Five Draft Disappointments Since 2000

Rick DiPietro (1st overall, New York Islanders 2000)

Where better to start on this list than the first ever player selected in the new millennium. Boston College's Rick DiPietro became the second ever goalie to be drafted first overall. His career record of 130-136-31 with 36 shutouts; 2.87 GAA and .907 save percentage from 318 starts might not look too shabby, however, it was far from the type of stardom this young man was supposed to bring the New York Islanders. What is more baffling is the fact that the Isles had so much confidence in this deal, they traded away Roberto Luongo to the Panthers. DiPietro would go on to spend more time in the treatment room than on the ice. Surprisingly this was still enough for Islanders to sign him to a mammoth 15-year deal back in 2006! Soon his injuries took a serious toll on his performance and the Islanders bought him out of his contract in 2013. These days he has taken the Tim Tebow approach into broadcast analysis.

Nail Yakupov (1st Overall, Edmonton Oilers, 2012)

The Oilers' number one picks have been hit and miss, because for every Connor McDavid, along comes a Nail Yakupov. The talented Russian centre had shone brightly for the OHL's Sarnia Sting and was unquestionably the best player available at the 2012 Draft. Recent years have shown that he was clearly not the right player for Edmonton. Yakupov has shown brief moments of brilliance but has failed to sufficiently gel in a team that is constantly rebuilding. In fairness to the young guy he has played on some thoroughly awful Edmonton teams, but his career record of 50 goals, 61 assists for 111 points is well below what you would expect of a number one offense pick. Expect Todd McLellan to be dealing this guy in the off-season.

Alexander Svitov (3rd Overall, Tampa Bay Lightning, 2001)

Although the Russian has captured some success playing in the KHL, his NHL dreams faded quickly. The second highest Russian player drafted in 2001, Tampa Bay must have thought they'd gotten a good deal with the 6'3" centre. He didn't make his NHL debut until 2002 with Tampa and quickly looked out of his comfort zone. Svitov collected just eight points in his first season. Sensing a bust, the Lightning promptly traded him to Columbus where he fared a little better, scoring only 18 points in 76 games. Realising his days were numbered, Svitov returned to the KHL with Avangard Omsk. On a happy note, he did take home World Championship Gold with his national team in 2012. Lightning fans are just happy to consign him to history.

Cam Barker (3rd Overall, Chicago Blackhawks, 2004)

Currently plying his trade in the KHL, the Manitoba native must never have predicted this when he was selected high up by Chicago in 2004. Picked by analysts to become a top two defenseman; Barker struggled through injuries and some seriously inconsistent play on the ice. After being cut by the Blackhawks in 2007, Barker has turned into more of a journeyman playing for Vancouver, Edmonton, and Minnesota along with an AHL period with Texas Stars. Ranked the top Canadian player in the 2004 Draft, his expectations were never met and now Barker is playing Hockey wherever he can find it. Cam is no quitter though and joined the Blackhawks training camp in 2013, but failed to make the cut. Now that is what you call game over.

Benoit Pouliot (4th Overall, Minnesota Wild, 2005)

Although Pouliot is still playing in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, and has become a capable checking winger, he has never fully justified his high selection. Minnesota's scouts expected Pouliot to become a free-scoring winger, but was underwhelming during his four seasons with the Wild. During those four seasons he bounced up and down between the big team and their AHL affiliate the Houston Aeros. Since he was traded to Montreal in 2009, Pouliot has been able to keep his place in the NHL, but he has never able to find a permanent home. Stints at Boston, Tampa Bay, The Rangers and finally Edmonton have kept him in the public eye, but he has never stood out. Pouliot's total of 109 goals, 121 assists, and 230 points from 484 games might sound acceptable, but when you consider he was drafted above Carey Price, Anze Kopitar and Tuukka Rask, the mind boggles.