Where Are the 2020 NHL Draft Top 10 Now? Analyzing Five-Year Progress

The 2020 NHL Draft was unlike any other in league history. Held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, it took place on October 6-7, 2020, months later than usual. Five years have passed since that unconventional draft day, and the top ten selections have had varying degrees of success in establishing their NHL careers. From franchise cornerstones to players still searching for consistency, the 2020 draft class has produced legitimate stars while also serving as a reminder that development paths are rarely linear.

With most of these players now entering their prime years, it’s the perfect time to examine how the top ten picks from the 2020 NHL Draft have evolved and where their careers stand today. The class features multiple All-Star caliber talents, a few solid contributors, and some cautionary tales about the importance of proper player development.

Where is Alexis Lafrenière from the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 now?

The New York Rangers won the draft lottery despite narrowly missing the playoffs in the COVID-shortened season, giving them the opportunity to select Alexis Lafrenière first overall. The Saint-Eustache, Quebec native arrived in New York with tremendous expectations after posting an eye-popping 112 points in just 52 games for the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL. At 6-foot-2 and possessing elite offensive instincts, Lafrenière was viewed as a generational talent.

However, his NHL career got off to a rocky start. His rookie campaign in 2020-21 produced just 21 points in 56 games, leading to questions about whether the hype had been overblown. The pressure of being a first overall pick in New York’s intense media market weighed heavily on the young forward. Over the next two seasons, Lafrenière showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to find consistent ice time and offensive production.

The breakthrough finally came in 2023-24 when Lafrenière erupted for 28 goals and 57 points across 82 games. More importantly, he elevated his game during the playoffs, contributing 14 points in 16 games as the Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. That performance earned him a lucrative seven-year contract extension worth $7.45 million annually, running through the 2031-32 season.

The 2024-25 season saw Lafrenière post 17 goals and 45 points in 82 games, a slight step back from his breakout year. However, the entire Rangers team struggled with consistency throughout the campaign. At just 23 years old, Lafrenière has the skill set and physical tools to develop into a consistent 30-40 goal scorer as he enters his prime. The Rangers are banking on him becoming a cornerstone piece alongside other young stars in their championship window.

Quinton Byfield’s transformation with the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players

Selected second overall by the Los Angeles Kings, Quinton Byfield’s career trajectory serves as a testament to patience and perseverance. The Newmarket, Ontario native was a physical specimen at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, dominating the OHL with 82 points in 45 games for the Sudbury Wolves. His combination of size, skill, and skating ability made him an enticing prospect.

However, Byfield’s early NHL years were filled with disappointment. After spending time developing in the AHL, he managed just 10 points in 45 games during the 2021-22 season. The following year was even more concerning, as injuries limited him to 53 games while he struggled to find offensive rhythm with only three goals and 21 points. The development of young prospects requires patience, but many observers began labeling Byfield a bust.

Everything changed in 2023-24. Byfield finally put it all together, recording 20 goals and 55 points in 80 games while establishing himself as a legitimate power forward. His physical play improved dramatically, and he began using his massive frame to create space and protect the puck. The confidence gained from that breakout season carried into 2024-25, when he posted 23 goals and 54 points while becoming one of the league’s most difficult players to defend.

Byfield’s emergence has been crucial for the Kings, who desperately needed a second-line center to complement their veteran core. At 23 years old, he’s positioned to be a top power forward in the NHL for the next decade. His story is a reminder that development timelines vary, and writing off young players too early can be a mistake.

Tim Stützle’s emergence as the best from the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players

The Ottawa Senators’ decision to select Tim Stützle third overall, using a pick acquired in the Erik Karlsson trade with San Jose, has turned into an absolute home run. The Viersen, Germany native impressed scouts with his elite playmaking ability in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, recording 34 points in 41 games for the Mannheim Eagles. However, questions lingered about whether his skill set would translate from the slower-paced German league to the NHL.

Stützle immediately silenced the doubters. After a solid rookie campaign, he broke out in 2022-23 with a career-high 90 points in 78 games, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young forwards. His combination of vision, creativity, and offensive instincts made him the Senators’ most dynamic player. The organization rewarded him with an eight-year contract extension worth $66.8 million, carrying an annual cap hit of $8.35 million through the 2030-31 season.

