Who was the greatest NHL expansion draft pick?

Question

From 1967 through 2000, the NHL has held a few expansion drafts to compensate for the growth of the league. Out of all those draft picks, a few players went on to have stellar careers, and even rarer, a player has stood head and shoulders above the masses. In your opinion, who was the greatest NHL expansion draft pick?

Answer 1

I would have to say Gilbert Perrault to the Buffalo Sabres, he ended up being part of the French Conection

Answer 2

I think Billy Smith ranks up there in terms of goalies. Left unprotected by LA in 1972 expansion draft and picked up by the Islanders.

Of course in 79 the Oilers merged in to the NHL and Gretzky is officially listed as a "priority selection" in the 1979 Expansion Draft. Under the existing rules at the time the Olilers would of had to of removed him from their roster. They were allowed to keep him as a priority selection during the expansion draft with a penalty of picking last in each round of the draft. So he is considered an expansion draft selection due to this according to the NHL.

Answer 3

Greatest pick by a expansion team was the Buffalo Sabres by picking Gilbert Perrault. Made Buffalo an exciting team to watch and his career speaks for itself. One of the smoothest skaters and moves that left defensemen looking very foolish at times. great player, great first pick.

Answer 4

In keeping with Joe's goalie theme, I'll go with John Vanbiesbrouck, plucked from the Rangers by Florida.

Answer 5

Joe.................Parent was selected from the Bruins.

I'm choosing Billy Smith, taken in the 1972 draft from LA with the 4th pick

Answer 6

In 1967, I am going to have to agree with Joe.  Terry Sawchuk and Glen Hall were great but past their primes by that time.  

Let me keep thinking.  Great question, dear.

Answer 7

Hard to disagree with Joe, although Tomas Volkun from Habs to Nashville was not bad.  

I'm seeing a trend here.....

Answer 8

1970 -- Tom Webster - Sabres.  He was traded to Detroit later in the day in exchange for goaltender Roger Crozier

Not the greatest, but it did work out well for the Sabres.

Answer 9

Bernie Parent.From the Habs to the Flyers.Personal favorite if you ask me too.

LITY-DAMNIT!!I hope you stick around so maybe you'll see me get my facts straight at least once.LOL

Answer 10

since beezer and vokoun had already been said, ill have to go with something farely recent that was big here in Detroit.  Not nearly the best ever, just something memorable. Doug Brown was a fan favorite. The Preds took him in the expansion draft. Detroit went and traded to get him back, and he scored some big goals in the playoffs that year for the Wings.

Answer 11

Come on folks, It was Geoff Sanderson going from Buffalo to Columbus.  

Well atleast he was productive when a Whaler.