[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Higher chances to get a performing player, but doing skilled scoutwork from rounds 2-7 is much more difficult and also important. Plus you need skilled, consistently-performing depth to build a team. You don't normally get that depth in rounds 1 (because as you say, you get the first line/top pairing type players that may end up playing well (or not)).

I'm a fan of pro wrestling. Hulk Hogan in the WWF was the bees knees in the eighties, but he's nothing without the great supporting cast that fed him his wins and dollars into Vince's bank account. Paul Orndorff, Iron Sheik, King Kong Bundy, Earthquake and Ted DiBiase helped put him on the map.

My point is, first round picks are great - but they more often than not DON'T make/break an NHL club. You need to use all your rounds effectively, and 2-7 are extremely important to success. Unless you're a Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby or Stamkos.

In other words in addition to a solid supporting cast first round pics are still important.