What makes Stützle special is his well-rounded game. He’s an elite passer who can thread the needle through tight coverage, owns a lethal wrist shot that goalies struggle to track, and isn’t afraid to engage physically despite his slender frame. His hockey IQ allows him to process the game at an elite level, finding passing lanes that most players can’t see.

At just 23 years old, Stützle has firmly established himself as the face of the Senators franchise and the best player from the 2020 draft class. His $8.35 million cap hit already looks like a bargain compared to what similar talents are commanding on the open market. As the Senators continue building toward contention, Stützle will be the centerpiece of their offensive attack for years to come.

Lucas Raymond’s rise in Detroit among the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players where are they now

The Detroit Red Wings selected Lucas Raymond fourth overall, and the Swedish forward has developed into the team’s most important offensive player. After spending one more season developing in Sweden, Raymond made an immediate impact in his NHL debut during the 2021-22 season. His combination of speed, skill, and vision translated seamlessly to the North American game.

Raymond’s development has been remarkably consistent. Unlike some of his draft classmates who experienced growing pains, the Gothenburg native has improved each season while maintaining elite production. His hockey IQ and positioning allow him to be effective in all situations, from power plays to penalty killing. He’s become the type of player coaches trust in critical moments.

The 2024-25 season represented Raymond’s true breakout, as he posted a career-high 80 points in 82 games at just 23 years old. His elite playmaking ability and scoring touch have made him nearly impossible to defend when he’s at his best. General manager Steve Yzerman’s patience with the rebuild has been validated by Raymond’s emergence as a cornerstone piece.

Raymond’s ceiling remains sky-high. He’s already Detroit’s best player, but he has the potential to develop into an elite first-line winger capable of challenging for major individual awards. His work ethic and commitment to improvement suggest he’ll continue ascending as he enters his prime years. The Red Wings view him as a foundational piece as they attempt to return to playoff contention after years of rebuilding.

Jake Sanderson’s defensive dominance from the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players

With their second pick in the top five, the Ottawa Senators focused on the blue line and selected Jake Sanderson fifth overall. The Whitefish, Montana native spent two seasons developing at the University of North Dakota before making the jump to professional hockey. His combination of size, skating ability, and defensive instincts made him an attractive prospect for a Senators team desperate to improve their back end.

Sanderson’s first two NHL seasons showed promise, with the young defenseman posting over 30 points in both campaigns while logging heavy minutes. His physical presence and disciplined play made him reliable in his own zone, while his skating ability allowed him to contribute offensively. However, it was the 2024-25 season when everything clicked for the 23-year-old.

Sanderson exploded for 57 points in 80 games from the blue line, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier two-way defensemen. His breakout season earned him a spot on Team USA’s roster for the Four Nations Face-Off as an extra defenseman, validation of his rapid development. Scouts now project him as a legitimate Norris Trophy contender for years to come.

What makes Sanderson special is his complete game. He plays with physicality and edge without taking unnecessary penalties, moves the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone, and contributes offensively without sacrificing defensive responsibility. His partnership with Thomas Chabot has given the Senators a formidable top pair capable of matching up against any line in the league. As one of the few Montana-born players in NHL history, Sanderson is also inspiring the next generation of American hockey players from non-traditional markets.

Jamie Drysdale’s struggles show how player development impacts the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players where are they now

The Anaheim Ducks selected Jamie Drysdale sixth overall, banking on his smooth skating and puck-moving abilities from his time with the Erie Otters in the OHL. The Toronto native showed tremendous promise as an offensive defenseman who could transition the puck efficiently and contribute on the power play. His rookie season in 2021-22 was encouraging, as he posted 32 points while adjusting to the NHL’s speed and physicality.

Unfortunately, injuries derailed Drysdale’s development trajectory. He missed significant time over the next two seasons, preventing him from building on his promising rookie campaign. When he did play, the results were inconsistent, and he struggled to replicate his initial success. The constant rehabilitation and recovery time stunted his growth at a critical stage of his career.

