The Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs both lost in the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs but can either of their talismanic forwards carry their team all the way this season?
Welcome to RANKED. Every week during the NHL season, we will be ranking players, moments, and anything else we can think of throughout hockey history.
When a first-overall pick makes their NHL debut, there is nothing but fanfare and electricity in the air. High expectations are inevitable, as fans try — and often fail — to keep tempered and avoid disappointment if their new favorite player doesn’t produce immediately.