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Realistic expectations for Alexis Lafrenière

By Jason Katinas

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 06: With the first pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, Alexis Lafreniere from Rimouski of the QMJHL is selected by the New York Rangers at the NHL Network Studio on October 06, 2020 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 06: With the first pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, Alexis Lafreniere from Rimouski of the QMJHL is selected by the New York Rangers at the NHL Network Studio on October 06, 2020 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The Stanley Cup (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Maybe they plan to open a hardware store

The top group of first overall picks have been amassed a serious amount of NHL hardware. Between them, they have won seven Stanley Cups, six Ted Lindsay Awards (formally Lester B. Pearson) and five Art Ross Trophies. They’ve also been awarded three Conn Smythe’s, three Maurice Richard Awards and two Calder Trophies. In addition, they’ve taken home a Lady Byng, a Mark Messier Leadership award and have appeared in a combined 17 All-Star games.

Sidney Crosby, chosen first overall in 2005 lived up to the hype as the next great one. He quickly became the face of the NHL and has lead his Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cups, including back to back wins in 2015-16 and 2016-17. He holds 12 different major NHL awards.

Patrick Kane was picked first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007, becoming one of only eight Americans to hold the honor. Additionally he is one of only four US born players to win the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP. He is a three time Stanley Cup winner and holds five major NHL awards.

Connor McDavid was the Edmonton Oilers first overall pick in 2015. In his five seasons in the league, he has been voted in the top five for the Hart trophy four times, winning once. He has also won the Art Ross and Ted Lindsay awards twice each. He is arguably the best player in the game today.

Steven Stamkos finally got to hoist the Stanley Cup in 2019-20. The twelve year veteran has been in the league since the Tampa Bay Lightning selected him first overall in 2008. He has led the league in goal scoring twice , has the third highest goals per game ratio in the cap era, and is the last player in the league to score 60 goals in a season.

Nathan MacKinnon was selected by the Colorado Avalanche first overall in 2013. The former rookie of the year is a two time runner up for the Hart trophy and took home the Lady Byng this past season. At this point in his career, he’s as good as anyone in the league.

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