Would John Tavares still be #1? Redrafting 2009 NHL Draft

Modified Feb 25, 2023 06:35 GMT

2009 NHL Entry Draft, First Round — John Tavares before being drafted by the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre on June 26, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The 2009 NHL entry draft was one of the most memorable ones in recent history, featuring a plethora of talented players who would go on to have successful careers.

However, if we were to redraft the first round of the 2009 class today, there would be a few changes to the original selections. Let’s take a look and redraft the 2009 NHL draft.

Redrafting the 2009 NHL draft

New York Islanders - John Tavares (New York Islanders)

The New York Islanders made the right choice by selecting John Tavares with the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft. Tavares has gone on to become one of the best players in the league, scoring over 800 points in his career and leading the Toronto Maple Leafs as their captain.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)

The Tampa Bay Lightning made an excellent choice in selecting Victor Hedman with the second overall pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

Hedman has been one of the best defensemen in the NHL over the past decade, winning the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman in 2018 and leading the Lightning to two Stanley Cup championships.

Colorado Avalanche - Matt Duchene (Colorado Avalanche)

Matt Duchene has had a very solid career in the NHL. The Avalanche were developing franchise cornerstones like MacKinnon and Landeskog, and Duchene was the best player on the team.

Although the breakup was ugly, Duchene continued his stellar play for the Nashville Predators and has been a top line forward with them in the last few seasons.

Atlanta Thrashers - Ryan O'Reilly (St. Louis Blues)

Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Ryan O'Reilly has been one of the most underrated players in the NHL over the past decade.

He earned the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward in 2019 and led the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup championship in 2019. He would be a great pick at the fourth overall spot.

Los Angeles Kings - Chris Kreider (New York Rangers)

Chris Kreider has developed into an elite offensive talent in the Big Apple since being selected.

A career Ranger, Kreider has been a mainstay on very competitive Rangers squads. Krieder would have been even better in LA, being a major piece in a team that won the Stanley Cup in the mid 2010s.

Phoenix Coyotes - Brayden Schenn (Los Angeles Kings)

Brayden Schenn has had a solid career in the NHL, eclipsing over 500 points. After being selected by the Kings, he played in Philadelphia for their Stanley Cup run and developed to be a key player for the St. Louis Blues in their title run in 2019. The Coyotes could have used Schenn’s crucial leadership skill.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Nazem Kadri (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Cover your eyes Leafs fans! The Maple Leafs made the correct selection in 2009, picking up Nazem Kadri.

Kadri didn’t flash early on, but the last five years has transformed his career since being traded from Toronto to the Colorado Avalanche. He was a key player for the Avs in their Stanley Cup win in 2022, and if the Leafs had kept him, maybe they’d be looking at the chalice themselves.

Dallas Stars - Kyle Palmieri (Original pick: New Jersey Devils)

New York Islanders vs Philadelphia Flyers

Kyle Palmieri has been a solid player in the NHL, scoring over 300 points and serving as a consistent offensive threat for the New Jersey Devils and other teams. He would be a solid selection at eighth overall pick.

Ottawa Senators - Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Original pick: Phoenix Coyotes)

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been a consistent performer for the Arizona Coyotes throughout his career, earning two All-Star selections and serving as the team's captain for several seasons.

His career has dipped with the Canucks, but his prime was as one of the best defensemen in the league with the Arizona Coyotes. He would be a solid selection at the ninth overall pick in the redrafted 2009 NHL entry draft.

Edmonton Oilers - Nick Leddy (Original pick: Minnesota Wild)

Nick Leddy has had a solid NHL career, winning a Stanley Cup championship with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and serving as a key player on the Blackhawks blue line.

Leddy was one of the league’s best defenders till the 2020 season. He's still in the league with the Blues, and the Oilers could have used a shut-down defender like Leddy was in his prime.

Edited by Bhargav