5 most dramatic NHL Draft Day falls of all-time ft. Pavel Bure

By Lyndon Suvanto

Modified Jun 29, 2024 03:26 GMT

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On Friday, prospects from across the globe will hope to hear their names called during the 2024 NHL Draft. It's widely believed that the San Jose Sharks will select top prospect Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick. Beyond Celebrini, the draft quickly becomes unpredictable as a number of prospects could either rise or fall from their original projected positions.

It remains to be seen if there will be a dramatic fall for any player in the 2024 NHL Draft class. There appears to be a general consensus on which young players will be selected in the top round. The biggest question mark is Trevor Connelly, whose off-ice issues could see him tumble down draft boards.

Here's a look at 5 of the biggest falls in NHL Draft history

#5 - Oliver Kylington (60th pick)

Entering the 2015 NHL Draft Oliver Kylington was one of the biggest wild cards. A talented defenseman, Kylington's potential was something that intrigued scouts throughout the draft process. However, his lack of production prior to the draft led Kylington to fall out of the first round as many expected. Instead, he was taken by the Calgary Flames with the 60th pick.

#4 - Cam Fowler (12th pick)

Some may not consider being the 12th overall pick a dramatic fall, many expected Cam Fowler to go as early as pick 3 or 4 in the 2010 draft. A highly-touted defensive prospect, Fowler ultimately fell to the 12th selection of the draft, joining the Anaheim Ducks. Fowler has been a steady presence for them ever since.

"6/25/2010: #NHLducks select Cam Fowler 12th overall at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft" - @AnaDucksHistory

#3 - Anders Lee (151st pick)

Anders Lee was considered a highly talented forward heading into the 2009 NHL Draft. However, there were some questions surrounding his future hockey plans. A multi-sport athlete, some scouts believed that Lee could choose a different sport as opposed to hockey. As a result, Anders Lee fell to the New York Islanders in the 6th round, being selected with the 151st pick.

#2 - Sergei Fedorov (74th pick)

The first of two Russian skaters to appear on this list, Sergei Fedorov proved to be one of the biggest steals in NHL Draft history. For Fedorov, as well as other Soviet skaters at the time, there were questions about whether or not these potential stars would defect to the United States to play in the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings took a shot on Fedorov with the 74th pick of the 1989 Draft, but he defected soon after.

#1 - Pavel Bure (113th pick)

Pavel Bure might have the most notorious NHL Draft story in history. Arguably the most talented prospect in the 1989 class, Bure's skill would have made him a sure-fire top 5 pick. However, there were again questions about defecting from the Soviet Union as well as late-round eligibility.

"June 17th - On This Day in BC Sport History: 1989. In an otherwise forgettable NHL Draft for the Vancouver @Canucks (whose top selection, Jason Herter, ultimately plays just one NHL game), the Canucks select Pavel Bure in the 6th round at the draft at the Met Center" - @JasonBeck82

The Vancouver Canucks made the controversial decision to draft Pavel Bure with the 113th overall pick. The controversy did not come with the talent of the player they selected. Instead, most teams believed that Bure was ineligible to be selected beyond the first three rounds. The Canucks uncovered that he was indeed eligible and the rest is history. Bure was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.