The 2006 NHL draft: a legacy of only seven survivors

Countries & Cities · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the high-stakes world of professional sports, a draft is a gamble on potential. But twenty years later, the 2006 NHL entry draft reveals a stark reality of attrition. Out of hundreds of prospects, only a handful remain on the ice today.

The 44th NHL entry draft took place on June 24, 2006, at General Motors Place in Vancouver. This specific draft was notable for its complex pre-event maneuvering, including a lottery held on April 20 to determine the order of the first 14 picks. The event was a major media undertaking, simulcasting across networks like TSN, RDS, and OLN to reach fans in both Canada and the United States.

The draft served as a massive marketplace for established talent and future assets. Just two days before the first pick was made, the Vancouver Canucks engaged in a significant trade with the Florida Panthers, acquiring Todd Bertuzzi, Alex Auld, and Bryan Allen in exchange for Roberto Luongo, Lukas Krajicek, and the 163rd pick. The San Jose Sharks acquired the 16th pick from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the 20th and 53rd selections, while the Minnesota Wild received Pavol Demitra from the Los Angeles Kings plus the 17th pick for Patrick O'Sullivan.

The long-term success of a draft class is often measured by longevity. As of 2026, the pool of active players from the 2006 class has narrowed significantly. A total of seven individuals are still playing in the league: Semyon Varlamov, Jordan Staal, James Reimer, Jeff Petry, Brad Marchand, Claude Giroux, and Nick Foligno. This highlights the grueling nature of professional hockey, where only a tiny fraction of draftees maintain careers long enough to span two decades.

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