Biggest Steals from the 2015 NHL Draft
T
The Hockey Writers
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by The Hockey Writers. Read the full original article here →
The 2015 NHL Draft produced a number of players who have since become significant contributors to their teams, showcasing a mix of talent that often flew under the radar. Players like Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel garnered much attention, but some of the biggest steals came in the later rounds, where teams found diamonds in the rough. Notably, the Tampa Bay Lightning made a smart selection in selecting Brayden Point in the third round, who has since developed into a key player and scoring threat for the squad.
Another remarkable find was the Arizona Coyotes' selection of Jacob Chychrun, who, despite initial doubts about his draft stock, has emerged as a reliable defenseman with offensive capabilities. His performance has earned him recognition as one of the best players from his draft class. Additionally, the Minnesota Wild struck gold by picking Joel Eriksson Ek, whose two-way game and scoring prowess have made him a vital asset for the team.
The draft also showcased the importance of scouting and finding talent beyond the first round, as teams like the Buffalo Sabres, with the selection of Paul Byron, and the St. Louis Blues, choosing Ivan Barbashev, have added valuable players who impact their roster significantly. These examples highlight how astute drafting can lead to finding players who not only excel individually but also contribute to their team's success over time.
Another remarkable find was the Arizona Coyotes' selection of Jacob Chychrun, who, despite initial doubts about his draft stock, has emerged as a reliable defenseman with offensive capabilities. His performance has earned him recognition as one of the best players from his draft class. Additionally, the Minnesota Wild struck gold by picking Joel Eriksson Ek, whose two-way game and scoring prowess have made him a vital asset for the team.
The draft also showcased the importance of scouting and finding talent beyond the first round, as teams like the Buffalo Sabres, with the selection of Paul Byron, and the St. Louis Blues, choosing Ivan Barbashev, have added valuable players who impact their roster significantly. These examples highlight how astute drafting can lead to finding players who not only excel individually but also contribute to their team's success over time.