Revisiting the NHL’s 2015 Draft
As the 10-year mark approaches since the NHL’s unforgettable 2015 draft, which many consider the finest in league history, analysts have gathered to revisit and re-evaluate the first round of that remarkable event. While the original draft introduced marquee names, such as three-time MVP Connor McDavid, it also showcased a wealth of other talent that has since blossomed into impactful careers.
Analysis Methodology
This retrospective analysis involved a snake-style draft order, allowing writers Peter Baugh, Max Bultman, and Scott Wheeler to choose players based on their full body of work to date, rather than the immediate positional needs of the franchises at that time.
Top Picks from the 2015 Draft
Not surprisingly, the unanimous top pick remains Connor McDavid, with Wheeler stating it was an obvious choice. It’s noteworthy that Scott assigned the draft order randomly, cleverly steering clear of perennial conspiracy theories that surrounded the original selection process.
Following McDavid, Bultman highlighted Jack Eichel as the second pick. Eichel, known for his transformation into a robust two-way center, was instrumental in the Vegas Golden Knights’ recent championship run, thus solidifying his value among the 2015 draftees.
Debates and Selections
In a close race for the next picks, players like Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner were discussed. Rantanen stood out as a consistent performer and playoff catalyst for the Colorado Avalanche, while Marner’s impressive scoring and ability to elevate his game with Toronto were also considered valuable assets in any lineup. Baugh and Bultman debated the impact of current performance against career statistics, particularly when evaluating Marner and Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, who had only recently emerged due to his late start in North America.
While players like Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho consistently demonstrated their value, it was Zach Werenski who emerged as a premier choice for defensemen. His significant contribution to a near-playoff team and career-high offensive output underscored his selection amongst the top ten.
Further Insights
As the trio ventured deeper into the draft, they assessed players like Timo Meier, who has blended scoring with physical play, and Vince Dunn, who showcased defensive versatility. Their evaluations reflected both current season performances and broader career arcs, balancing the two considerations in their picks, which also included other established forwards such as Dylan Strome and Brock Boeser.
Conclusions
In the end, the draft resulted in a compilation filled with talent, showcasing the remarkable depth from one of the NHL’s most storied drafts. The selections represent not just the athletes’ earlier promise but also how they have fulfilled, or in some cases exceeded, expectations in their careers since entering the league. Fans are encouraged to engage in the conversation about who they believe made the best selections from this re-draft exercise as the hockey world looks back on the impactful 2015 draft.
