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The 2007 NHL Entry Draft was 10 years ago. Surely there are some teams that wish they could change their draft strategy, as they've watched these players turn out. Here's a completely redone first round.
To celebrate the upcoming 2017 NHL Entry Draft, let's talk about the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. There are teams that wish they had players on their roster from this draft now, and teams thankful that they do. Let's redo this draft to see where players would end up 10 years on.
More from Puck Prose
First, a recap of the NHL Entry Draft first round trades. Toronto started it off by trading their 13th overall pick to San Jose (who proceeded to trade it to St. Louis). In exchange, St. Louis sent San Jose the ninth pick. Anaheim sent the 16th pick to Minnesota for the 19th.
Calgary sent the 18th to St. Louis for the 24th. Phoenix sent the 21st to Edmonton for the 30th. Washington sent the 28th to San Jose. The following teams did not draft in the first round of the 2007 NHL entry draft: Toronto, Tampa Bay, the Islanders, Dallas, Atlanta, New Jersey, and Buffalo.
nhl entry draft
Apr 17, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right winger Patrick Kane (88) prior to the game against the Nashville Predators in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
1st Overall, Chicago Blackhawks – (Originally Patrick Kane) Patrick Kane, RW (1)
Why would the Blackhawks change picks? Patrick Kane has had an MVP season, the first American ever to do so, and has helped lead the Blackhawks to three Cups. That includes a Conn Smythe-worthy postseason. He's been better than a point-per-game throughout his career. Kane is one of the best Blackhawks of all-time. There's no other choice here.
NHL Entry Draft
Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) in action (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
2nd Overall, Philadelphia Flyers – (Originally James Van Riemsdyk) Jamie Benn, LW (129)
Originally, Jamie Benn went in the fifth round. He's turned that fifth round selection into a franchise winger, one capable of producing upwards of 85 points. Two years ago, he won the Art Ross race. He had a better season the next one. He also finished as a Hart finalist last year. And that's something the Philadelphia Flyers could have very much used at the second pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft. Imagine Claude Giroux and Jamie Benn. Damn.
3rd Overall, Phoenix Coyotes – (Originally Kyle Turris) PK Subban, D (43)
In reality, the Phoenix Coyotes drafted Kyle Turris, then after he didn't turn out quite the way they had hoped, traded him for cents on the dollar. Instead, what if they took the best defenseman in this NHL entry draft? Well, Oliver Ekman-Larsson would have an actual defensive partner. The Coyotes would be really interesting on defense. And PK Subban continues to donate money to a charity in Phoenix – the team sells better with the face of the NHL. Subban is the type of personality that could grow a market, and he could do a lot for Arizona.
NHL Entry Draft
Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) celebrates a goal (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
4th Overall, LA Kings – (Originally Thomas Hickey) Max Pacioretty, LW (22)
The Kings went defense in the 2007 NHL entry draft, but Thomas Hickey eventually found his way to the Islanders. Maybe that's because the Kings also drafted Alec Martinez in this draft and had Drew Doughty on the team. They would also later acquire Jake Muzzin, drafted by the Penguins. Imagine Pittsburgh with Muzzin still.
Max Pacioretty is one of the best goal scorers in the NHL. This would compliment Anze Kopitar's passing abilities, and give the Kings a true finisher. It would also have made them more dangerous during their dynasty. Plus, Pacioretty is an American in Montreal right now. Less pressure on him in LA means he might be a better captain than Dustin Brown, who was stripped of his "C".
5th Overall, Washington Capitals – (Originally Karl Alzner) Ryan McDonagh, D (12)
The Capitals were going to take defense anyway in the NHL entry draft. Why not trade Karl Alzner for number one Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh? McDonagh would give the Capitals a better number one defenseman, plus take away chances of the Capitals giving Brooks Orpik that bad contract. They still might have brought in Matt Niskanen, too.
nhl entry draft
Mar 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Entry Draft
Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) celebrates his goal (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
6th Overall, Edmonton Oilers – (Originally Sam Gagner) Jakub Voracek, RW (7)
Jakub Voracek was actually taken around here, except the Oilers wanted to go center in the 2007 NHL entry draft. They took a guy in Sam Gagner who was part of the "Patrick Kane + any talent = amazing" equation. And the Oilers fell for that trap. I'm not saying that Gagner is a bad player. Just not top-10 pick worthy. Voracek, on the other hand, is. He's had four 20+ goal seasons, was an all-star two years ago and has had 5 50+ point seasons.
