The Five Worst First-Round Draft Picks in NY Islanders History

Dave Chyzowski (1989, 2nd Overall)

1989 was a wonderful draft year, except the Islanders swung and missed. With the second overall pick, they picked left winger Dave Chyzowski. Chyzowski was dominant in his junior days, scoring 56 goals and 104 points. The Islanders were hoping that he turned into that same player, but he never amounted to much in the NHL.

In 126 games, he posted 15 goals, and 31 points, but carved out an exceptional career in the minor leagues. In 571 games in the minors, he posted 443 points including three 30+ goal seasons and a 40 goal season, before finishing off his career in Austria. Players like Chyzowski are incredibly useful for teams; but given where he was drafted, and the caliber of those picked after him, his fate was sealed.

Notable players picked after:

• Bill Guerin
• Stu Barnes
• Bobby Holik
• Scott Thornton
• Olaf Kolzig