1999 NHL Draft Re-Do
Henrik Zetterberg Jumps 209 Spots To Go 1st Overall
Inspired by Suite101.com colleague Phil Partington’s NBA Draft Re-Do series, here's a look at some of the NHL entry drafts and how different the league could be today if teams would have picked who should have been picked.
It’s easy to sit back and criticize teams for drafting who they drafted, but just for fun, this should have been your top ten picks in the 1999 NHL draft:
1. Atlanta Thrashers. F Henrik Zetterberg, Timra, Sweden
Career Stats: 182 goals, 400 points, +119
Originally drafted: 7th round, 210th overall by the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit did another masterful drafting job in ’99 by selecting Zetterberg 210th overall. Since joining the Wings full time in 2002, Zetterberg has been one of the premier forwards in the game. He’s never had fewer than 43 points in a season and his career stat of +119 is a true testament to his terrific defensive play. Zetterberg was name playoff MVP last year as he had 27 points in 22 games for the Wings.
2. Vancouver Canucks. F Daniel Sedin, Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik, SEL
Career Stats: 179 goals, 460 points
Originally drafted: 1st round, 2nd overall by Vancouver
3. Vancouver Canucks. F Henrik Sedin, Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik, SEL
Career Stats: 107 goals, 457 points
Originally drafted: 1st round, 3rd overall by Vancouver
You could easily argue that Henrik and Daniel could have went 1-2 in the 1999 draft, but they really are a package deal, so kudos to then-Canucks GM Brian Burke for trading up to get both brothers.
4. New York Rangers. F Martin Havlat, Trinec Ocelari HC, Czech
Career Stats: 167 goals, 390 points
Originally drafted: 1st round, 26th overall by the Ottawa Senators
Deemed “boots” by Bill Watters after kicking Hal Gill in 2005, Havlat has always been a consistent scorer during the regular season, although his constant disappearing act in the playoff has held him back from being truly great.
5. New York Islanders. F Mike Comrie, University of Michigan
Career Stats: 154 goals, 337 points
Originally drafted: 3rd round, 91st overall by the Edmonton Oilers
6.Nashville Predators. F Martin Erat, Zlin Jr., Czech. Republic
Career Stats:102 goals, 305 points
Originally drafted: 7th round, 191st overall by Nashville
7. Washington Capitals. G Ryan Miller, Soo Indians, NAHL
Career Stats: 114 wins, 12 shut-outs, 2.66 goals against average
Originally drafted: 5th round, 138th overall by the Buffalo Sabres
8. New York Islanders. D Niclas Havelid, Malmo IF, SEL
Career Stats: 34 goals, 170 points, 342 minutes in penalties
Originally drafted: 3rd round, 83rd overall by the Anaheim Ducks
9.New York Rangers. F Tim Connolly, Erie Otters, OHL
Career Stats:87 goals, 283 points
Originally drafted: 1st round, 5th overall by the Buffalo Sabres
10. New York Islanders. F Ryan Malone, Omaha Lancers, USHL
Career Stats: 113 goals, 214 points
Originally drafted: 4th round, 115th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins
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