2019 NHL Draft Top 10 Revisited: Tracking the Trajectories and Successes of Hockey's Rising Stars.
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The 2019 NHL Entry Draft, held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 21-22, 2019, marked the 57th entry draft in the history of the National Hockey League. It was a significant event where teams selected young talents to bolster their rosters, with the hope of building future success. Six years later, it's time to look at how the top 10 picks have fared in their NHL careers.

1. Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

Jack Hughes was the undisputed first-overall pick in 2019, coming off a dominant season with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP). While his first two NHL seasons were underwhelming, with just 21 and 31 points respectively, Hughes quickly proved his doubters wrong. In the 2022-23 season, he had a major breakout, scoring 99 points in 78 games. Hughes has become the face of the Devils and is under contract at $8 million per year through the 2029-30 season. In 314 games, Hughes has totaled 115 goals and 171 assists for 286 points.

2. Kaapo Kakko (New York Rangers)

Kaapo Kakko, drafted second overall by the New York Rangers, entered the league with high expectations after a record-breaking 22-goal season in Finland. However, his development stalled due to rushed entry into the NHL and the pressures that came with it. Kakko had a modest 40-point season in 2022-23, and after a slow start last season, he was traded to Seattle for Will Borgen and two 2025 draft picks.

3. Kirby Dach (Chicago Blackhawks)

Kirby Dach, selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, showed promise early in his career. However, after being traded to the Montreal Canadiens, his career has been hampered by injuries.

4. Bowen Byram (Colorado Avalanche)

Bowen Byram, drafted fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche, faced challenges early in his career but has since become a solid defenseman.

5. Alex Turcotte (Los Angeles Kings)

Alex Turcotte, chosen fifth overall by the Los Angeles Kings, has struggled to establish himself in the NHL, dealing with injuries that have impacted his development.

6. Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings)

Moritz Seider, selected sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings, has become a cornerstone of their defense. Seider has quickly developed into a top-pairing defenseman, known for his all-around game and leadership qualities.

7. Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres)

Dylan Cozens, drafted seventh overall by the Buffalo Sabres, has developed into a key forward for the team.

8. Philip Broberg (Edmonton Oilers)

Philip Broberg, selected eighth overall by the Edmonton Oilers, is developing into a reliable defenseman, though he hasn't yet reached his full potential.

9. Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks)

Trevor Zegras, drafted ninth overall by the Anaheim Ducks, quickly became known for his highlight-reel plays and offensive creativity. However, Zegras was recently traded, marking him as the seventh player from the top 10 of the 2019 draft to change teams.

10. Vasily Podkolzin (Vancouver Canucks)

Vasily Podkolzin, selected tenth overall by the Vancouver Canucks, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to consistently perform at the NHL level.

In conclusion, the 2019 NHL Draft produced a mix of successes and setbacks. While some players like Jack Hughes and Moritz Seider have become stars, others have faced challenges in their development or have already moved on to new teams. As these players continue their careers, it will be interesting to see how they evolve and contribute to their respective teams.


Writer - Isha Nair
Isha Nair is a dynamic journalist, eager to make her mark in the vibrant media scene, driven by a profound passion for sports. A recent graduate with a flair for digital storytelling, Isha is particularly interested in local arts, culture, and emerging social trends. She's committed to rigorous research and crafting engaging narratives that inform and connect with diverse audiences. Her dedication to sports also inspires her pursuit of compelling stories and understanding community dynamics.
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