As we inch closer to the 2016 NHL Draft, I’ve decided it would be fun to have a quick look back over the last 20 years with what players have been taken at 16th overall. As we all know, that’s where the Red Wings sit, and they have a handful of highly-talented prospects that could fall to them. From 2015 all the way back to 1996, here’s the players that were taken 16th overall – Some great, some… Not so much:
2015: Mathew Barzal
2014: Sonny Milano
2013: Nikita Zadorov
2012: Tom Wilson
2011: Joel Armia
2010: Vladimir Tarasenko
2009: Nick Leddy
2008: Joe Colborne
2007: Colton Gillies
2006: Ty Wishart
2005: Alex Bourret
2004: Petteri Nokelainen
2003: Steve Bernier
2002: Jakub Klepis
2001: R.J. Umberger
2000: Marcel Hossa
1999: Dave Tanabe
1998: Eric Chouinard
1997: Ty Jones
1996: Mario Larocque
The talent, or lack thereof, is scattered all across the map in this list. You have elite forwards like Vladimir Tarasenko, and useful top-four defensemen like Nick Leddy. On the flip-side, you’ve got players like Tom Wilson, and Mario Larocque.
There’s really no correlation in this list to what could be taken this year, but recent draft classes have shown us that the ability to draft an impact player at 16th overall is more common than not. But, of course, talent does not always translate to the next level.
Hope this list intrigued you, all the while making you completely terrified. Have a nice day!
