NHL Stars Who Appeared to Be Busts Early in Their Careers
Edmonton Oilers phenom Nail Yakupov delivered a strong rookie season in 2012-13, but he is struggling this season. Although it's early, some critics are suggesting he could be a bust as an NHL player.
A No. 1 overall selection hasn't failed to become an impact player in the NHL in many years, but there are many examples of current stars of the league who stumbled in a similar way to Yakupov before delivering on their promise.
The fact is that many of the young men who appeared to be busts early played for organizations that were not patient and let them go too soon.
Here are the top 10 current NHL stars who appeared to be busts before getting it together.
10. Michael Frolik, RW, Winnipeg Jets
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Where he started
He was the 10th overall selection in 2006 by the Florida Panthers. Frolik's scouting report suggested a top-six forward's skill level and a strong work ethic.
What he overcame
Frolik arrived in the NHL at age 20 and delivered offensively. He scored more than 20 goals in each of his first two seasons, and his shots-on-goal total in Year 2 (219 shots in 82 games) implied a very involved offensive player. Frolik's problems occurred in Year 3, when his goal scoring went south (eight goals in 52 games). Florida moved him to Chicago in midseason, with the 'Hawks pointing to his versatility as being a reason for the acquisition.
Where he is now
Now in Winnipeg, Frolik worked to widen his range of skills and can penalty kill, help on the power play and is an excellent even-strength player. He has 10 even-strength points in his first 20 games with the Jets, which is excellent production from his spot on the depth chart. He can play all three forward positions and has regained his offensive ability while playing 15 minutes a night on merit.
9. Ryan Johansen, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
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Where he started
He was the fourth overall selection in 2010 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He arrived as a supremely confident prospect with size, skill and two-way ability.
What he overcame
The problems for Johansen are connected to the problems of the Blue Jackets organization. Time and again through their brief history, they have rushed draft picks, shown frustration at their uneven progress and often sent them away early. Johansen looked to be heading down the same path until this season.
Where he is now
His offense took a long time to develop—his first two seasons in the NHL were offensive disappointments—but the club showed patience, and now he is turning the corner. Earlier this month, he posted the first three-point night of his career, and he is on pace for a 50-point season.
8. Josh Bailey, RW, New York Islanders
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Where he started
He was the 10th overall selection in 2008 by the New York Islanders. His draft day bio suggested he'd be a good two-way player when he matured, and it mentioned foot speed as an issue.
What he overcame
His issues were mainly lack of consistency and playing out of position. since he has been used as a center for much of his NHL career. Bailey's draft number probably hurt him too, as he's not an offensively gifted player; he's more of a two-way type. In 2010-11, he delivered mediocre offense while playing 18 minutes a night.
Where he is now
He's settled in on a brilliant second-line for the Islanders (with Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner) that has found good chemistry. Bailey's overall skill set gives him a chance to slide up and down the depth chart as needed and deliver credible performances. He's now 24 years old and taking on more of a leadership role, which suits his personality.
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7. Nazem Kadri, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
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Where he started
He was the seventh overall selection in 2009 by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Draft day discussion surrounded his nightly playing time in London (OHL) and how much that inflated his offensive numbers.
What he overcame
He was called up to the Leafs way too soon. Only 19 years old at the time, Kadri was taking incredible heat from then coach Ron Wilson, who told the Toronto Sun: "He needs to realize the battle he’s in. We’re not giving him the job. He has to outperform at least two or three of those four to earn a spot."
Where he is now
A new coach brought new opportunity, and with increased maturity, Kadri has become one of the mainstays of the Leafs offense. His rugged play gives the club another look, and his personality and swagger match Toronto's flamboyant and massive fanbase. The only thing left is for him to prove he can do it consistently, and all signs are good in that area.
6. Blake Wheeler, RW, Winnipeg Jets
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Where he started
He was the fifth overall selection in 2004 by the Phoenix Coyotes. Wheeler was a shocking selection where the Coyotes took him—he was ranked 17th best North American skater—but they loved his outstanding size (6'4", 195 lbs) and athleticism.
What he overcame
After passing on the opportunity to sign with Phoenix, Wheeler found a home with Boston after playing his college hockey for Minnesota and turning pro. His rookie season was outstanding, as he finished plus-36 and with 21 goals for the Boston Bruins. The sophomore jinx derailed his second season; he scored 18 goals but his overall game dipped as more was asked of him. He was dealt to Atlanta in the middle of his third season when the team found itself in need of immediate cap room.
