Top 5 Best Seasons by a No. 1 Overall Pick in NHL Draft History

When the New York Islanders drafted Matthew Schaefer with the first pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, they knew the 18-year old had the potential to become a superstar.  Just over a month into the season, the scouting was bang on as Schaefer is already etching his name in the record books becoming the fastest defenseman selected No. 1 overall to reach 10 career points (12 games), and the youngest rearguard ever to record a multi-goal game, surpassing the great Bobby Orr who set the previous record back in 1966.  He is on pace for a tremendous season so with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top seven, best rookie seasons for a player taken first overall.     

1. Alexander Ovechkin – 2007–08 Season (Washington Capitals) – 106 points 

Drafted first overall in 2004, Alexander Ovechkin burst onto the scene with a rare mix of power, skill, and showmanship. His 2007–08 season remains one of the greatest goal-scoring campaigns of all time.  The greatest goal scorer of all time scored 52 goals in his first season, the only first overall pick to reach 50 goals in his rookie season. Ovie went on to win the Calder Trophy as the best rookie, and in future seasons added the Hart Trophy, Rocket Richard Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Pearson Award, and of course, the Stanley Cup in 2018.  He will go down as one of the greatest first overall selections in NHL history.

2.  Dale Hawerchuk – 1981-1982 Season (Winnipeg Jets) – 103 points

Dale Hawerchuk’s rookie season in the NHL (1981–82) was one of the most impressive debuts in league history.  At just 18 years old, Hawerchuk transformed the struggling team into a playoff contender almost overnight. In his rookie campaign, Hawerchuk recorded 45 goals and 58 assists for 103 points in 80 games, leading all NHL rookies by a wide margin. His offensive brilliance, skating, and hockey IQ drew comparisons to some of the game’s greats.  For his efforts, Hawerchuk won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year, becoming the youngest player ever at the time to reach 100 points in a season. His debut marked the start of a Hall of Fame career that would include over 1,400 points and lasting influence on the Winnipeg franchise and Canadian hockey as a whole. 

3. Sidney Crosby – 2006–07 Season (Pittsburgh Penguins) – 102 points

When Sidney Crosby was drafted first overall in 2005, he was hailed as “The Next One,” following in the footsteps of Gretzky and Lemieux. In his rookie season, Crosby scored 39 goals, 63 assists, for 102 points but didn’t win the Calder, finishing second to Ovechkin.  Crosby’s 63 assists remains a rookie record for first overall picks.  A couple seasons later, he 

became the youngest player in NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy, finishing with 120 points (36 goals, 84 assists) at just 19 years old.  He has won three Stanley Cups and will be headed to the Hall of Fame one day.

4. Mario Lemieux – 1988–89 Season (Pittsburgh Penguins) – 100 points

Mario Lemieux came into the league in 1984-85 and instantly established himself as a superstar scoring 43 goals and 57 points in his first season.  He went on to be named Rookie of The Year.  Lemieux went on to become one of the most dominant players of all time and is just one of two players to record 160 or more points in a season; he did it four times.  The other, of course, Wayne Gretzky.  Magnificent Mario went on to win the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Pearson Award, and two Stanley Cup championships.  Lemieux has the second best points per game average (1.88) in NHL history, behind the Great One (1.92). 

5. Eric Lindros – 1992-1993 Season (Philadelphia Flyers) – 75 points

Eric Lindros made an immediate impact in his rookie NHL season (1992–93) with the Philadelphia Flyers. After a highly publicized draft saga and immense expectations, the 19-year-old power forward quickly proved why he was called “The Next One.” Lindros combined size, strength, and elite skill to dominate offensively, scoring 41 goals and 34 assists for 75 points in 61 games. His physical presence and fearless playstyle made him one of the most intimidating rookies in league history. Despite the Flyers missing the playoffs, Lindros established himself as a cornerstone player and future superstar. His debut season showcased the rare blend of power and finesse that would define his Hall of Fame career and change the prototype for modern NHL forwards.

Honorable Mentions (Active Players)

Patrick Kane – 2009–10 Season (Chicago Blackhawks) – 72 points 

Patrick Kane started the full rebuild for the Blackhawks as he was taken first overall in 2007. That year, Kane not only excelled individually but also delivered one of the most iconic moments in franchise history.  Kane would score 21 goals and 51 assists for 72 points on his way to winning the Calder Trophy in 2008.  

Auston Matthews – 2021–22 Season (Toronto Maple Leafs) – 69 points

Auston Matthews was selected first overall in 2016 and scored 40 goals in his rookie season en route to being named Rookie of The Year in 2017.  He remains one of five, first overall picks, to score at least 40 in their first season.   

Macklin Celebrini – 2024-2025 Season (San Jose Sharks) – 63 points

Macklin Celebrini’s rookie NHL season has lived up to expectations, showcasing why he was the 2024 first-overall pick. He finished with 25 goals and 38 points and would finish second in Calder voting.  

Final Thoughts

You are likely wondering why Connor McDavid isn’t on this list despite being a former first overall pick and the best player on the planet.  In his rookie season,  McDavid dazzled on the ice but unfortunately missed 37 games due to a broken clavicle.  He still managed to record 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in just 45 games that season.