The NHL Entry Draft serves as the gateway for new talent entering the league. In 2025, the New York Islanders made Matthew Schaefer the first overall selection. This article examines the rookie season performance of the top overall picks from the five preceding NHL drafts.
Macklin Celebrini (2024-25)
Selected first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Macklin Celebrini joined the team after an impressive freshman year at Boston University. During his inaugural season with the Sharks, he recorded 25 goals and 38 assists, earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team, and finished third in the voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Connor Bedard (2023-24)
As the first overall selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Connor Bedard made an immediate impact. He was honored with the 2024 Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year, topping all first-year players and the Blackhawks roster in goals (22), assists (39), and points (61), despite missing 14 games due to injury. Bedard is the second-youngest player in league history (18 years, 276 days) to lead rookies in goals, assists, and points, with only Nathan MacKinnon (18 years, 224 days in 2013-14) achieving this at a younger age.
Juraj Slafkovsky (2022-23)
The Montreal Canadiens chose Juraj Slafkovsky as the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, making him the first Slovakian-born player to achieve this distinction. He registered his first NHL point, a goal, in his fifth game. His rookie campaign concluded with 10 points (four goals, six assists) over 39 games.
Owen Power (2021-22/2022-23)
Selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Owen Power joined the team after two seasons at the University of Michigan, signing his entry-level contract in April 2022. He appeared in 8 games at the close of the 2021-22 season (registering 2 goals and 1 assist). He established himself in the 2022-23 season, playing 79 games and leading all rookie defensemen with 35 points (four goals, 31 assists), earning a place on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Alexis Lafreniere (2020-21)
The New York Rangers selected Alexis Lafreniere first overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, following consecutive seasons where he was named the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League`s Most Valuable Player. In his rookie campaign, Lafreniere recorded 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) over 56 games for the Rangers.
Benedict Kingsley