What Happened to the 70 Players Drafted Before Brad Marchand?

What Happened to the 70 Players Drafted Before Brad Marchand?

Brad Marchand is now a two-time Stanley 
Cup Champion, and arguably a shoo-in for the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s nasty, annoying 
and can be downright dirty sometimes. But when it matters the most, Brad Marchand delivers. 
You’d think a player like him would have been a sought-after prospect heading into his NHL 
draft year. However, he was not. In fact, he shockingly wasn’t even on most teams’ radars when 
he was drafted 71st overall in 2006 by the Bruins. So, who were the 70 players drafted before 
him? And how could so many teams not see the phenomenal potential in Marchand? In today’s 
video we’ll be going over the 70 players drafted before Marchand, to see how their careers 
turned out compared to his. Let’s dive in! Erik Johnson, drafted 1st overall in 2006 by the 
St. Louis Blues, is a veteran NHL defenseman known for his physical play and leadership. He debuted 
in 2007 and has now played over 1,000 NHL games, primarily with the Colorado Avalanche, 
winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. Maybe not the most productive 
first overall pick in NHL history, but there is a reason this now 
season vet is still in the NHL. Jordan Staal was taken 2nd overall by the 
Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006 and is now a veteran NHL center known for his defensive prowess and 
timely scoring. He played for the Penguins from 2006 to 2012, winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, 
before joining the Carolina Hurricanes in 2012. He continues to serve as the Hurricanes’ captain, 
a role he has held since 2019. Over his career, Staal has played over 1,300 NHL games, 
recording 298 goals and 413 assists for 711 points. He has been a key contributor 
to the Hurricanes’ success for many years. With the third overall pick, the Blackhawks 
drafted Jonathan Toews. As we all know, Toews is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and 
served as Blackhawks captain from 2008 to 2023, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 and 
the Selke Trophy in 2013. In 1,067 NHL games, Toews has recorded 372 goals and 511 assists. 
After stepping away in February 2023 due to Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, he 
announced plans for an NHL comeback in May 2025 and will continue his legacy 
in Winnipeg in the upcoming season. Nick Bäckström, drafted 4th overall by the 
Washington Capitals, a Swedish center renowned for his elite playmaking. He debuted for the 
Caps during the 2007–08 season and has spent his entire career in Washington. Bäckström is 
the franchise’s all-time leader in assists with 762 and second in games played with 1,105. After 
battling hip issues, he stepped away from the NHL in November 2023 and spent the 2024–25 season 
on long-term injured reserve. Recent rumours have surfaced that he may return to Sweden 
to finish out his playing days. Regardless, he’ll always be remember as the player 
who assisted on over 270 of Ovechkin’s goals and contributing significantly 
to the Capitals’ offensive success. Phil the Thrill, taken 5th by the Bruins 
is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and the NHL’s all-time Iron Man. Over 
17 seasons with the Bruins, Leafs, Penguins, Coyotes, and Golden Knights, 
he’s played 1,286 games, recording 413 goals and 579 assists for 992 points. After 
a season with the Golden Knights in 2022, Kessel became a free agent and has expressed 
interest in continuing his NHL career over the last few seasons. However, it’s highly likely 
Kessel’s playing days in the NHL are over. Derick Brassard was drafted 6th overall by the 
Columbus Blue Jackets and retired in June 2024 after a 16-season NHL career. He played 
1,013 regular-season games with 10 teams, recording 215 goals and 330 assists. In 2020 
he became part-owner of the Gatineau Olympiques and has expressed interest in returning to 
hockey in a management or scouting role. Kyle Okposo was picked 7th in 2006 by 
the Islanders. He also retired in 2024 after a 17-year NHL career. He played 1,051 
regular-season games, recording 242 goals and 372 assists. Okposo spent nine seasons with 
the Islanders, eight with the Buffalo Sabres, and concluded his career by winning a 
Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024. Next, Peter Mueller, drafted 
8th overall by the Coyotes. He had a promising start to his NHL career 
but would be hindered by concussions. He played 297 regular-season games across 
