Simon Despres (30). | |||
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