New York Islanders: Top 5 Draft Picks in Last 10 Years

1.) John Tavares

Easily the top draft choice for the Islanders since 2007 is their current captain John Tavares. In the 2009 NHL Draft, the Islanders had the No.1 overall pick. After years of struggling, the Islanders needed a franchise-changing player. Luckily, that is exactly who they got.

Since joining the Islanders in the 2009-10 season, Tavares has been a regular All-Star. As the face of the franchise, Tavares is the player the franchise hopes will once again lead them to a Stanley Cup. As one of the best players in the NHL, Tavares is capable of leading the Islanders, but the question has always been about his supporting cast.

Tavares’ best season was arguably in the 2014-15 season. That year, he totaled a career-high in points and goals. He came up short of winning the MVP that season, but he was certainly deserving.

In the 2015-16 season, Tavares played very well for the Islanders in the playoffs. He was able to help them reach the second-round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 1993. In 11 playoff games that season, Tavares totaled 11 points with six goals and five assists. That is the type of production that the Islanders will need from Tavares if they hope to achieve the success of the past.