The NHL Entry Draft is where the league`s future stars are introduced. In 2025, the New York Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer as the first overall pick.
Here`s a review of how the last five NHL first overall draft picks performed in their initial seasons:
Macklin Celebrini (2024-25)
Macklin Celebrini was chosen first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 draft after a remarkable freshman year at Boston University. During his rookie campaign with the Sharks, he recorded 25 goals and 38 assists, finished third in voting for the Calder Memorial Award, and was named to the All-Rookie Team.
Connor Bedard (2023-24)
Connor Bedard had a significant impact after being drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023. He was awarded the 2024 Calder Trophy as the league`s top rookie, leading all first-year players and his team in goals (22), assists (39), and points (61), despite missing 14 games due to injury. At 18 years and 276 days old, he became the second-youngest player in NHL history to finish as the outright or shared rookie leader in these three categories, only trailing Nathan MacKinnon (18 years, 224 days) from the 2013-14 season.
Juraj Slafkovsky (2022-23)
Juraj Slafkovsky was selected first overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Originating from Kosice, Slovakia, he became the first Slovakian-born player to be the top pick. Slafkovsky registered his first career point, a goal, in his fifth game. He completed his rookie season with 10 points (four goals, six assists) across 39 games played.
Owen Power (2021-22)
Owen Power was the top pick in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He joined the team officially in April 2022 after two seasons at the University of Michigan. He played 8 games at the end of the 2021-22 season, scoring two goals and adding an assist. For the 2022-23 season, he earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team and led all rookie defensemen with 35 points (four goals, 31 assists) over 79 games.
Alexis Lafreniere (2020-21)
Alexis Lafreniere was selected first overall by the New York Rangers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He came to the NHL after being named the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League MVP for two consecutive seasons. As a rookie for the Rangers, Lafreniere recorded 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) in 56 appearances.