six NHL seasons, recording 63 goals and 97 assists. After leaving the NHL in 2013 
he’s played oversee’s since, and wrapped up his 2024-25 season in the Czech league with 
a point per game campaign and Championship. Drafted 9th overall to the Wild was 
James Sheppard. Probably a top ten pick the Wild would want to forget, 
but Sheppard did play 394 games in the NHL collecting 91 points. Sheppard 
then had a successful European career, playing in Switzerland, Germany, 
and Austria before retiring in 2023. Next at pick 10, Michael Frolík to the 
Panthers. Frolik played 858 NHL games with Florida, Chicago, Winnipeg, 
Calgary, Buffalo, and Montreal, recording 159 goals and 225 assists. A versatile 
two-way forward, he won the Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2013 before he transitioned to 
play in Europe to finish out his career. Before we go any further, how would 
you redraft the 2006 top 10? Does Marchand crack the top 10? Or even 
top 5? Let us know in the comments! Jonathan Bernier, the first goalie taken in the 
2006 drafted was selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings. He played for six teams: the Kings, 
Leafs, Ducks, Avalanche, Red Wings, and Devils. Bernier posted a career 165–163–40 record with 
a 2.78 GAA, .912 SV%, and 18 shutouts over 403 regular-season games. Injuries, including a 
significant hip issue, limited his playing time in his final seasons. He retired in 
August 2023 after a 14-season NHL career. Bryan Little, drafted 13th overall 
by the Thrashers spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Thrashers and Jets, tallying 521 points in 843 games. After a 
career-ending injury, he retired in 2024. Jiří Tlustý, selected 13th overall in 2006 by 
the Leafs, played 446 NHL games with four teams, putting up 177 points. His best 
season came in 2012–13 with 23 goals and 38 points in 48 games. He now 
coaches’ hockey in the Czech Republic. Michael Grabner, a speedy Austrian forward taken 
14th by the Canucks and played 640 NHL games with six teams, tallying 276 points. A 2011 Calder 
Trophy finalist, he also represented Austria at the 2014 Olympics. Now retired, he coaches 
youth hockey and mentors’ players in Arizona. Riku Helenius, drafted 15th overall to the 
Lightning, played one NHL game for Tampa Bay, earning a shutout, not bad! Unfortunately, 
that was the only start he’d get in the NHL, and he spent most of his career in 
Europe, notably with Jokerit in the KHL. Ty Wishart, drafted 16th overall by the Sharks, 
played 26 NHL games and spent most of his career in the AHL and Europe. Surprisingly, he’s 
played his last three seasons in Australia’s AIHL league for the Melbourne Mustangs, recording 
33 points in 17 games during the 2024-25 season. Trevor Lewis was the 17th overall pick by LA 
in 2006, he’s played over 1,000 NHL games, winning two Stanley Cups with the Kings. 
Known for his leadership and versatility, he continues his playing career back with 
the Kings after stints with Flames and Jets. Chris Stewart, drafted 18th overall to the 
Avs played 668 NHL games with seven teams, recording 322 points. After retiring in 2023, 
he joined the Flyers as a player development coach and has also worked with Jamaica’s 
national team to pursue Olympic qualification. Mark Mitera, drafted 19th 
overall in 2006 by Anaheim, never reached the NHL but played in the AHL and 
ECHL before ending his playing career in 2013. David Fischer, drafted 20th overall by Montreal, never played in the NHL but built a solid career 
in Europe. He last played in Austria in 2019-20. Bobby Sanguinetti, drafted 21st overall 
by the Rangers, played 45 NHL games and had a 12-year pro career across the NHL, 
AHL, KHL, Swiss and German leagues. After retiring he became an assistant coach 
for the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL. Claude Giroux, drafted 22nd overall in 2006 by 
the Flyers was a homerun for Philly. He’s gone on to become a Flyers legend and has racked up 
over 1,110 career points in over 1,260 games. He’ll continue his quest for a Stanley Cup 
with the Senators in the 2025-26 campaign. Semyon Varlamov, the 23rd overall selection by 
Washington has now played over 600 NHL games. Posting a career .916 save percentage 
and 41 shutouts. Now with the Islanders, he remains a veteran presence in net, 
known for his agility and steady play. Dennis Persson, selected 24th overall 
by the Sabres, never played in the NHL, spending most of his playing 
days in the AHL and oversees. With the 25th overall pick, the Blues 
selected Patrik Berglund. He played 11 NHL seasons mainly with the Blues, totaling 