7th Overall, Columbus Blue Jackets – (Originally Jakub Voracek) Logan Couture, C (9)
Man. The Blue Jackets had something special and lost it. That seems to be a running theme in the 2007 NHL entry draft. Voracek found his way to the Philadelphia Flyers. I don't think Logan Couture goes the same way. I believe that having a center like Couture means the Blue Jackets have a piece to build around. One that could have meant great things for the Jackets.
NHL Entry Draft
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin (6) was taken 141st in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)
8th Overall, Boston Bruins – (Originally Zach Hamill) Jake Muzzin, D (141)
A late round choice, Jake Muzzin developed into a top-2 defenseman on a two-time Cup winning team. He plays only behind Drew Doughty on the LA Kings and can play serious minutes. Sound like anything the Boston Bruins may have needed this postseason? Muzzin would compliment Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara or Charlie McAvoy going forward. He could be Boston's lockdown guy while Krug runs the offense. And he would make defensively stout Patrice Bergeron even better.
9th Overall, San Jose Sharks – (Originally Logan Couture) Kevin Shattenkirk, D (14)
Does this mean the Sharks get both Brent Burns and Kevin Shattenkirk? Yes. Does this mean they have the best offensive defense? Also yes. While the Sharks lose out on Logan Couture, they're able to compliment their defense with another weapon. Shattenkirk's playing about as far from his East Coast home as possible, but he makes the Sharks a more dynamic team from the point.
NHL Entry Draft
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) was taken second in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
10th Overall, Florida Panthers – (Originally Keaton Ellerby) James Van Riemsdyk, LW (2)
James Van Riemsdyk arrived in Philadelphia only to be traded to Toronto. That doesn't happen in Florida, so desperate for a star that they continue to sign Jaromir Jagr. The Panthers are able to make Van Riemsdyk the leader of their soon-to-be great young squad. Keaton Ellerby busted, but Van Riemsdyk didn't, and he went higher in reality. Van Riemsdyk has put up 2 60 point seasons and has been a bright spot in dark times for the Leafs.
nhl entry draft
May 6, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) is named the first star of the game after scoring in overtime of game five in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
11th Overall, Carolina Hurricanes – (Originally Brandon Sutter) Kyle Turris, C (3)
Kyle Turris went to Phoenix and was traded for pieces. I don't know if Turris works out sooner in Carolina, but imagine Turris, who made more than a dent in Ottawa's playoff run, together with Jordan Staal of the Hurricanes. Imagine the Hurricanes, further, with two of the Staal brothers and Turris. Three great centers supporting the team. The Hurricanes would have at least made it back to the playoffs.
Wayne Simmonds (17) drafted 61st in the NHL Entry Draft (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
12th Overall, Montreal Canadiens – (Originally Ryan McDonagh) Wayne Simmonds, RW (61)
The Canadiens now need more offensive fire power. And that's something Wayne Simmonds can provide. It's something Ryan McDonagh could have done for the Canadiens, but they traded him within the conference.
The last four seasons, Simmonds has hit fifty points every year, including two at 60. Simmonds would do really well for Montreal and would serve as the Pacioretty replacement.
13th Overall, St. Louis Blues – (Originally Lars Eller) Alec Martinez, D (95)
Alec Martinez is a great offensive defenseman. He's been critical in the Cup runs for the Kings, including the winning goal in game 7 against the Blackhawks in 2014. That goal sent the Kings to the Stanley Cup, which they would win in five games. Imagine the Blues with a playoff performer like that. Martinez may have found clutch goals against San Jose or been what the Blues needed in other situations. A defensive core of Jay Bouwmeester, Alex Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko, and Martinez isn't half bad either.
NHL Entry Draft
Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) skates against the Anaheim Ducks (Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)
14th Overall, Colorado Avalanche – (Originally Kevin Shattenkirk) Mikael Backlund, C (24)
Kevin Shattenkirk played just 46 games in an Avalanche jersey before being traded. He wouldn't play for the Avalanche until three years after he was drafted. The Avalanche needed something better, and something that may still be with them.
Mikael Backlund may be that guy. He's become more productive as he's gained experience, and his 53 points would have been tied for first on the Avalanche's roster last season.
