New York Islanders: Top 5 Lou Lamoriello Draft Picks

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NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 16: New Jersey Dveils President Jeff Vanderbeek (L) and Scott Niedermayer (R) take part in a jersey retirement ceremony by the New Jersey Devils prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the Prudential Center on December 16, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Number 4: Scott Niedermayer Round 1 Pick 3 1991

Scott Niedermayer was an integral part of the New Jersey Devils success in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. With the third pick in the 1991 draft, Lou took Niedermayer one pick before the Islanders drafted (boy that would’ve been nice).

Niedermayer played in 18 seasons for the Devils and later the Ducks at the back end of his career. With over 1,200 games at the NHL level, Niedermayer had 740 points as a defenseman. An impressive number to say the least.

In his 13 years with the organization that drafted him, he won three Stanley Cups, and the Norris Trophy in 2003-2004. In his Norris winning season, he had 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists). The next year he would move on from the Devils and go to the Ducks.

He was not only a part of the Ducks 2007 championship, he was a main reason why they won the thing. He won the Conn Smythe that year. With 69 points (15 goals, 54 assists) in the regular season and with two overtime game-winners in the playoffs, he was the clear winner for that award.

His number hangs from the rafters at the Prudential Center and Niedermayer’s in the hall of fame. It’s safe to say Lou Lamoriello picked a winner third overall.