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Flyers draft: Who were the best No. 7 overall picks in NHL history? – Metro US
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Flyers draft: Who were the best No. 7 overall picks in NHL history?

Flyers draft: Who were the best No. 7 overall picks in NHL history?
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The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t win the draft lottery for the No. 1 pick and won’t be able to select expected phenom Connor McDavid. However, thanks to a dismal season they still get to pick at No. 7 in what is being hailed as a deep draft.

And there have been some marquee players taken with the seventh pick in the last two decades. Metro took a look back at the top seven picks taken at No. 7.

Ryan Suter, Nashville (2003)

The best pick at this spot in the past 20 years, Suter is one of the best defenseman in the league. Signed by the Wild after the 2011-12 season, Suter is a shutdown and puck-carrying defenseman who has averaged nearly 40 points a season.

Kyle Okposo, Islanders (2006)

Although he was dropped from the first line to the second line this season, Okposo has been a consistent mid-20 goal scorer for the Islanders in three of the last four years. Playing alongside John Tavares in 2013-14, he set career highs in goals (27) and assists (42) and still produced 18 goals and 33 assists in just 60 games this year.

Jakub Voracek, Columbus (2007)

The right-winger finally put it all together and blossomed into one of the most skilled players in the NHL this season with the Flyers. Playing on the first line with Claude Giroux, Voracek finished tied for fourth in the NHL in scoring, second in assists and was named team MVP.

Shane Doan, Jets, (1995)

Playing in relative obscurity as a member of the organization that moved to Phoenix after the 1996 season, the longtime captain has a career 368 goals and 898 points over the last 19 seasons. He has scored 20 goals or more a dozen times and is still going strong at age 38.

Jeff Skinner, Carolina (2010)

The rookie of the year in 2010, Skinner has scored 30 goals twice in his career. His numbers tailed off this past season (18 goals, 13 assists) playing on an an awful team. At the age of 25, though, the center is just entering the prime of his career and has the potential to be a perennial all-star.

Nazem Kadri, Toronto (2009)

The Maple Leafs are still waiting for the gifted center to regain the promise he showed during a breakout season of 18 goals and 26 assists in the lockout-shortened season in 2012-13. He has managed just 20 and 18 goal seasons in each of the last two years. Still just 24 years old, Kadri is a projected 30-goal scorer.

Joffrey Lupul, Anaheim (2002)

The former Flyer has battled injuries his whole career but has still produced some quality seasons. He has scored 20 goals or more five times and is six shy of netting his 200thcareer marker.

The last 20 No. 7 picks

2014: Haydn Fleury, Carolina (RW)

2013: Darnell Nurse, Edmonton (D)

2012: Matt Dumba, Minnesota (D)

2011: Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg (Center)

2010: Jeff Skinner, Carolina (Center)

2009: Nazem Kadri, Toronto, (Center)

2008: Colin Wilson, Nashville (Center)

2007: Jakub Voracek, Columbus (RW)

2006: Kyle Okposo, NY Islanders, (RW)

2005: Jack Skille, Chicago (RW)

2004: Rostislav Olesz, Florida (Center)

2003: Ryan Suter, Nashville, (D)

2002: Joffrey Lupul, Anaheim (forward)

2001: Mike Komisarek, Montreal (D)

2000: Lars Jonsson, Bruins (D)

1999: Kris Beech Capitals (Center)

1998: Manny Malhotra, Rangers (Center)

1997: Paul Mara, Lightning (D)

1996: Erik Rasmussen, Sabres (Center)

1995: Shane Doan, Jets (Center)