Revisiting the 2016 NHL Draft: Who Deserves a Top 3 Spot Now?

The 2016 NHL Draft is often remembered for its heavy hitters and the potential it promised. Four years later, with careers flourishing and some prospects falling flat, it's time to revisit that fateful day in Buffalo and reconsider who should’ve gone in the top three. Originally, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews first overall, followed by the Winnipeg Jets taking Patrik Laine second, and the Columbus Blue Jackets grabbing Pierre-Luc Dubois at third. Fast forward to today, how do those choices hold up under the unforgiving lens of time? **1. Auston Matthews – 1st Overall** No surprise here. Auston Matthews remains the quintessential first overall pick and has exceeded expectations since being drafted. After scoring 40 goals or more in three separate seasons, Matthews has established himself not only as a premier goal-scorer but as a complete player. His combination of skill, size, and hockey IQ is unparalleled, allowing him to consistently dominate in the NHL. Matthews has not only captured the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 2017, but he also won the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2021 for being the league's top goal-scorer. His leadership and clutch performances have endeared him to fans and solidified his status as the face of the Maple Leafs franchise. **2. Cale Makar – 2nd Overall** If we had the chance to redo the draft today, Cale Makar would likely leap into the second overall spot. Selected fourth by the Colorado Avalanche, Makar has quickly established himself as one of the league's elite defensemen. His skating ability, vision, and offensive instincts are a game-changer, serving as a catalyst for the Avalanche's success. Makar's rookie season culminated in a run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he showcased not just skill but resilience. He quickly became a cornerstone of the Avalanche's defense and claimed the Norris Trophy in 2021. His breakout playoff performances—especially in 2022 when he helped lead Colorado to a championship—further underline his meteoric rise. **3. Leon Draisaitl – 3rd Overall** Originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the third overall pick in 2014, Leon Draisaitl’s position in the 2016 Draft might surprise some, but his achievements deserve recognition. If we were re-evaluating based on career trajectories, his inclusion in the top three is a logical choice. Since then, Draisaitl has transformed into a dual-threat alongside Connor McDavid. He won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2020 and has consistently produced at a point-per-game pace or higher. His ability to find the back of the net and set up teammates has made him invaluable to the Oilers. As part of a dynamic duo, he has played a pivotal role in elevating the Oilers back into playoff contention. **The Unfortunate Fall-Off: Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois** In our hypothetical redraft, both Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois tumble down the rankings. Laine, once heralded for his unmatched shooting ability, has faced inconsistency and injuries that have hindered his progress. While he still has flashes of brilliance—most notably his stunning goal-scoring ability—his impact hasn’t matched the hype following his rookie season. As for Dubois, his trade from Columbus to Winnipeg marked a significant shift in his career. While he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, he has yet to solidify himself as a game-changing player. His potential remains, but the pressure is on him to elevate his game consistently, particularly with so many star prospects surpassing him in development. **Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Future Prospects** The 2016 NHL Draft serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of player development. Teams can miss high, leading to missed opportunities that can reshape franchise history. As we look back, it’s clear that Auston Matthews remains a slam dunk at number one, while Cale Makar’s ascendance demonstrates the value of a blue-chip defenseman. As the league continues to evolve, the 2016 Draft will serve as a case study for talent evaluation in the NHL. With fresh talent entering the league every year, it will be fascinating to see how future drafts unfold. Who knows? The next generational talent could be just around the corner, rewriting history once again. The question now is, who’s next? Keep an eye on the upcoming drafts and the young stars making their marks—after all, the next big name might just be waiting to surprise us all.