Sidney Crosby stands out as one of the most successful No. 1 NHL Draft picks since 2000. On Friday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs will make a franchise-altering decision with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, likely selecting Penn State winger Gavin McKenna.
What happened to previous No. 1 picks?
The consensus draft boards have generally gotten it right when it comes to the top prospect in each draft since 2000, although there have been a few notable selections. Players like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid have exceeded the hype they received going into their respective drafts.
Nail Yakupov, selected by the Edmonton Oilers in 2012, played just 350 career games, totaling 62 goals and 74 assists. Rick DiPietro, chosen by the New York Islanders in 2000, won just 130 games in 318 appearances before retiring.
How do recent No. 1 picks compare?
More recently, Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer have delivered on the expectations of a No. 1 overall pick, even if they don't have long track records. Can McKenna make it three straight instant superstars at the top of the draft?
Owen Power, selected by the Buffalo Sabres in 2021, hasn't quite lived up to the hype, but there's hope that it can still happen. Erik Johnson, chosen by the St. Louis Blues in 2006, had a long and successful career, but never justified the Blues selecting him at No. 1 overall.
What comes next for the 2026 draft?
As we get set to watch McKenna walk across the stage in Buffalo, let's take a look back on how each No. 1 pick in the 21st century has panned out. The Leafs can only hope McKenna follows in the footsteps of other successful No. 1 picks like Sidney Crosby.
The 2026 NHL Draft is expected to be a franchise-altering decision for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the No. 1 overall pick, they will likely select Gavin McKenna, who will be compared to previous No. 1 picks like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.
Alexis Lafreniere, selected by the New York Rangers in 2020, has yet to top 57 points in six seasons, after being considered the top prospect in 2020. Juraj Slafkovsky, chosen by the Montreal Canadiens in 2022, will be looking to make an impact in the upcoming season.
The ranking of No. 1 NHL Draft picks since 2000 will continue to evolve as new players are selected and develop in the league. For now, Sidney Crosby remains one of the most successful No. 1 picks, and the 2026 draft will be an exciting opportunity for the next generation of players to make their mark.