The 2016 NHL Draft: A Reflection and Redraft
The 2016 NHL Draft, held in Buffalo, was a pivotal moment in the league's history, marking the last time it took place in the city. This draft, now a decade old, offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of the NHL, with some players already establishing themselves as stars and others still on the rise.
The Top Pick: Auston Matthews
Auston Matthews, the consensus No. 1 pick, has undoubtedly lived up to the hype. His goal-scoring prowess is unmatched, with 428 goals to his name, the most of any player selected in the 2016 draft. Matthews' ability to score at all levels, from junior to the NHL, was a key factor in his selection. He's won the Rocket Richard Trophy three times and the Hart Trophy, becoming the second U.S.-born player to do so. Matthews' impact on the game is undeniable, and his future as a top player is assured.
The Trade-Offs: Tkachuk and Thompson
Matthew Tkachuk, drafted sixth overall, has had a transformative impact on the Florida Panthers. His 670 points and 253 goals are impressive, and his Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025 speak to his success. However, the trade-off here is evident. Tkachuk's success with the Panthers might have been a risk for the Calgary Flames, who drafted him sixth. Meanwhile, Tage Thompson, drafted 26th, has become the cornerstone of the Buffalo Sabres' resurgence, with three 40-goal seasons in the past four years.
The Rising Stars: Keller, DeBrincat, and Hagel
Clayton Keller, Alex DeBrincat, and Brandon Hagel are all rising stars in the NHL. Keller's 75 points in four straight seasons, including a team-best 88 points this season, showcase his consistency. DeBrincat, despite his size, has developed into a goal-scorer, with 294 goals and 102 power-play goals. Hagel, traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, has scored at least 30 goals three times in four seasons, with 36 goals this season being a career-best.
The Defending Heroes: McAvoy, Sergachev, and Chychrun
Charlie McAvoy, Mikhail Sergachev, and Jakob Chychrun are all solidifying their roles as top defensemen. McAvoy's 61 points and plus-157 rating are impressive, while Sergachev's 73 goals and 369 points are second among defensemen in his draft class. Chychrun's 26 goals this season are the most among NHL defensemen, and his 122 goals are the most among defensemen in his draft class.
The Unpredictable Journey: Gustavsson and Bratt
Filip Gustavsson's journey is a testament to perseverance. After being traded and sent to different teams, he emerged as a top-flight goalie with a 2.10 GAA and .931 save percentage. Jesper Bratt, a sixth-round pick, has become a core piece of the Devils' success with five straight seasons of at least 20 goals and 70 points.
The Physical Presence: Howden, Kunin, and Frederic
Brett Howden, Luke Kunin, and Trent Frederic are all physical presences on the ice. Howden's 10 points in the Stanley Cup run and 23 goals this season showcase his impact. Kunin's double-digit goals and assists in 2019-20, and Frederic's 18 goals and 40 points in 2023-24, are notable.
The Unsung Heroes: Peeke, Fabbro, and Stanley
Andrew Peeke, Dante Fabbro, and Logan Stanley are all solidifying their roles as defensemen. Peeke's 14 points and 19:23 average ice time, Fabbro's 26 points and 21:39 average ice time, and Stanley's nine goals and 26 points in 2025-26, are all impressive.
In conclusion, the 2016 NHL Draft was a fascinating glimpse into the future of the league, with some players already making their mark and others still on the rise. The draft's impact on the NHL is undeniable, and the players selected that year will continue to shape the league for years to come.
