Martin St. Louis, the Little Big Man & Best 7th Round Picks Since 2005
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", the worst teams in playoff history, important Hurricanes, and more.
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Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a couple “Today in Hockey History” posts, the 10 best seventh-round picks since 2005, diving into Martin St. Louis’ career, teams that have never picked first overall in the NHL Draft, and more.
It would be great if you’d share the THW Hockey History Substack with your friends and family so that they can subscribe and enjoy all the best from our archives.
Now on to the good stuff…
Today in Hockey History: Dec. 6
The greatest player to ever skate in the National Hockey League set another one of his numerous records on this date. Also, there was a trio of very rare goaltending feats to occur, including one that never happened before. Philadelphia was host to a handful of the many memorable moments to occur on Dec. 6 throughout the decades. Let’s take a look back, shall we?
Martin St. Louis, the Little Big Man
Little Big Men have always been a staple in the NHL. You know the type: fast as the wind, nimble on their feet, quick with their hands and tough to play against. Henri Richard, Marcel Dionne, Brian Gionta.
In the modern era of hockey, it’s impossible to discuss the phenomenon of the Little Big Men without mentioning Martin St. Louis. As one of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first breakout stars, the franchise built themselves on the back of his meager 5-foot-9,175-pound frame. With his introduction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, it seems fitting to give a career retrospective to one of the greatest little men in hockey history.
10 Best 7th Round Picks Since 2005
The NHL Draft is used to try and level the playing field in the league. The teams near the bottom of the league standings get the opportunity to draft first in the draft, getting the first chance at some of the best players of that class.
Every prospect is different, however, and they develop in different ways. Some are extremely late bloomers. Some don’t look as good in their draft year as they will one day be.
With that in mind, this piece will take a look at the 10 best seventh-round picks since 2005. The draft was altered for the 2005 NHL Entry Draft in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, making what was once a nine-round draft into a seven-round draft.
Today in Hockey History: Dec. 5
The two top players of their generation both had multiple big nights on this date in National Hockey League history. The Windy City saw plenty of big moments, plus one of its greatest goaltenders had two big days before and after he played there. In addition, there were some rarities to occur, both on the ice and behind the bench.
Who’s Never Picked #1 in the Draft
It’s no secret that the first-overall draft pick represents a massive chance for teams to become annual Stanley Cup competitors.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning all picked first overall during a five-year period between 2004 and 2008 and it’s no coincidence that all five teams have been among the NHL’s most competitive throughout the 2010s. Sure, you have your exceptions — the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings come to mind — but for the most part, picking first overall is a key component to icing a great team.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the nine franchises that have never picked first in the draft.
The Most Important Hurricanes of All Time
Twenty-seven years ago, the Hartford Whalers franchise packed their bags and shipped out to an unproven hockey market in Raleigh, North Carolina to become the Hurricanes. Since then, the Hurricanes and the city of Raleigh have proven that hockey can not only work in the Old North State, but it can thrive under the right circumstances.
Many NHL greats have donned the Hurricanes’ red and black over the years, as well as many players that have been instrumental to creating a culture of success and an identity of hard work and devotion. In discussing who were/are the most important players to the Hurricanes franchise, it is not only the top scorers or most skilled players that will be considered, but also the most influential to team culture and identity.