NY Islanders legend Mike Bossy the best among NHL greats drafted at No. 15

The NHL Draft has produced its share of gems outside the top 10, but few draft positions have yielded more elite talent than No. 15. Hall of Fame legends like Al MacInnis, Joe Sakic, and Erik Karlsson all heard their names called at that slot and went on to dominate the game in their own eras.

But when the debate comes down to who owns the title of greatest No. 15 pick of all time, the nod belongs to Mike Bossy. That's our assessment, and it was shared by ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, who ranked the best player drafted at EVERY draft slot EVER.

Bossy’s career was cut short by back injuries, but his impact was seismic. Drafted by the New York Islanders in 1977, he wasted no time proving his worth, scoring 53 goals as a rookie (something he predicted to GM Bill Torrey) on his way to the Calder Trophy.

He would never score fewer than 38 in a season, and more often than not, he eclipsed the 50-goal mark — a feat he accomplished nine times in 10 years. His 573 goals in just 752 games give him the highest goals-per-game average in NHL history at 0.762, a stat that underscores his standing as arguably the purest finisher the league has ever seen.

By comparison, Sakic, who posted an incredible 1,641 career points, ranks first in career production among all No. 15 picks. MacInnis rewrote the book on offensive defensemen with his 1,274 points and legendary slap shot. Karlsson, still active, boasts three Norris Trophies, placing him in rare company among blueliners.

Their resumes are unimpeachable — and yet Bossy’s brilliance stands apart.

Bossy wasn’t just a scorer, though. He was a cornerstone of the Islanders' dynasty, winning four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, including a Conn Smythe Trophy in 1982. His blend of production, efficiency, and championship pedigree makes him not only the best Islander ever drafted but also the definitive choice as the greatest No. 15 pick in NHL history.