PHILADELPHIA FLYERS: Salary cap problems galore will likely keep the Flyers from developing young talent right away...not that they've been great in that category. Claude Giroux (2006), James Van Riemsdyk (2007), and Sean Couturier (2011) were some of the team's biggest hits in the draft.
PHOENIX COYOTES: In their ongoing saga of finding an owner, the Coyotes have almost had to rely on young talent. Most of that talent hasn't developed, mainly because they've been rushed to the NHL before they're ready (see: Tikhonov, Viktor (2008) and Mueller, Peter (2006)). However, most of that young talent is finally playing to potential, but now, the focus must be on some offense up front.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: It's no secret that the Penguins have drafted well, with Marc-Andre Fleury (2003), Evgeni Malkin (2004), Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang (both in 2005) forming the foundation for the team's success in recent years. However, it will be guys like Simon Despres (2009) and Joe Morrow (2011) that will be key to sustaining that success.
ST. LOUIS BLUES: As badly as they whiffed on guys such as Shawn Belle (2003), Marek Schwartz (2004), and Erik Johnson (2006), they have some pieces in place that came from the draft. David Perron (2007), T.J. Oshie (2005), and Jaden Schwartz (2010) all figure to be key players for years to come. Vladimir Tarasenko (2010) could be the best of the bunch, though if he makes the jump to the NHL.
SAN JOSE SHARKS: A team that is badly in need of developing talent, it isn't like the Sharks don't develop young talent, they just trade it away for players with bigger contracts. Remember Milan Michalek (2003)? Traded for Dany Heatley, who underperformed in San Jose. Pray that Logan Couture (2007) does not get traded for another bloated contract (paging Rick Nash).
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: The Lightning's draft history has not exactly been sterling, as they seem to fail on picks that are not the first overall like Steven Stamkos (2008). However, the Lightning have been trying to reverse that trend in recent years, but they still need to find a way to develop a goaltender, as they have never been able to do so in their existence.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: Want to know why Toronto hasn't been to the playoffs since the lockout? Look no further than the team's draft history, which includes trading away Tuukaa Rask (2005), trading first rounders in 2010 and 2011 for Phil Kessel, and the yet-to-be developed Luke Schenn (2008) and Nazem Kadri (2009). This year is pivotal if the Leafs hope to be playoff bound next year.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS: Ryan Kesler (2003) and Cory Schneider (2004) have been integral parts to the team's success in recent years, which isn't to say the team doesn't do well after the first round (see: Hansen, Jannik (2004) and Raymond, Mason (2005)). Recent drafts haven't been as kind, as Jordan Schroeder (2009) haven't developed as hoped, and defense is still a sore spot, where Luc Bourdon (2005) would have been a major part had he not been killed in a motorcycle accident in 2008.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS: The draft has been important for the Capitals, as Alexander Ovechkin (2004), Alexander Seimin (2002), and Niklas Backstrom (2006) all play important roles. Don't forget about Karl Alzner (2007), Mike Green (2004), and John Carlson (2008), all blue liners who were drafted by the team. The Capitals would have had a spotless record in the last ten years if not for the folly that was the 2005 draft (Sasha Poklouk and Joe Finley).
WINNIPEG JETS: The former Atlanta Thrashers franchise have been hit and miss when it comes to the draft. Foolishly, they traded away Braydon Coburn (2004) in 2007, drafted Alex Bourret (2005) in the draft that has claimed many a team, and rushed some of their more recent draft picks. Evander Kane (2009) has developed into a true star, but we're still waiting for Zach Bogosian (2008) and Alexander Burmistrov (2010).
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