15th Overall, Edmonton Oilers – (Originally Alex Plante) Karl Alzner, D (5)
The Oilers needed defense. Karl Alzner was off the board before they could grab him, but now, 10 years later, he likely wouldn't have been. There were better defensemen in this NHL entry draft that were drafted below him (see Subban, PK). Now, the Oilers still get a great defenseman, one who could have helped them get over that hill much sooner. Not great, because if the Oilers have a more substantial defense they may not get Connor McDavid. Or, they get McDavid and Alzner, which is a pretty great best case scenario.
nhl entry draft
Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers shut out the Stars 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) went undrafted in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
16th Overall, Minnesota Wild – (Originally Colton Gillies) Mats Zuccarello, LW (Undrafted)
Mats Zuccarello went undrafted throughout this draft but has become a fantastic performer for the New York Rangers. So much so that he jumps into the first round for the Minnesota Wild. Colton Gillies didn't exactly work out, but Zuc on the Wild would be an interesting dynamic.
And Zach Parise wouldn't have all the pressure on him to be the greatest left wing when he's got a guy capable of a 60 point season behind him.
17th Overall, New York Rangers – (Originally Alexei Cherepanov) Carl Hagelin, LW (168)
Carl Hagelin ended up on the Rangers anyway, just several rounds later. Hagelin has turned himself into a worthy player, one who's done some damage on the varied rosters he's been on. Hagelin also has amazing speed, this far into his career. The Rangers traded him, but if they could have found a way to utilize that speed like Pittsburgh has, they would have an exceptional talent offensively. Which isn't really their problem. Still, a player able to get over 30 points when healthy isn't a bad addition.
NHL Entry Draft
Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) in action (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
18th Overall, St. Louis Blues – (Originally Ian Cole) Nick Bonino, C (173)
Bones has put up seasons of 49, 39, and 37 points. And that's as a depth center. You know what the Blues could use? A depth center. And Nick Bonino needs to be given a chance at primary center. Why not on the Blues roster? Paul Stastny was hurt this season. There may have been no better flourishing ground for Bonino's talent than St. Louis.
Plus, who doesn't want that Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi call on their team? Bonino Bonino Bonino Bonino Bonino on into eternity.
19th Overall, Anaheim Ducks – (Originally Logan MacMillon) Thomas Hickey, D (4)
Thomas Hickey found his way to the New York Islanders after being drafted by the LA Kings. Does his being drafted by Anaheim mean he becomes a Ranger? Perhaps. Or it means that Anaheim adds yet another piece to their already incredible defense. Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm, Brandon Montour, Shea Theodore, that's not good enough. No. The Ducks need to exchange Kevin Bieksa for Hickey. Because if the Ducks have Fowler, Lindholm, and Hickey, there's no way they acquire Bieksa. There's no need. Plus, Hickey has put up 3 20 point seasons.
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs NHL Entry Draft
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ian Cole (28) skates with the puck (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
20th Overall, Pittsburgh Penguins – (Originally Angelo Esposito) Ian Cole, D (18)
Ian Cole became a Penguin anyway. Now, he starts off in the black and yellow (it's the same color as the Predators yellow, so not gold). The Penguins will need his defensive power throughout multiple playoffs. They get it sooner now, and Cole becomes somebody able to play with Kris Letang.
Those two develop chemistry over these ten years. Cole became his best self in his third season with the Penguins. Instead of 28, Cole's third season becomes when he's 23. More time to develop and adjust to a system/locker room.
nhl entry draft
Apr 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) during the warm up prior to game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
21st Overall, Edmonton Oilers – (Originally Riley Nash) Tyler Bozak, C (Undrafted)
The Oilers needed offense, which is why they drafted Riley Nash. Except unlike his brother, Nash wasn't able to become productive in the NHL. Tyler Bozak went undrafted but has become a productive playmaker in the NHL, and for a time was the number one center for the Toronto Maple Leafs. And they were still able to grab Auston Matthews. Which means the Oilers might be able to get McDavid. Or they get a greater trio out of this NHL entry draft in Bozak, Voracek, and Alzner. That would be a great addition to the Oilers.
NHL Entry Draft
Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) was taken 77th in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
22nd Overall, Montreal Canadiens – (Originally Max Pacioretty) Alex Killorn, C (77)
Alex Killorn is smart and has become a reliable player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's put up 35 points in each of the last four seasons. And he can be versatile, playing on any line in Tampa.
