19. Joe Juneau -- Playing what ended up being a 13 year career. Juneau was drafted 81st in 1988 by the Boston Bruins. Starting his career in a contract dispute with the team over being paid full salary even in the minors. It took a couple years for the two sides to finally come to an agreement. Once they did Juneau or the Bruins never had to worry about the minors as he stayed in the NHL from day one. Starting his career strong Juneau scored 19 points in fourteen games with an almost as strong playoffs. His next season in a powerful line-up consisting of Cam Neely and Adam Oates. Scoring 32 goals Juneau gave out 70 assists which is the current record for assists by a left winger. Playing for six teams during his career Juneau reached the Stanley Cup finals three times coming up empty. The later years of his career were injury plagued leading to trade after trade which led to the six different teams. Scoring only 156 goals and making 416 assists during his career. While having a great start I consider Juneau push due to the great start but weak finish.
PUSH
20. Tim Cheveldae -- A goalie drafted 64th overall in 1988 by the Detroit Red Wings. Cheveldae spent most of his first few seasons between Detroit and the minor leagues. Slowly climbing the Red Wings depth chart Cheveldae took the starting job in 1990. Holding the job for three seasons and with no established back-up. Tim was known as a workhorse in the net. With the Wings winning during the season but failing to go deep in the playoffs. Cheveldae became the scapegoat and was replaced by Chris Osgood. Traded to the Winnipeg Jets, Tim was unable to have any success, and was put in a back-up role with the team. Traded to the Flyers a team Cheveldae never suited up for as he was instantly sent to the Flyers AHL team Hershey Bears. Another attempt followed as Cheveldae signed with the Boston Bruins who played the goalie for two games before loaning him out to an IHL team for the remainder of the season. The two games with Boston would be his last in the NHL as Cheveldae ended his career with a 149-136 record.
BUST
21. Joe Sakic -- I'm not going to beat around the bush here. When it comes to hockey I am a Colorado Avalanche fan and other than that have somewhat limited knowledge. As the player that is probably the best player to ever put on a Nordiques/ Avalanche uniform. Sakic spent his entire 20 year career playing for the franchise. A 13 time all-star, and winner of the games MVP in 2004. When Sakic ended his career he retired with nearly every scoring record for the franchise. Retiring in 2009, his number was promptly retired. Three years later in 2012 Sakic was inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame.
SUCCESS
22. Kevin Todd -- A 129th draft pick for the New Jersey Devils in 1989. Todd only played 9 seasons for five teams. Todd made a one game appearance that same season. Sent back to the AHL it wasn't until the 1991-1992 season he was able to stick in the NHL. Despite being on the NHL roster his playing time was limited playing an average of 30 games a season. It wasn't until being claimed from waivers by the Los Angeles Kings he was given a chance. Playing in 74 games, scoring 16 goals, and 27 assists. Another chance came with the Mighty Ducks for two seasons before Todd moved on signing to play in Switzerland. Injuring his neck Todd was forced to retire.
BUST
23. Rob Pearson --Drafted in 1989 by the Toronto Maple Leafs 12th overall. Pearson didn't make his debut until the 1991-1992 season with the Leafs. Pearson played in parts of six seasons with the core of those six ending in 1995. Bouncing between the minors and the NHL Pearson played in only 269 games for his career. A player who I found more information on his fights than any other career stats. Pearson ended his career scoring 56 goals while making 54 assists.
BUST
24. Trevor Linden -- The 2nd overall pick in the 1988 draft by the Vancouver Canucks. Linden had a 19 year career while playing for the Canucks, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadians, and Washington Capitals. His time with the Canucks was split between two different stints. A respected leader Linden was named captain of the Canucks at the age of 21 which is one of the youngest ever named to the position. Playing with the Canucks until 1998 when he was traded to the Islanders. Later traded to the Canadians and then the Capitals in 2001 Linden was traded back to the Canucks after some disappointing seasons. Playing from 2001-2008 in Vancouver Linden finally retired. Twenty years to the day he was drafted the Canucks retired Linden's #16
SUCCESS
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