Hindsight is an amazing thing.
Piggybacking off an idea from our sister site Hoops Rumors, PHR looks back at the 2005 NHL Draft and how different it would look if general managers knew now what they didn’t know then.
The 2005 NHL Draft was unique in the fact that every team had a chance to select first due to the lockout that wiped out the entire 2004-05 season. To make sure each team had an opportunity, the NHL brass assigned teams one to three ping pong balls for the draft–determined by previous performance–with the worst teams earning three ping pong balls. As history would have it, the Pittsburgh Penguins would select first and went onto draft Sidney Crosby, who would become the cornerstone of the franchise. Two Stanley Cups since then, many would agree that the correct choice was made. From there, it gets interesting.
Looking back, the 2005 NHL draft boasted some big names between the pipes. Carey Price, Ben Bishop, Jonathan Quick, and Tuukka Rask were just a few. There were also some late round steals. The Blackhawks struck gold taking Niklas Hjalmarsson in the fourth round while the Predators took Patric Hornqvist with the final pick in the draft. The Penguins also benefitted from that pick as well–especially this past season.
The redrafting of the entire 2005 draft will be based upon votes from readers. Below is a list of just over 35 players who went onto have impactful careers since then. If you don’t see a player you feel should be on there, let us know in the comments section. As each pick comes up, it will be the votes of the readers who reshape the draft selections. Throughout the next few weeks, every team will be represented and will “pick” a new player in their slot. We will begin with Pittsburgh, though it seems obvious who will be selected, because it keeps the re-draft concept consistent and complete.
With the first pick in the 2005 draft, who should the Pittsburgh Penguins select?
this is without a doubt the most moronic poll ever put out by you guys. If you are stuck for something to write leave it blank.
Crosby has led the Pens to 2 Stanley Cups, how can anyone argue with that???
Crosby is the consensus pick. The only people voting otherwise are internet trolls. Darren Helm? Really? Unless you’re planning on doing an entire first round redraft, this was I’ll-conceived.
Why is this even a poll/topic of discussion? I understand it’s a down time for hockey and there isn’t much to write about, but you really can’t come up with something better than this to get your precious ‘clicks’? Wow.
It’s insulting to the people who follow you and read your work. Next time, just leave it blank, or try harder to think of something to write. Here is an idea: How about who should have been taken 2nd overall? See how easy that was?
I have updated the post to accurately reflect what my intent was behind the concept. It was intended to let readers chime in and re-select the 2005 Draft with hindsight.
The entire draft will be re-selected, not just the first overall pick. It will conclude with the final pick of the first round. I know that Crosby was a foregone conclusion. However, I felt that it wouldn’t have been an organic poll driven by readers if I unilaterally chose to keep Crosby as the top pick. Obviously people will vote how they see fit. But the poll shows what everyone knew–Crosby was and still is the overwhelming top pick of the ’05 Draft. Now, it will continue through pick #30.
I apologize for the lack of clarity. It was an attempt at giving the readers an opportunity to showcase their passion and knowledge. I also liked the idea from Hoops Rumors, and thought it could be something fun over here at PHR.