Where he is now
He is living and playing well in the great white north, as a power forward of some note with the Winnipeg Jets. Wheeler's play in Winnipeg is more consistent at the offensive end, and he's made strides as a two-way player as he enters his late 20s. He is on pace for 50 points this season.
5. Joffrey Lupul, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
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Where he started
He was the seventh overall selection in 2002 by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. He was regarded as a top-flight sniper coming out of junior hockey.
What he overcame
Lupul enjoyed a solid rookie season and then an outstanding sophomore year with the Ducks, before Anaheim sent him to Edmonton in the Chris Pronger trade in 2006. The Oilers were a terrible team that was ill-suited to Lupul's skills, and he was sent away for less than full value after just one season.
He managed to resurrect his career in Philadelphia and returned to Anaheim in 2009. However, once again his career appeared derailed, this time due to injury. In 2009 and 2010, his career was in jeopardy.
Where he is now
He is healthy, playing in Toronto and having real success with the Maple Leafs. He's become a quality offensive player and is money in the offensive zone. Lupul is on pace to score 40 goals this season, is taking on more of a two-way role (often taking own-zone faceoffs, as an example) and has shown steady growth as a player.
4. Tyler Seguin, C, Dallas Stars
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Where he started
He was the second overall selection in 2010 by the Boston Bruins. He was in the mix for first overall in his draft year and closed strong before losing out to Taylor Hall.
What he overcame
Everything was going fine early, as Seguin played a support role on the Stanley Cup-winning Bruins of 2011. He moved smartly up the depth chart and appeared to be finding his way as a young NHL player. The cracks appeared during the playoffs in 2013, as the team kept asking more and getting less from him. He eventually moved below Jaromir Jagr on the playoff depth chart and was traded this summer.
Where he is now
After making off-ice news (in a negative way) after the trade to Dallas, Seguin arrived at camp and went to work making a good impression. He is now playing a prominent role as one of the centers in Dallas, and he is on pace for his first 50-goal season.
3. Alexander Steen, C, St. Louis Blues
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Where he started
He was the 24th overall selection in 2002 by the Toronto Maple Leafs and the son of a famous hockey-playing dad. Steen's NHL career began on Mats Sundin's port-side, and things looked good for the Winnipeg-born Swede.
What he overcame
He scored well in his first couple of seasons but fell off badly during the 2008-09 season, when he scored just two goals in 20 games for Toronto. He was dealt to St. Louis in midseason. Steen settled in as a valuable two-way forward for the Blues, playing most of five seasons in a support role.
Where he is now
Top of the world! Steen's 16 goals lead the NHL, and his 24 points are second best in the league. He has four power-play goals already; his career high is nine from the Sundin years. Thrust into a more offensive role, he's delivering at even strength. His 19 even-strength points have him tied for second overall.
2. Kyle Turris, C, Ottawa Senators
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Where he started
He was the third overall selection in 2007 by the Phoenix Coyotes. Turris was viewed as a building block for the foundation of the Coyotes organization from the moment Wayne Gretzky announced his name from the draft floor.
What he overcame
Turris and the Coyotes were not a good fit, owing mostly to great expectations on one side and maturity issues on the other. There were contract issues, and the young player had difficulty adapting to the pace of the NHL game (which is common). There was a fracture in the relationship, and despite the Coyotes having a solid management group and Turris developing as a player, they parted ways before he realized his potential.
Where he is now
Turris has emerged as a top-flight NHL player who can impact the game offensively. He displays two-way talent on a regular basis. He's an aggressive forechecker, can play in all three disciplines, skates close to 20 minutes a night and is a complete player for the Ottawa Senators at age 24.
1. James Van Riemsdyk, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
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Where he started
He was the second overall selection in 2007 by the Philadelphia Flyers. Van Riemsdyk offered teams a nice size/speed/skill combination and had the look of a franchise cornerstone.
What he overcame
Two things conspired against him with the Flyers. First, he suffered through a series of injuries (ankle, foot, concussion), which made him appear to be injury prone. Second, the Flyers are famously impatient and have the most aggressive front office in the game. When the team had some doubt about him, Philly sent him away.
Where he is now
The strengths that made him a second overall selection are now in full bloom. Van Riemsdyk is an outstanding offensive player and uses his size, speed and skill effectively for the Maple Leafs. He plays more than 20 minutes a night and is on pace for a 30-goal season for the first time in his career.
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