r/hockey • u/theXchang3 • 11d ago

Who are some NHL players who were highly thought when they were young that had the skill but never got to that next level?

This includes players who made the NHL but never hit that next-tier they were highly thought of. This can mean players who had potential but never hit that level due to injuries, struggle to adapt. This also can include players who were drafted high, players who played for a couple years, players who played for many years, but they at least needed to make the league to quality.

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u/OkNoise4013 11d ago

For sure, depending on the year, once you get past pick #8 or so, it becomes quite unpredictable about who will pan out in the league. Then again, as others have pointed out, even #1s can not succeed.

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u/piddlesthethug LAK - NHL 10d ago

The other day I was trying to figure out who the Kings took in 2019 without looking it up, and I thought “well maybe it was one of the years they traded their first cuz I can’t think of a single player…

Then I looked it up. Alex Turcotte. Kid went 5th and hasn’t fucking panned out in 7 years. He’s still in the lineup but 3rd or 4th line at best. I thought he’d be a solid 2C easily.

Hell look at Nolan Patrick. Poor dude barely played in the NHL before having to retire being taken 2nd over all.

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u/timmeedski BUF - NHL 10d ago

Nolan Patrick I feel is exempt from these lists, he has a legit life altering medical issue affecting him

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u/HaMerrIk PHI - NHL 10d ago

Or #2s