Redrafting the 2016 NHL Entry Draft

The 2016 NHL draft was flush with stars of all caliber, but also some major busts. Despite this, the 2016 NHL draft participants have been key players across the league. Let’s take a look and redraft the top 10 from the 2016 NHL Entry Draft:

A draft full of skill on both ends of the ice

1. Toronto Maple Leafs- Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

There is no doubt that the instant NHL ready center-iceman Auston Matthews was the best player in the 2016 NHL draft. Aside from scoring four goals in his NHL debut, Matthews has been the star that has carried the Maple Leafs to the playoffs since his rookie season.

2. Winnipeg Jets- Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary Flames)

The Jets originally selected Laine. However, Matthew Tkachuk has developed into a better overall player with the Calgary Flames and now with the Florida Panthers. Tkachuck can do just about everything on the ice, and was recently named the NHL All-Star Game MVP.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets- Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis Blues)

The player who won the fastest skater competition in 2021 is also pretty good at scoring goals for the St. Louis Blues offense. Kyrou was a key piece in the Blues' last two playoff runs and could develop into more down the line.

4. Edmonton Oilers- Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins)

One position that the Oilers have been searching for for years is a good offensively minded defenseman. In the 2016 draft, they passed on one of the best in Charlie McAvoy. A top six anchored by McDavid and Draisatl with a back four led by Charlie McAvoy would have made the Oilers a true contender.

5. Vancouver Canucks- Patrik Laine (Winnipeg Jets)

Patrik Laine has had some down years of late, but as a rookie and in his first few years in the league, he was one of the best goal scorers in the NHL. His career might have turned out differently had he been paired with the likes of Boeser, Pettersson, and Horvat.

6. Calgary Flames- Adam Fox (New York Rangers)

This pick is less about the Flames as it is how good Adam Fox has become since the draft. The young Ranger has already won one Norris trophy, and there is a solid chance that he will win another at some point. Fox is one of the most underrated players in the league.

7. Arizona Coyotes- Alex DeBrincat (Chicago Blackhawks)

Alex Debrincat was one of the most highly sought after players in the trade market in the offseason from the Blackhawks. That’s for good reason. DeBrincat has become a solid two-way player with a knack for scoring.

8. Buffalo Sabres- Pierre Luc-Dubois (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Pierre Luc-Dubois is still at the top end of the talent in the league. A solid center with good playmaking ability, Dubois could have been the perfect pairing with Jack Eichel early in their careers. Instead, the Sabres picked Alex Nylander.

9. Montreal Canadiens- Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers)

Definitely the best goaltender in the draft, Carter Hart has been one of the few bright spots in recent Flyers seasons. Although the Canadiens didn’t need him to make a run of their own in 2021, Carter Hart could have served as the heir to Carey Price instead of journeyman Jake Allen.

10. Colorado Avalanche- Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres)

In the 2022 season, Tage Thompson has become one of the most exciting young players to watch in the league. Although the jury is still out on what the rest of his career will look like, it’s safe to say it will turn out better than the Avalanche’s original pick, Tyson Jost.