Reimagining the 2020 NHL Draft: A Top 10 Re-Order with Sanderson at No. 1

The 2020 NHL Entry Draft was famously labeled as one of the deepest talent pools in recent memory, with the term “generational” thrown around liberally—particularly surrounding first-overall selection Alexis Lafreniere. Now that several years have passed and the draft class has found its footing in the league, the initial hype has cooled, allowing for a more realistic evaluation of where these players truly stand. Re-evaluating the top ten selections based on current performance, team needs, and overall fit reveals how the draft order might look if general managers had the benefit of hindsight.

Considering the talent, organizational fit, and positional need for each franchise, this exercise aims to explore what each team selecting in the top 10 of the 2020 draft would do if given a second chance.

1. New York Rangers: Jake Sanderson, Defenseman

Original Pick: Alexis Lafreniere, Right Wing

The New York Rangers entered the 2020 draft with high expectations, ultimately landing Alexis Lafreniere with the first-overall selection. While Lafreniere possesses undeniable talent, the immense pressure and immediate expectations from the organization hindered his early development. In a reimagined scenario, the Rangers would prioritize a different kind of impact player. Instead of a winger, they would select Jake Sanderson, a premier defenseman. Partnering Sanderson with Adam Fox on the top pairing would provide the Rangers with a robust, modern blue line. Sanderson has blossomed into an elite, all-situations defenseman, posting back-to-back 50-point seasons and proving he is much more than a traditional shutdown option.

In this scenario, the Rangers get another No.1 defenseman alongside Adam Fox in Sanderson, who has continued to grow his game every single year. Sanderson can play in all situations, and with back-to-back 50-point seasons under his belt, he’s much more than a shutdown defenseman.

2. Los Angeles Kings: Tim Stutzle, Center

Original Pick: Quinton Byfield, Center

The Los Angeles Kings originally drafted Quinton Byfield second overall, hoping to anchor their center position for years to come. While Byfield has developed into a reliable top-six forward, the franchise still lacks a true, high-end number one center. In this re-draft, Tim Stutzle emerges as the ideal fit for the Kings’ timeline. Stutzle brings a dynamic offensive skill set and versatility, as he is highly effective playing down the middle or on the wing. His playmaking ability would elevate the Kings’ top-line talent, such as Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala, making the Kings a much more formidable offensive force.

Can Quinton Byfield Truly Be The Kings' Long-Term No. 1 Center?
Now that Anze Kopitar has retired, it's time for Quinton Byfield to step into the spotlight as the Los Angeles Kings' top center. But is he ready for the primetime matchups?

Stutzle’s skill would elevate the offensive ceiling for other players like Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala, and if the clocks were turned back, the Kings would sprint to the podium to make this selection.

3. Ottawa Senators: Brock Faber, Defenseman

Original Pick: Tim Stutzle, Center

The Ottawa Senators originally used their high first-round pick on Tim Stutzle, adding offensive depth to their forward group. However, in a re-draft, they would address their defensive needs with a blue-chip defenseman. The Senators would walk away with Brock Faber, who has quickly established himself as one of the NHL’s premier young blueliners. Having recorded 15 goals and 51 points in a single season while playing top-pairing minutes for the Minnesota Wild, Faber is an elite two-way force. Ottawa would gain a highly competitive, offensive-minded defenseman capable of playing alongside top-tier talent and defending in all three zones.

The Ottawa Senators are still getting a defenseman in this exercise but this time they walk away with Brock Faber, who has proven he’s already among the NHL’s elite blueliners in his short career.

Faber had 15 goals and 51 points last season for the Minnesota Wild and shared the ice with Quinn Hughes on the team’s top pairing. The Senators would be getting a great two-way defenseman who can produce offense, play with elite players, and compete hard in all three zones.

