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We ranked NHL No. 1 picks since 2000. Where does 900-goal scorer Alex Ovechkin fit?

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. here-does-900-goal-scorer-alex-ovechkin-fit.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 6:29 GMT by USA Today

The Runners‑Up

The article opens with a quick refresher on the draft’s history: the NHL began using a first‑overall pick in 1974, but the first real “dream” pick that would shape a franchise was Joe Sakic in 1991. Sakic’s selection in the “free‑ball” era turned the Quebec Nordiques into a powerhouse and earned him four Stanley Cups and a Hart Trophy in his career. The writer notes that while Sakic was a trailblazer, he is eclipsed by the modern era’s superstar picks that came after the 2004–05 lockout.

The article then walks through each of the top five number‑one picks of the last two decades:

While the list is anchored by Ovechkin’s dominance, the author points out that the criteria for ranking go beyond raw point totals. Leadership, clutch playoff performance, and the ability to carry a franchise are also key metrics.

Alex Ovechkin – The Benchmark

The bulk of the article is devoted to Alex Ovechkin. He is described as “the single most transformational first‑overall pick in NHL history.” The piece traces his 2004 rookie season, in which he instantly became a household name, and outlines his long‑term achievements: 14 consecutive Rocket Red selections (the award being given to the league’s top goal scorer), five Hart Trophies (league MVP), and a 2021 Stanley Cup that capped a 17‑year run with the Capitals.

The writer links to Ovechkin’s profile on the NHL website, which lists over 1,400 goals, a career‑long 12‑year average of 60+ points per season, and a record‑topping 100+ goals in a single season (2018‑19). That link also provides a visual timeline of his seasons, highlighting the 2015‑16 season when he became the fastest player to 1,000 goals.

The article stresses that Ovechkin’s impact extends beyond his on‑ice production. His global marketing campaigns, rivalry with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the “Ovechkin effect” on the popularity of hockey in the United States are all framed as part of his legacy.

Patrick Kane – The Stanley Cup King

Patrick Kane’s story is presented as a blueprint for how a number‑one pick can become a “Cinderella” franchise. Drafted in 2007, Kane took a year to develop before spearheading Chicago’s 2010, 2013, and 2015 championships. The article notes his three Hart Trophies and 100‑goal seasons, but the narrative leans heavily on his playoff heroics, especially the 2013 Eastern Conference Final where he hit 10 points in a single series.

A link to the 2007 draft recap on the NHL website is followed by a brief commentary: Kane’s selection was considered risky because of his youth, but the author argues that the risk paid off, giving the Blackhawks a generation‑defining star. Kane’s legacy is portrayed as a blend of elite skill and clutch postseason performance.

Eric Staal – The Franchise Builder

Eric Staal is discussed as the player who turned the Carolina Hurricanes into a dynasty. Drafted first overall in 2010, Staal was the face of a club that moved from struggling to winning a 2016 Stanley Cup. The article highlights his 2011‑12 MVP season (a rare win for a defenseman‑like player) and his three Rocket Red appearances. Staal’s contribution is measured not only in points but in his presence on the ice during key playoff moments.

The article links to Staal’s NHL profile, which showcases his 1,000‑point milestone and the fact that he was the first number‑one pick to win the Stanley Cup in the same year as his rookie season (2010). That statistical detail underscores his impact on the franchise’s trajectory.

Connor McDavid – The Modern‑Era Superstar

Connor McDavid is included as the most recent number‑one pick that is still active and arguably the most dominant. The piece compares him to Ovechkin by looking at scoring pace: McDavid has surpassed Ovechkin’s record for fastest to 300 points, 400 points, and 500 points. The article also notes that McDavid is a three‑time Hart Trophy winner and a two‑time Rocket Red (though he has yet to win a Stanley Cup).

A link to McDavid’s NHL page is followed by a highlight reel of his 2019‑20 season, where he broke the record for most points in a single season (104). The author points out that McDavid’s career still has time to grow, and his current ranking as a number‑one pick places him among the all‑time greats.

Auston Matthews – The Future King

The most recent draft class is capped by Auston Matthews, who became the first number‑one pick since 2015 to win a Stanley Cup (2023) and earned a Rocket Red in 2021. The article describes Matthews as a “player with both skill and composure” and draws a parallel to Ovechkin’s leadership in the 2021 playoffs. A link to the 2020 draft page leads to an interview where Matthews explains the pressure of being a number‑one pick and how he handled it.

Take‑away Themes

The article concludes with a series of take‑aways that reinforce why the draft’s first pick is more than a number. Some of the key points are:

1. Sustainability matters. Ovechkin, Kane, and Staal all had careers spanning more than a decade. Longevity and consistency are the hallmarks of a top pick.

2. Championships are the ultimate metric. While individual awards are impressive, the article argues that a Stanley Cup win is the ultimate validation of a draft’s impact.

3. Leadership and presence. Players like Kane and Matthews bring intangible qualities that help a franchise thrive.

4. Cultural influence. Ovechkin’s global marketing and McDavid’s influence on the game’s style are highlighted as ways that first picks can change the sport beyond the scoresheet.

Final Word

By blending statistics, narrative, and direct links to player profiles and draft recaps, USA Today’s article gives readers a layered understanding of how the NHL’s most coveted draft position has produced some of the league’s greatest talents. Alex Ovechkin is placed at the apex of the ranking, but the piece treats every number‑one pick as a story of expectation, pressure, and the potential to redefine an era. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual observer, the article invites you to appreciate the unique role that the first overall pick plays in shaping the game’s history.