New York Islanders: Top 5 Lou Lamoriello Draft Picks

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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 04: Scott Gomez #21 of the New Jersey Devils looks on against the New York Rangers during a game at Madison Square Garden on April 4, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) /

Number 5: Scott Gomez Round 1 Pick 78 1998

For 16 years Scott Gomez was a solid NHL player. It all started when Lou Lamoriello selected him with the 27th pick in the 1998 draft. With the last pick in the first round, Lou made a fantastic choice in Gomez.

Out of everyone in that first round class, only Robyn Regehr, Alex Tanguay, David Legwand, and Vincent Lecavalier played more games in the NHL than Gomez.

As far as points go, Gomez had more than everyone except Lecavalier and Tanguay. So for someone who had the third most points in that first round to go last is a fantastic sign of evaluation from Lou Lamoriello.

In eight years with the Devils, Gomez had 484 points (123 goals, 361 assists) in 606 games. The highlight of his career was the 2005-2006 season. Scotty had 84 points (33 goals, 51 assists) that year, a career high by 14 points.

33 goals for Gomez was such an explosion of production. To put it in perspective he never scored as much as 20 goals in a season in every other year in the league. His next highest goal total other than 33 was 19.

Gomez took home the Calder Trophy in 1999-2000 and won two Cups with the Devils organization. He was also a clutch playoff performer. In 149 playoff games, Gomez has 101 career points.

Lamoriello struck gold by selecting Gomez with the 27th pick in the 1998 draft.