Is Nathan MacKinnon still #1? Redrafting the 2013 NHL Entry Draft

The 2013 NHL Entry Draft class was filled with some of the most talented prospects in recent memory. Many of those players have gone on to have successful careers in the NHL.

However, not every player in the top 10 has lived up to their expectations. In this article, we will be redrafting the top ten picks of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

An NHL draft filled with franchise cornerstones:

1- Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)

MacKinnon is the clear choice for the number one pick in the redraft. He has become one of the most dominant players in the NHL. He has explosive speed, elite skill, and the ability to take over games.

MacKinnon has won numerous individual awards and led the Colorado Avalanche to the playoffs in multiple seasons. He won his first Stanley Cup with the team in 2022.

2- Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)

Barkov is another top pick who has established himself as one of the best players in the NHL. He is a skilled center who excels at both ends of the ice and has become the cornerstone of the Florida Panthers. Barkov has already earned an All-Star nod and a Selke Trophy nomination.

3- Sean Monahan (Calgary Flames)

Monahan has been a consistent scorer since he was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2013. He is a natural goal scorer and a dependable center who helped lead the Flames to the playoffs in multiple seasons. He has since been traded to the Montreal Canadiens and has been effective when healthy.

Monahan's consistent production and leadership qualities make him a top-three pick in a redraft.

4- Bo Horvat (Vancouver Canucks)

The Canucks selected Bo Horvat, giving them one of the best all-around players in team history. Horvat had been a consistent 20-30 goal scorer for the Canucks. He was on his way to being a franchise cornerstone but was traded to the New York Islanders earlier this month.

5- Jake Guentzel (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Jake Guentzel has been a reliable scorer in Pittsburgh, when he’s been healthy. Geuntzel has been a consistent producer alongside Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Although injuries have hampered his progress, he’s still been very useful in Steel City.

6- Seth Jones (Nashville Predators)

Jones is a gifted defenseman who has become one of the most reliable blueliners in the NHL. He is a great skater, has an excellent shot, and is an effective defender.

7- Elias Lindholm (Carolina Hurricanes)

Lindholm has become a consistent scorer for the Calgary Flames since being traded from the Carolina Hurricanes. He is a natural playmaker with great vision, and solid defensive skills, and has shown a willingness to be physical. Lindholm's well-rounded game and consistent production make him a top-seven pick in a redraft.

8- Darnell Nurse (Edmonton Oilers)

Nurse has developed into a top-pairing defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers since being drafted in 2013. He is a physical player who can shut down opposing teams' top lines and contribute offensively. Nurse's ability to play a physical game as well as his defensive skills make him a top-eight pick in the redraft.

9- Alexander Wennberg (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Wennberg has developed into a solid two-way center for the Florida Panthers since being traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has great vision, playmaking ability, solid defensive skills, and is a reliable penalty killer.

10- Valeri Nichushkin (Dallas Stars)

Nichushkin struggled to live up to expectations with the Dallas Stars but has developed into a reliable forward for the Colorado Avalanche. He is a strong, physical player who is hard to knock off the puck. He played a key role in helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022.