Boston Bruins: Top 10 Draft Picks From The Last 20 Years

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

#2. Joe Thornton – 1997

Joe Thornton was drafted with the first overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft and has lived up to that billing throughout his career. Although he has been criticized throughout his career for his inability to perform at a higher level in the post-season, as well as being called out for his leadership ability, Joe Thornton has been one of the best players in the history of the NHL.

Joe Thornton has posted a jaw-dropping 1259 points in 1285 NHL games including 820 points in 776 games with the San Jose Sharks. Additionally, Thornton has played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2009 (as a captain). He won the Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophies in 2006, making him the first player to ever win the Hart Trophy during a season in which he played for two different teams. Joe Thornton is also an Olympic Gold Medalist having been a member of Team Canada during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

The Bruins have made quite a few shocking trades in the last 20 years, starting with Joe Thornton’s in 2005. 

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