4. Detroit Red Wings: Anton Lundell, Center

Original Pick: Lucas Raymond, Right Wing

The Detroit Red Wings selected Lucas Raymond with the fourth pick, looking to add skill to their rising forward core. While Raymond has been a productive player, a re-draft would see Detroit pivot to Anton Lundell. Lundell has proven to be one of the most undervalued players in the league, playing a crucial depth role on two-time Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers teams. His ability to play with elite players, kill penalties, and deliver clutch playoff performances—evidenced by his 35 points in 47 playoff games—makes him a perfect fit for Detroit’s forward group, providing the grit and defensive reliability they need.

Anton Lundell has been one of the NHL’s most underrated players because he plays in a depth role on the two-time Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. Lundell would add so much to the Detroit Red Wings’ forward core, allowing their highly skilled players to focus on their game while he does the dirty work.

Lundell also seems to flip a switch in the playoffs. Between Florida’s back-to-back cups, he finished with a combined 35 points in 47 playoff games while still being a matchup nightmare defensively.

5. Ottawa Senators: Seth Jarvis, Right Wing

Original Pick: Jake Sanderson, Defenseman

If the Senators did not select Jake Sanderson earlier, they would still secure an exceptional talent in Seth Jarvis. Jarvis embodies the modern definition of a top-line winger, combining relentless energy, physical play, and high-end offensive production. Having recorded three consecutive seasons of 30 goals and 60 points, Jarvis has proven he can score at a high rate while being incredibly difficult to play against. For Ottawa, acquiring both Faber and Jarvis would be a massive win, as Jarvis brings the leadership, passion, and 20-plus minute-per-night capability required to anchor their top six.

Every team needs someone like Seth Jarvis. He works hard on every shift, fights for every loose puck, is annoying to play against, and has the skill to play with elite players. He can fill the net as well, with Jarvis putting together three consecutive 30-goal, 60-point seasons.

The Senators get Faber and Jarvis in this exercise, who are both still excellent assets. Jarvis would be able to play 20-plus minutes a night for Ottawa and brings the energy, passion, and grit you would want for a leader on your team.

6. Anaheim Ducks: Lucas Raymond, Right Wing

Original Pick: Jamie Drysdale, Defenseman

The Anaheim Ducks originally selected Jamie Drysdale to bolster their blue line, but in a re-draft, they would look to add offensive firepower to their young core. Lucas Raymond, who has accumulated the second-most points in this draft class since entering the league, would be a prime target. Raymond has developed into a highly reliable goal scorer, netting 20-plus goals in three consecutive seasons and recording a 30-goal campaign. His offensive versatility and playmaking ability would seamlessly integrate into the Ducks’ fast-paced, young lineup, providing the scoring punch they need for their rebuild.

Lucas Raymond has put up the second-most points from this class since joining the Red Wings, but he hasn’t found that extra gear to push him above the others in this re-draft. If Detroit becomes a legit contender, one of the many reasons will likely be because Raymond took his game to the next level.

He was more known for his playmaking leading up to the draft, but his goal-scoring has come a long way as well. He’s already got a 30-goal season under his belt, and he’s had three seasons in a row with over 25 goals. Raymond would bring some offensive firepower and likely fit right in on an Anaheim Ducks squad filled with young talent.

7. New Jersey Devils: Alexander Nikishin, Defenseman

Original Pick: Alexander Holtz, Right Wing

The New Jersey Devils originally took a swing on Alexander Holtz, but his NHL trajectory has not met expectations. In a re-draft, they would target Alexander Nikishin to address their ongoing blue line struggles. Despite playing behind a powerhouse Carolina Hurricanes team, Nikishin’s massive 6-foot-3, 218-pound frame and offensive upside make him an incredibly appealing prospect. Once his KHL contract concluded, he debuted with 11 goals and 33 points, showing the potential to be a cornerstone, 25-plus minute-a-night defenseman for years to come.

