Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
As to the first sentence, you can say the exact same thing about the top pick: it helps, but in most cases isn't necessary.
As for the other 2 sentences: McDavid, Matthews, Hischier, Dahlin, Hughes and Lafreniere say hi (every #1 from 2015-2020)
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Look at the list of the cup winners over the past 15 years. You absolutely need game breaking talent taken from a top pick to win a cup these days:
Panthers - Barkov (pick 2), Ekblad (Pick 1)
Golden Knights - Eichel (pick 2), Pietrangelo (pick 4)
Avalanche - Mackinnon (pick 1), Makar (pick 4)
Lightning - Stamkos (pick 1)
Blues - Pietrangelo (pick 4)
Capitals - Ovechkin (pick 1)
Penguins - Crosby (pick 1), Malkin (pick 2)
Blackhawks Toews (pick 3), Kane (pick 1)
Kings - Doughty (pick 2)
Bruins - Seguin (pick 2)
I can't believe anyone here is denying it when the proof is right there. You NEED a top 4 pick at minimum to win a cup and in most cases more elite talent.
A lot of these teams were surrounded with other good to great players. The surrounding cast matters a lot. But you need the elite game breaking talent at the center of it.