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

2012 NHL Entry Draft - Round One
2012 NHL Entry Draft - Round One | Justin K. Aller/GettyImages
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Griffin Reinhart (2012, 4th Overall)

In a draft class that many thought of to be weak, the 2012 draft produced a number of solid players. Griffin Reinhart was supposed to be one of them. The former fourth overall pick played the second least amount of games in the NHL compared to his first round cohorts, only registering two points. Reinhart was supposed to be the top defenseman that the Islanders were desperately looking for. A steady, puck moving defenseman who was exceptional in his own end, many thought Reinhart to be an incredibly safe pick. Instead, he never really thrived in “the show,” with only two points in 37 games.

Eventually he was traded to Edmonton after his first pro season for a first rounder that turned out to be Mathew Barzal. However, his career never took off. After enjoying some success in the AHL, he played three years overseas until his retirement at the age of 28.

Notable players picked after:

  • Morgan Rielly
  • Jacob Trouba
  • Filip Forsberg
  • Hampus Lindolm
  • Mathew Dumba

Schedule