New York Islanders Failures at the Draft Table

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Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; General view of team executives on the arena floor in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Dave Chyzowski

Drafted (Year/Position): 1989, 2
Career Stats: GP:126/G:15/A:16
Draft Class: Stu Barnes (4), Bill Guerin (5), Bobby Holik (10)

In 1989 the New York Islanders had the second overall draft choice and they selected Dave Chyzowski from Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. Chyzowski’s stock was high going into the draft after a 104 point season with the Blazers in the 1988-1989 season.

A second overall draft choice is a sign that the players is regarded as a future star by not only the franchise drafting him but by the remainder of the league and its scouts.

Chyzowski never fulfilled those expectations. He stayed in the Islanders organization until the 1996-97 season where he became a Chicago Blackhawk.

In 2011, The Hockey News ranked the biggest draft busts in league history. Chyzowski ranked seventh in the list. Chyzowski found himself alongside some ill-esteemed company like Patrick Stefan and Alexandre Daigle.

For whatever reason Chyzowski just couldn’t find his scoring touch in the NHL. He managed to make a decent career playing in the IHL and then in Europe.

Not only were players like Barnes, Guerin, and Holik selected after Chyzowski in the opening round, but future legends like Nicklas Lidstrom (53) and Sergei Fedorov (74) were taken later in the draft by the savvy Detroit Red Wings. Oh and don’t forget Pavel Bure at an incredible 113 overall.

The 1989 NHL draft was a great year, just not for the New York Islanders. Maybe investing in a European and or Russian scout may have paid off for the Isles.

Next: No.1 Rick DiPietro