Michigan Hockey First Round Draft Picks
The University of Michigan’s hockey program is one of the most prestigious in college hockey history, and has produced a plethora of NHL players. In terms of draft picks, Michigan ranks second all-time with 99, tied with the University of Minnesota, and only behind Boston College with 104. Michigan’s first-round draft picks are particularly impressive, with 23 players chosen in the first round of the NHL draft. This article will take an in-depth look at Michigan’s first-round draft picks, their achievements and contributions to the NHL, as well as what we can expect from Michigan’s current stars.
Rick Green - 1976
Rick Green was Michigan’s first-ever first-round draft pick, chosen fourth overall by the Washington Capitals in 1976. Green had a stellar career at Michigan, earning All-American honors twice and leading the Wolverines to the NCAA championship game in 1976. Green played 14 seasons in the NHL with four different teams, finishing with 340 points in 845 games.
Jeff Jillson - 1999
Jeff Jillson was the 14th overall selection by the San Jose Sharks in the 1999 NHL draft. Jillson had a solid collegiate career, including being named an All-American in 1999. However, his NHL career was short-lived, playing only 149 games over six seasons with five different teams.
Mike Cammalleri - 2001
Mike Cammalleri was Michigan’s highest draft pick ever, going fifth overall to the Los Angeles Kings in 2001. Cammalleri was a scoring machine at Michigan, finishing his career with 65 goals and 140 points in 109 games. In the NHL, Cammalleri had an impressive career, playing 15 seasons with five different teams and finishing with 642 points in 905 games.
Eric Nystrom - 2002
Eric Nystrom was the tenth overall pick by the Calgary Flames in 2002. Nystrom was a solid contributor at Michigan, including being named an All-American in 2002. In the NHL, Nystrom played for eight different teams over his 10-year career, finishing with 74 goals and 56 assists in 593 games.
Jack Johnson - 2005
Jack Johnson was the third overall pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005, but was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Kings. Johnson was a standout defenseman at Michigan, earning All-American honors twice and winning the CCHA Conference Player of the Year award in 2006. In the NHL, Johnson played for five different teams over his 13-year career, finishing with 304 points in 937 games.
Carl Hagelin - 2007
Carl Hagelin was the 168th overall pick by the New York Rangers in 2007, but his draft stock skyrocketed after an impressive freshman campaign at Michigan. Hagelin was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year in 2008, and was a key contributor to Michigan’s 2010 Frozen Four appearance. In the NHL, Hagelin has played for six different teams over his 11-year career, including winning two Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.
Jacob Trouba - 2012
Jacob Trouba was the ninth overall pick by the Winnipeg Jets in 2012, after a standout freshman campaign at Michigan where he was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year. Trouba was a rock-solid defenseman for the Wolverines, including being named an All-American in 2013. In the NHL, Trouba has played for two different teams over six seasons, finishing with 179 points in 408 games.
Kyle Connor - 2015
Kyle Connor was the 17th overall pick by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015, after a standout freshman campaign at Michigan where he led the Wolverines in scoring with 71 points in 38 games. Connor followed that up the next season by being named the Big Ten Player of the Year and a finalist for the Hobey Baker award. In the NHL, Connor has played for the Jets for four seasons, including being named an All-Star in 2020 and finishing with 166 points in 225 games.
Quinn Hughes - 2018
Quinn Hughes was the seventh overall pick by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018, after a sensational freshman campaign at Michigan where he led all NCAA defensemen in scoring with 29 points in 37 games. Hughes followed that up by being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Hobey Baker award in 2019. In the NHL, Hughes has played for the Canucks for two seasons, including being named a finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2020 and finishing with 53 points in 68 games.
Conclusion
Michigan’s first-round draft picks have had a significant impact on the NHL, with 23 players chosen in the first round of the NHL draft. From Rick Green to Quinn Hughes, these players have left their mark on Michigan hockey history, as well as the NHL. Michigan’s current stars, including Kyle Connor and Quinn Hughes, have the potential to continue this legacy in the NHL for years to come.
