Road to the 2016 NHL Draft: 44th Overall

By Alex Hobson

Welcome back to my "Road to the Draft" series. Yesterday, we took a look at the last ten players drafted 45th overall, highlighted, by Ryan Spooner and Jeff Petry. There are now 44 days until the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, so today we'll take a look at the last ten players drafted 44th overall.

2006 - Nikolai Kulemin, LW (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Kulemin was drafted as a solid two way forward with a knack for scoring goals, which should be attractive to most teams. Kulemin's career season was 2010-11 where he recorded 30 goals and 57 points in 82 games, but he's severely dropped off since then. He now plays for the New York Islanders.

2007 - Aaron Palushaj, LW (St Louis Blues)

Palushaj was a very highly touted forward coming out of the NCAA, having totaled 50 points in 39 games in his final season with the University of Michigan, but he simply couldn't produce in the NHL. He's currently playing for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL.

2008 - Luke Adam, LW (Buffalo Sabres)

Adam has developed into a solid depth forward, mainly a callup, throughout his career. He's played for the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers, playing 90 games and combining for a total of 26 points.

2009 - Drew Shore, C (Florida Panthers)

Shore has been a solid depth acquisition since being dealt to the Calgary Flames. He put up 38 points in 59 games for the Stockton Heat this year.

2010 - Sebastian Wannstrom, LW (St. Louis Blues)

Wannstrom never panned out for the Blues since being drafted in 2010. He spent the last three years playing in North America in the AHL and ECHL, but returned to Sweden this year to play for Rogle BK of the SHL.

2011 - Brett Ritchie, RW (Dallas Stars)

Ritchie's development has been slow, but he's been a solid player for the Stars organization since his debut. He recorded 28 points in 35 AHL games for the Texas Stars this year.

2012 - Jake McCabe, D (Buffalo Sabres)

McCabe has slowly been developing into one of the Sabres' best defensive prospects. He's not the most flashy, but he's solid all around and could very well become a regular for years to come. He put up 14 points in 77 games for the Sabres this year.

2013 - Tristan Jarry, G (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Jarry was drafted as a potential goalie of the future for the Pittsburgh Penguins, that is, before current young star Matt Murray absolutely broke out in the playoffs for the Penguins. Needless to say, Jarry has been solid in the organization but his future might not be in Pittsburgh, with Marc-Andre Fleury and Murray running the show.

2014 - Eric Cornel, C (Buffalo Sabres)

Cornel just finished his final junior season as captain of the Peterborough Petes, putting up 83 points in 63 games for the Petes. He will likely join the AHL next year, playing for the Rochester Americans.

2015 - Matt Spencer, D (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Spencer will likely never wow you with his offensive ability, but he's a traditional stay at home defenseman. He has good size and plays a strong, physical game.

BEST PLAYER DRAFTED 44th: Nikolai Kulemin

Kulemin would not be the best player on a better list, but he is the most proven and has had a lengthy NHL career since being drafted. He now plays as a valuable depth forward on the New York Islanders.

RUNNER UP: Drew Shore

POTENTIAL STEALS: Jake McCabe, Tristan Jarry