Columbus has had a top-five pick before, having picked first in 2002, second in 2012, and fourth in 2000, 2003 and 2010. But to give you an idea of what the third overall pick has produced in the post-lockout era (from 2005 on), here’s a rundown of how No. 3 has fared:
2006 Chicago – Jonathan Toews
- There isn’t really much to explain here – Toews is one of the best players in the league and boasts arguable the best “complete” game in the business. Drafted out of the University of North Dakota, the center from Winnipeg has made his mark since the day he arrived, averaging 63 points per year over nine seasons and taking home both the Conn Smythe and Selke Trophies in 2009-10 and 2012-13, respectively.