Due to his KHL contract, Alexander Nikishin just only just finished his rookie season for the Carolina Hurricanes. He put up 11 goals and 33 points, and this addition would help shore up what has been a questionable blueline for the New Jersey Devils over the past few seasons.

Five Teams That Should Target Alexander Nikishin In A Trade
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin is rumored to be moving on from the Stanley Cup champions before the 2026-27 season starts. Which teams around the league make sense as prospective landing spots?

His 6-foot-3, 218-pound frame is intriguing as is, but his offensive potential has made him a highly attractive trade target as an unsigned RFA for the Hurricanes. His transition game is still developing, but the Devils would be getting a player who has a ton of talent and the defensive upside to be a 25-plus minute player for years to come.

8. Buffalo Sabres: Alexis Lafreniere, Right Wing

Original Pick: Jack Quinn, Right Wing

The Buffalo Sabres originally selected Jack Quinn, but in this re-draft, they would land Alexis Lafreniere. If Lafreniere had not been burdened by the “first-overall pick” label, his career trajectory could have been vastly different. With two 57-point seasons, two 20-goal campaigns, and a spectacular 14-point playoff run in 2024, Lafreniere has proven his elite skill and playoff poise. Slotted into the Sabres alongside Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch, Lafreniere would not be expected to be a savior, but rather a highly skilled, complementary top-six forward who thrives in a supportive environment.

If Lafreniere wasn’t taken first, there would be a completely different outlook on him.

He’s had two 57-point seasons and two 20-plus goal seasons. He’s also had flashes of brilliance, even when the lights are the brightest. Lafreniere proved that in the 2024 playoffs where he put up eight goals and 14 points over 16 games with the Rangers. His skill is undeniable, but consistency has been his biggest concern.

In this exercise, Lafreniere slots in alongside Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch with the Buffalo Sabres, where he wouldn’t be looked at as the player who needs to be a superstar. Instead, he would be a great piece to the puzzle for a Sabres team that loves size and skill.

9. Minnesota Wild: J.J. Peterka, Right Wing

Original Pick: Marco Rossi, Center

The Minnesota Wild originally drafted Marco Rossi, but in a re-draft, they would acquire J.J. Peterka to inject much-needed offensive dynamism into their lineup. Peterka has consistently demonstrated his goal-scoring acumen, recording three consecutive 20-goal seasons and posting 68 points just two seasons ago. Although recently traded to Boston, Peterka’s offensive burst and power-play capability would make him an invaluable asset in Minnesota. Pairing him on the top power-play unit alongside Kiril Kaprizov would create one of the most dangerous special-teams duos in the league.

The Wild get J.J. Peterka, who was just traded to the Boston Bruins during the first round of this year’s draft. He’s already proven what he can do offensively and would add some more skill to a deep Wild team.

Peterka has had three 20-plus goal seasons, and is two years removed from a 68-point campaign in the 2024-25 season. Minnesota would be adding someone who can stay on their first power-play unit for years, and Peterka alongside Kiril Kaprizov would be must-see TV.

10. Winnipeg Jets: Quinton Byfield, Center

Original Pick: Cole Perfetti, Center

The Winnipeg Jets originally selected Cole Perfetti, but a re-draft would see them land Quinton Byfield at the tenth spot. While Byfield fell in this exercise due to a lack of a massive offensive breakout, his physical tools—size, speed, and skill—remain elite. Playing in a structured, defensive-first environment with the Kings has honed his two-way capabilities. Joining a contending Winnipeg Jets roster featuring Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, Byfield would provide the size and speed to thrive in their system while adding much-needed depth down the middle of the ice.

Quinton Byfield falls to 10th after originally being selected with the second-overall pick. A big reason why is because he hasn’t been able to find another level in his offensive game yet. Byfield has the size, skill, and pace to play big minutes in the NHL.

He’s played well on a Kings team that prioritizes speed and defensive structure. Joining the Winnipeg Jets with players like Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, he would thrive in that environment while also bolstering their depth up the middle.

Source link