The 10 most loaded draft classes in NHL history

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Canadian hockey player Joe Thornton (center) sits between his parents at the 1997 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, 1997. Thornton was chosen first overall by the Boston Bruins. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

2. 1997

The 1997 draft seems to get lost a bit in the shuffle, especially when dissecting the talent a few years prior and some seasons afterwards. But the skill level established here deserves some love and credit, no doubt.

Not only did the first round feature Beards McGee himself Joe Thornton and the ageless Patrick Marleau, but Marian Hossa has joined the 500 goal club and goaltender Roberto Luongo is still going strong with nearly 500 wins to his name.

For Luongo, it’s really been an underrated career. His 471 wins, 2.50 goals against average and .919 save percentage make him worthy of Hall consideration, as does the fact that he’s posted 76 shutouts and won a Jennings Trophy in 2011.

Brenden Morrow was also taken in Round 1, Jason Chimera has gone more than 1,000 games and Olli Jokinen played in more than 1,200 with 750 points. Unfortunately he’s probably best remembered as the guy who nearly killed his own teammate Richard Zednik. This is graphic, so fair warning.

As far as Hall locks, Thornton is there and it shouldn’t be a question, He’s posted over 1,000 points and won a Hart Trophy. Marleau is going to get in when he decides to stop being awesome. He still hits nearly 30 goals a season some 20 years on. We didn’t even mention Brian Campbell yet, a sixth rounder who spent most of his career with the Buffalo Sabres, played in over 1,000 games, was a four-time All-Star and helped Chicago win another title in 2010. Campbell also finished top five in Norris voting in ’08 and top 10 in 2007 and 2012.

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