NHL mock draft: How all-time greats fit 2018 needs
106. . Defenseman. . Denis Potvin. 11. player
Denis Potvin gets drafted here by the same franchise with which he spent his entire NHL career. In 1,060 games, the Isles defenseman scored 310 goals and picked up 1,052 points. Among blueliners, only Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey averaged more points per game during their career. He won three Norris Trophies (1975-76, 1977-78 and 1978-7). If it wasn’t for Orr, who Potvin finished second to in 1974-75, he would have won four.
The Islanders defenseman was arguably their best player throughout their dynasty. They won four straight Stanley Cups from 1979 to 1983. Potvin had at least 20 points in three of those four championship runs and had 19 in the other. He was terrific offensively and great in his own end. Potvin wasn’t as offensively skilled as Orr, but he came about as close as any defenseman ever has.
He consistently came out in the green in plus-minus. Potvin is considered by many as one of the best defensemen to ever lace up his skates. He’s also proven to be one of the smartest players of all-time. Potvin had outstanding physical skills. Combined with a brilliant, quick mind, he was a force to be reckoned with all over the ice.
The Islanders desperately need to fix their defense. What better way to do that than by bringing in Potvin?