In the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, the Atlanta Thrashers had the right of deciding who goes first. Passed up by the Atlanta braintrust were future regulars including, the Sedin twins (taken 2nd and 3rd by the Canucks), Martin Havlat (26, Ottawa) , Mike Comrie, David Tanabe, Barret Jackman, Henrik Zetterberg, Ryan Miller, and a host of guys who produced a limited impact in the game or no impact at all.
Probably not the best year in which to own the number 1 pick. But at the time, I'm sure the Thrashers headmen were thrilled to bits to call out the name of Patrick Stefan.
Today, Patrick is 27 years old. To his NHL credit, are 455 games, 64 goals and 124 assists. 188 points. That works out to about 34 points a year, in an 82 game season (something he managed once). Not bad from a 4th line forward. Not so hot for a former Number1 who should have been in his prime. Unless he changes his mind (and even if he does, there would be no guarantees), that will be as much as he does as a professional hockey player. On Sunday, October 7, Patrick Stefan announced his retirement.
Few noticed.
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