Gainey's* Incredible* Draft Record

By request, here is a comparison of two Canadiens regimes; Gainey (2003 to 2009) versus Bergevin (2012 to 2017), for the 3rd round and beyond. (Photo caption: PK Subban second round selection; not included in this study)

The first graph shows all 3rd round selections and beyond for the Canadiens between 1999 and 2017. They have below-league-average number for selections, but well above league-average for average-games-played by each selection.

It is important to note that the visual is comparing the selected team (Canadiens) against the rest of the league; so apples versus apples. The visual shows that, compared to the rest of the league, selections under Gainey were excellent; arguably best in the NHL. The Habs uncovered quality NHLers including Streit, Lapierre, Grabovski, Emelin and Halak with Gainey at the helm.

Under Bergevin, selections were good; just above league average for "average games played per selection", however this performance was achieved with "below average number of selections". Only 4 other teams had as many or fewer selections in 3rd-round-and-beyond during Bergevin's tenure. Having fewer selections is often the result of a previous regime, which makes overall management assessment a difficult task.

Of course, "games played" is not an idea indicator of success; we provided the interactive chart (at bottom) to allow you to see the players and filter the data. Be your own judge.

Please comment and share! Thank you.

NHL Draft Selections 3rd Round & Beyond: Bob Gainey (2003 to 2009)