When the Tampa Bay Lightning used their top overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft on Steven Stamkos, 2024 No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini was just two years old. 16 years later, Stamkos leaves the Lightning for Nashville with two Stanley Cups, two NHL scoring titles and franchise records in 17 different offensive stats. He joins the Predators just seven goals away from cracking into the top five in all-time career goals for a number one draft pick. As long as his body holds up at the age of 34, he should easily achieve that distinction this season.
Which brings us to today’s quiz. Stamkos may have to wait another year to compete against Celebrini as the latest inductee to the “top draft pick” club mulls over his decision to return to Boston University. But Stamkos’ four-year deal with a team in the Western Conference means he should still get plenty of chances to challenge the new kid. With that being said, how many of the top picks in NHL Draft history can you name in six minutes?
Good luck!
