The Anaheim Ducks have never had a first overall pick in the NHL entry draft. While the most recent near-miss in 2023 was disappointing in the moment, the selection of Leo Carlsson as the runner-up has panned out so far, just don't ask current Ducks GM Pat Verbeek about that contract extension. Prior to Carlsson though, the last time the Ducks had a second overall pick was the 2005 draft. While the selection of Bobby Ryan was respectable at the time, the Ducks nearly missed out on the generational talent of Sidney Crosby. And in the summer months of the offseason, we are left to daydream about what could have been.
Bobby Ryan vs. Sidney Crosby
Ryan played six seasons in Anaheim and put up a solid 289 points (147 goals, 142 assists) in 378 games. While he never won any league awards, Ryan placed second in Calder Trophy voting to Steven Mason (?!) in 2008-09, with 57 points (31 goals, 26 assists) in 64 games. Ryan provided that extra dynamic element to the lineup with his deceptive stick handling and scoring touch and was the perfect complement to the Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry duo. In 26 playoff games for the Ducks, Ryan also had 15 points (10 goals, 5 assists).
Conversely, Crosby has done everything expected from him and then some, as a generational and era defining talent for the Pittsburg Penguins and Team Canada. Multiple Stanley Cups. Multiple gold medals. Multiple league awards and honors. Saved the Penguins from collapse and set the bar for future first overall picks.
Ryan vs. the rest of the field
Outside of just missing out on Crosby, the rest of the 2005 draft was not loaded with star talent. However, there are a couple of other selections in the first round, that the Ducks might have wanted a redo on. Carey Price, the longtime Montreal Canadiens goalie and multiple NHL award winner, went fifth overall. Anze Kopitar, who also won multiple league awards and a couple of Stanley Cups, went eleventh overall to the hated Los Angeles Kings. With hindsight, the Ducks probably made the wrong pick at second in 2005, but the Ryan selection was not the most egregious mistake either.
What could have been
Despite being a fan favorite and a solid player, Ryan was not in the same tier as Crosby. What would the history of the Ducks look like today, if the ping pong balls had fallen in their favor in 2005? With all things being equal and if the team remained as constructed throughout the following seasons, the Ducks probably would have had more than just one Stanley Cup. A one-two punch down the middle of Crosby and Getzlaf. Prime Perry, who probably would have eclipsed 50 goals more than once. No need to go after Ryan Kesler in the mid 2010s and just reload on the wings instead. 2015 and 2017 never happen. The Ducks go from consistent contenders to a dynasty, eclipsing their Pacific Division rivals in the process.
Back to reality
The past is in the past though and NHL draft history is littered with near-misses and what could have beens. The Ducks at least have one Stanley Cup though, which is more than some other teams around the NHL can say. Yes, Crosby would have made the Ducks better. But Crosby would have made any team in the 2005 draft better. The bittersweet agony of falling just short in the lottery, does not mean the Ducks made a poor selection in Ryan either. Time will tell on Carlsson, but he has the potential to become the best player from his draft class, despite being second overall too.
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