326 points in 717 games. After a brief, troubled stint with Buffalo, he returned 
to Sweden and retired shortly after. Leland Irving, drafted 26th to the 
Flames, played 13 NHL games with a .902 save percentage. He spent most 
of his career in the AHL and Europe. Ivan Vishnevskiy was drafted 27th 
overall in 2006 by the Stars, and played 5 NHL games with Dallas, 
tallying two assists. He spent most of his career in the AHL and KHL before 
retiring from professional hockey in 2021. With the 28th pick, Ottawa selected Nick 
Foligno, a very solid late round one grab. Foligno has played over 1,200 NHL games, racking 
up over 240 goals and 350 assists. Throughout his career, Foligno has been recognized for 
his leadership both on and off the ice. He served as the captain of the Columbus Blue 
Jackets for six seasons and received the Mark Messier Leadership Award and the King Clancy 
Memorial Trophy in 2017 for his leadership and humanitarian efforts. He currently serves as 
the captain of a rebuilding Blackhawks team. Chris Summers was drafted 29th overall 
in 2006 by the Coyotes. He played 70 NHL games with Arizona and New York, collecting 9 
points. He spent most of his career in the AHL and finished playing professionally 
in the German DEL before retiring. Finishing out the first 
round, with pick number 30, the Devils selected Matt Corrente. Corrente 
played 34 NHL games with New Jersey and was known for physical play. After stints 
in the AHL and ECHL, he retired in 2016. You could say the first round of the 
2006 NHL draft wasn’t all that exciting, and you’d be correct. Mind you, the second 
round wasn’t all that better. Let’s take a look at a few notable picks in the 2006 second 
round, that all went before Brad Marchand. Nikolay Kulemin, a Russian forward selected 44th 
overall by the Leafs, played 10 NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs and Islanders, netting 274 
points in 669 games. After 2018, he spent six seasons in the KHL with Metallurg and Salavat 
Yulaev, serving as alternate captain in 2023–24 and recording 25 points in 46 games. In 2024, 
Kulemin signed a PTO with Ottawa but was released. Jeff Petry, selected 45th overall by the 
Oilers is still currently in the NHL, playing for the Florida Panthers. 
He’s played over 980 games, collecting 385 points and over 400 penalty 
minutes. He’s been a solid presence on the blue line in the NHL for a long time and during 
his prime recorded 4 straight 40-point seasons. Milan Lucic, a fan favourite since 
he stepped onto the ice was drafted 50th overall by the Bruins in 2006. He has 
played over 1,100 NHL games with four teams, winning the 2011 Stanley Cup with Boston. 
Known for his physical play and toughness, he wasn’t a player to be messed with, 
racking up over 1,300 career penalty minutes. Due to some legal issues, Lucic 
awaits NHL clearance to resume his career. Artem Anisimov, drafted 54th overall by the 
Rangers, played 13 NHL seasons with four teams, potting 376 points in 771 career games. After 
returning to the KHL in 2021, he briefly joined Hartford in the AHL in 2024 before retiring 
that October after 18 games with the Wolf Pack. Now, onto the third round of the 2006 
NHL draft, the round that Brad Marchand was drafted in. Here are few notable picks 
drafted right before the two-time Cup Champion. With the 69th pick, the Blue Jackets 
drafted Steve Mason. Mason played 10 NHL seasons with Columbus, Philadelphia, and 
Winnipeg. He won the 2009 Calder Trophy, recording 205 wins and 34 shutouts in 476 
games over his NHL career. After retiring, Mason became Director of Goalie Development 
for the Oakville Rangers in the OHL. And finally, one pick before Brad Marchand at 
pick number 70 was Robin Figren to the Islanders. Figren never stepped foot on NHL ice 
and spent most of his career playing pro in Switzerland and Sweden 
after a few years in the AHL. And there you have it, those are the 70 
players drafted before Brad Marchand, and how their careers panned out. So, how 
would you redraft the 2006 top 10? Does Marchand crack the top 10? Or even 
top 5? Let us know in the comments, and as always don’t forget to like, subscribe and 
turn on the notification bell for more videos.

Brad Marchand is now a two-time Stanley Cup Champion. You’d think a hockey player like him would have been a sought-after prospect heading into his NHL draft year. However, he was not…

Chapters:
0:00 — Intro
0:55-4:24 — Picks 1-5
4:25-7:42 — Picks 6-11
7:43-10:19 — Picks 12-18
10:20-12:10 — Picks 19-24
12:11-14:23 — Picks 25-30
14:24-16:37 — Second Round
16:38-18:16 — Third Round

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