The 27th pick, a history
The Hurricanes pick 27th in the first round of tonight's NHL Draft, and a 20-year sample of players drafted in that position indicates they have a shot at an All-Star — but a slim one.
Going back five years (it's too soon to say much about anyone drafted since 2003, although Washington's Jeff Schultz (2004) is a legitimate NHLer already) and taking a look from 1984-2003, one player clearly stands out: Joe Nieuwendyk, taken 27th by the Calgary Flames in 1985.
He's one of three players taken in that spot of All-Star caliber, with Scott Mellanby (1984) and Scott Gomez (1998) the others.
Overall, 17 of the 20 have played in the NHL, seven of the 20 played more than 500 NHL games and 11 were notable NHLers: Nieuwendyk, Mellanby, Gomez, Benoit Brunet (1986), Mark Fitzpatrick (1987), Tie Domi (1988), Steve Staios (1991), Rhett Warriner (1994), Cory Sarich (1996), Ben Clymer (1997) and Jeff Tambellini (2003).
The three wipeouts: Mike Morris (2002), Ari Ahonen (1999) and Michael Speer (1989).
About the blogger
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or luke.decock@newsobserver.com.