Toronto Maple Leafs: The Great 2009 NHL Entry Re-Draft

2009 NHL Entry Draft Re-Draft

#1. New York Islanders

Actual: John Tavares

Re-Draft: Victor Hedman

In the actual 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders selected John Tavares who has been nothing but spectacular as a professional.

Tavares was the perennial number-one pick so it was no surprise that he went first overall, but in the re-draft the Islanders may be regretting their decision.

As mentioned, Tavares is a great player but Victor Hedman is arguably the best defenseman in the NHL.

The 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner has been a finalist two other times and seems to be getting better with age, so although any team would love Tavares, he’s never been looked at the best player at his position

#2. Tampa Bay Lightning

Actual: Victor Hedman

Re-Draft: John Tavares

If the New York Islanders would’ve passed on Tavares in the real draft, fans on Long Island would have been furious.

However, as the years pass, Hedman has jumped ahead of Tavares as the best pick in the draft. Despite now missing out on a future Hall-of-Fame defenseman, Tavares is a great pick-up at number two.

Within his draft class, Tavares has 100 more goals and 180 more points than anyone else.

He has 11 straight 20-goal seasons and has been a captain for not only New York but currently Toronto. Tavares is on-pace to be a Hall-of-Famer himself, but more importantly let’s hope he guides the Toronto Maple Leafs to their first Stanley Cup since 1967.