He's likely to go to Vegas, but that's because of a bad contract. I'd like to see Killorn and Simmonds on a line, and with smarter drafting from Montreal, that happens. Man, the productivity Killorn and Simmonds could have had, though.
23rd Overall, Nashville Predators – (Originally Jonathan Blum) Yannick Weber, D (73)
Originally drafted by Montreal, Yannick Weber has become a great puck mover for Nashville. As part of their third-pairing, he and Matt Irwin make it seem like they aren't the third pairing. I doubt they would be anywhere that doesn't have PK Subban, Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm, and Ryan Ellis. Now, Weber gets a jump start on his potential with the Predators. They don't risk losing him after one season. And the Predators defense starts out with two Webers.
NHL Entry Draft
Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling (33) was drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports)
24th Overall, Calgary Flames – (Originally Mikael Backlund) Scott Darling, G (153)
The Calgary Flames have needed a permanent goaltender since Miikka Kiprusoff retired. They haven't found it in Brian Elliott, or Jonas Hiller, or Reto Berra, or Karri Ramo, or Curtis McElhinney, well, you get the picture.
Scott Darling has had a rough path to the NHL. Once he got here, though, he's been astounding. This year, he posted top 10 stats in the NHL. He was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes presumably to be their starter. And if he was in Calgary, man. That's a dynamic young team.
25th Overall, Vancouver Canucks – (Originally Patrick White) David Perron, LW (26)
White never played in the NHL. Perron has put up six 40+ point seasons, including his most recent. David Perron is more valuable to the Vancouver Canucks, and he was taken a selection later. The Canucks can solve a winger problem they have now by never having it. Drafting David Perron in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft accomplishes that.
NHL Entry Draft
Montreal Canadiens center Paul Byron (41) plays the puck (Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports)
NHL Entry Draft
Montreal Canadiens center Paul Byron (41) plays the puck (Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports)
26th Overall, St. Louis Blues – (Originally David Perron) Paul Byron, C (179)
Paul Byron's speed is what's made him special on the Montreal Canadiens roster. He's made himself valuable because of his new finishing ability, and he was always able to get going on a breakaway. The Blues would just have had to teach Byron that same finishing ability, and they get a speedy forward who can play any position and score 20 goals. That's a worthy selection after Alec Martinez and Nick Bonino.
27th Overall, Detroit Red Wings – (Originally Brendan Smith) Lars Eller, C (13)
Detroit needs some good centers, some guys down the middle. After Pavel Datsyuk retired and Henrik Zetterberg aged, they were willing to pay Frans Nielsen and Darren Helm serious money. But what if they had a good depth center like Nielsen already? What if, instead of a defenseman who would take a while to develop, the Red Wings drafted a center who started playing quicker? Lars Eller is a productive center and could have helped ease the transition.
NHL Entry Draft
New York Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith (42) was taken in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)
28th Overall, San Jose Sharks – (Originally Nick Petrecki) Brendan Smith, D (27)
Brendan Smith steps in to help out the San Jose defense. If anything was proven this year, it's that Brent Burns shouldn't play heavy minutes in the playoffs. The Sharks needed more depth on defense, and Smith would have been able to do some heavy lifting. He plays a lot of minutes a night and is offensively responsible. Smith has three seasons in the teens in terms of points, and this season had nine points between two teams. He was one of the Rangers best defensemen in the postseason as well. Smith would not be a bad top 4 defenseman in San Jose.
29th Overall, Ottawa Senators – (Originally Jim O'Brien) Patrick Maroon, LW (161)
Ottawa needs more offense in their current system. A year after being second-best, they could have taken a physical winger with size and finishing ability. That's something the Senators could use, as they tried to use Chris Neil in the playoffs. The Senators could use Patrick Maroon's scoring, which has included a 42 point season most recently. Besides, Jim O'Brien was a size choice. You don't get much bigger than Maroon's 6'3″ 227 pounds.
NHL Entry Draft
San Jose Sharks defenseman Justin Braun (61) was taken in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)
30th Overall, Phoenix Coyotes – (Originally Nick Ross) Justin Braun, D (201)
Justin Braun is an offensive depth defenseman. In this theoretical NHL entry draft, the Coyotes have already taken PK Subban. Investing in depth behind him isn't a bad idea.
Braun has 2 20 point seasons, which would be useful with Arizona's recent lack of scoring. Braun also plays a good amount of minutes a night. Arizona could have gotten two top 4 defensemen in one round.
