NHL Draft Busts Still Hanging on to Roster Spots
NHL general managers do all kinds of things to draw the ire of their respective fan bases, but few mistakes are considered more noxious than missing on a high draft pick.
Scott Cullen of TSN has done exceptional work on the odds of missing out on a pick, and there is little risk at the top of the draft. However, even in selection No. 1 there can be real danger, and a poor drafting record can send a manager and his coach packing.
This season could represent the last chance for several names on this list, with the KHL or other European stops possible and one more NHL city also available for some. Here are the top eight draft busts—defined as high picks who are no longer vying for projected roles on draft day—still hanging around in hopes of turning the corner and becoming productive and reliable to their NHL teams.
Note: Players are ranked based on their draft number and the number of years they've struggled to become productive NHL regulars.
8. Mikhail Grigorenko, C, Colorado Avalanche
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When Was He Drafted? Mikhail Grigorenko was drafted No. 12 in the 2012 draft by the Buffalo Sabres.
The Impact on His Team: The Sabres brought Grigorenko right to the NHL—he was highly regarded—and he struggled as a teenager. Playing junior in 2013-14, Grigorenko recovered his scoring and seemed to right the ship. At 20, he returned to pro hockey and scored well in the AHL but struggled with the Sabres. Buffalo traded him to the Colorado Avalanche in the summer of 2015, and he has been there since.
Where Is He Now? Grigorenko is trying to find his way with the Avalanche, but his offense remains well shy of expectations. His NHL future would seem to be as a role player or checker, not the offensive difference maker expected on draft day. There is still time, but Colorado has other options and this relationship may not last—and Grigorenko is already on his second NHL team.
7. Ryan Murphy, D, Carolina Hurricanes
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When Was He Drafted? Ryan Murphy was the No. 12 pick in the 2011 draft. The Carolina Hurricanes selected him and still hold his rights.
The Impact on His Team: Murphy's substantial offensive skills were obvious in junior, and his defensive deficiencies have made themselves known in pro hockey. Since turning pro in 2013, he has played at least some of the year in the NHL but cannot establish himself due to chaos in his own zone.
Where Is He Now? The Hurricanes have him in the minors and he has also also played in the NHL this year. A trade seems likely, as Darren Dreger of TSN wrote in his recent Dreger Report. A team with a sound defensive foundation who can afford some chaos may find Murphy to be a very valuable addition.
6. Dylan McIlrath, D, Florida Panthers
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When Was He Drafted? Dylan McIlrath was chosen No. 10 overall by the New York Rangers in 2010.
The Impact on His Team: McIlrath spent most of three seasons playing in the AHL in New York's organization. His style, rugged and hard hitting, is a great match for the Rangers but he could not establish himself as an NHL regular.
Where Is He Now? The Rangers dealt him to the Florida Panthers in November, and McIlrath is on his second organization. In many ways, McIlrath isn't a failed prospect but rather a player—tough, rugged, purely defensive—who is being replaced by mobile defenders with more offensive acumen. It will be interesting to see if he can forge a career during an era when his player type is passing from the game.
5. Magnus Paajarvi, LW, St. Louis Blues
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When Was He Drafted? Magnus Paajarvi was selected No. 10 in the 2009 draft by the Edmonton Oilers.
The Impact on His Team: Paajarvi played one more year in Sweden and then came right to the NHL. He had a very impressive rookie season, including 15 goals and 34 points. He arrived in a time of turmoil for the Oilers and was sent away to the St. Louis Blues in a trade after struggling to stay in the NHL for a couple of seasons following his rookie campaign.
Where Is He Now? The Blues are a deep team with many options, so they can afford to be patient with players. In the case of Paajarvi, patience has given way to a flood of forwards who have passed him, and at this point Paajarvi sways between AHL and NHL employment. Expansion may help him, but he could be playing in Europe by this time next season. He is currently in the AHL waiting for a recall.
4. Brett Connolly, RW, Washington Capitals
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When Was He Drafted? Brett Connolly was selected No. 6 overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010.
The Impact on His Team: The Lightning brought Connolly to the NHL after just one minor league season, and he survived but did not flourish as a teenage rookie in 2011-12. He posted two strong AHL seasons before getting back to the NHL and contributing as a complementary scorer in 2014-15.
Where Is He Now? The Lightning traded Connolly to the Boston Bruins for two second-round picks late in the 2014-15 season. Since then, Connolly has become a journeyman, playing 76 games for the Bruins and 10 this season for the Washington Capitals. There is still time—he is just 24—but the career path Connolly has put together does not suggest he will cover his original draft number.
3. Griffin Reinhart, D, Edmonton Oilers
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When Was He Drafted? Griffin Reinhart was drafted No. 4 overall by the New York Islanders in 2012.
The Impact on His Team: Reinhart remained in junior hockey for two years after his draft, helping the Edmonton Oil Kings win the Memorial Cup in 2014. The Islanders turned him pro at 20, in 2014-15, and Reinhart played in both the AHL and NHL in his first year pro. Although he showed signs of promise, Reinhart was unable to establish himself as an NHL player with New York in his single pro season in the organization.
Where Is He Now? The Islanders were paid handsomely for Reinhart in a trade that went down draft weekend in 2015. Edmonton Oilers' new general manager Peter Chiarelli acquired Reinhart with an eye to having a plug-and-play defenseman who could be inserted into the lineup immediately. It did not happen in 2015-16 and has not happened this season—meaning Reinhart has been a disappointment in two organizations and has not advanced his NHL chances since turning pro. He could still have a career in the NHL but should already be considered a disappointment.
2. Ryan Strome, C, New York Islanders
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When Was He Drafted? Ryan Strome was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2011. He was the No. 5 selection in the draft that season.
The Impact on His Team: Strome has had a strange career path since turning pro. He split time between the AHL and NHL as a rookie pro, and then had a strong second season in 2014-15, scoring 50 points with the Islanders. Last season saw him struggle and spend time in the AHL.
Where Is He Now? He has just six points in 18 games so far this season, and he is playing less than 14 minutes a night. New York is struggling and badly needs Strome and others to step up. If the losing continues in Brooklyn, changes will occur and that could mean a new address for Strome. The fact he is playing so little for a team that badly needs offense is a telling fact.
1. Nail Yakupov, RW, St. Louis Blues
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When Was He Drafted? Nail Yakupov was drafted No. 1 overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2012.
The Impact On His Team: Yakupov led NHL rookies in scoring during the lockout shortened 2012-13 season but could never establish himself in the following years. One of the issues for Yakupov came due to a parade of head coaches, including Ralph Krueger, Dallas Eakins, Todd Nelson, Craig MacTavish and Todd McLellan. The young winger's inability to improve probably had a lot to do with lack of consistency from the coach.
Where Is He Now? The Oilers traded Yakupov to the St. Louis Blues in October, and he continues his journey toward NHL consistency. There is a chance he could catch on with the Las Vegas expansion team next summer, and Russia remains a strong possibility if he is unable to find a home in the NHL.
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