Midway through the 2023-24 season, the Ducks traded Drysdale to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Cutter Gauthier. The change of scenery was meant to provide a fresh start, but Drysdale has yet to recapture the form he showed as a rookie. He’s now playing on a prove-it contract with the Flyers, fighting to establish himself as a reliable NHL defenseman.

Drysdale’s situation highlights how injuries and circumstances beyond a player’s control can impact development. The physical tools and hockey sense are still there, but he needs to stay healthy and build confidence through consistent ice time. At 23, there’s still time for Drysdale to salvage his career and become the player the Ducks envisioned when they selected him sixth overall. However, the gap between his current production and draft position expectations continues to widen.

The cautionary tale of Alexander Holtz from the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players

Alexander Holtz represents one of the most frustrating stories from the top ten of the 2020 draft. Selected seventh overall by the New Jersey Devils, the Swedish winger possessed a lethal shot and impressive scoring touch that made him one of Europe’s top prospects. His skill set suggested he could develop into a reliable goal-scorer at the NHL level.

However, Holtz’s development was hampered by poor organizational management under head coach Lindy Ruff. The young forward was constantly shuffled between the NHL and AHL, never receiving a stable role or consistent ice time. When he performed well in the minors, he’d be recalled but then used sparingly. Any rookie mistake resulted in immediate benching, creating a cycle of uncertainty that prevented him from building confidence.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Holtz showed flashes of his potential, recording a career-high 16 goals and 28 points during his best season. However, the Devils ultimately gave up on him, trading Holtz to the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2024 offseason for a modest return. The handling of young talent can make or break a prospect’s career, and Holtz’s case serves as a prime example.

Now with Vegas, Holtz has found a role as a solid bottom-six forward who can chip in occasional offense. While that’s a respectable NHL career, it falls far short of expectations for a seventh overall pick. The Golden Knights are hopeful that a more stable environment will allow Holtz to unlock more of his offensive potential, but the opportunity for him to become an elite scorer may have passed.

Jack Quinn’s steady development among the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players where are they now

The Buffalo Sabres selected Jack Quinn eighth overall, and while he hasn’t become a star, the Ottawa native has carved out a valuable role. Quinn isn’t flashy or particularly skilled compared to his draft classmates, but he plays a reliable, responsible two-way game that coaches appreciate. His work ethic and consistency have made him a dependable middle-six forward.

Quinn’s career-high of 15 goals and 39 points in 2024-25 might not turn heads, but it represents solid production for a second-line winger. His defensive responsibility and penalty-killing abilities make him valuable in various situations. As he continues developing, projecting him to reach the 20-25 goal and 45-50 point range in his prime seems reasonable.

While that production falls short of typical expectations for an eighth overall pick, Quinn has still established himself as an NHL regular who contributes consistently. The Sabres’ long playoff drought isn’t his fault, and his steady presence has been one of the few bright spots during their struggles. His willingness to do the dirty work and play in all situations makes him valuable regardless of his offensive totals.

Quinn’s career trajectory shows that not every high draft pick needs to become a superstar to provide value. Reliable middle-six forwards who can play in various roles are crucial for building a complete roster. As Buffalo continues searching for the right formula to end their playoff drought, Quinn’s steady presence gives them a foundational piece to build around.

Marco Rossi’s breakout season highlights the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players

Marco Rossi, one of the few Austrian players in NHL history, was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild. His path to the NHL was complicated by a concerning illness that caused him to miss significant development time early in his career. Questions about his health and whether he could recover to fulfill his potential lingered for years.

The 2024-25 season answered those questions emphatically. Rossi exploded for 24 goals and 60 points in 82 games, establishing himself as a legitimate top-six center. His high-end skill and creativity make him a constant threat offensively, while his hockey IQ allows him to make plays that few others can see. Despite being undersized, Rossi’s compete level and positioning help him overcome physical disadvantages.

Rossi has developed into the perfect complement to Kirill Kaprizov on Minnesota’s top lines. His playmaking ability creates space for Kaprizov to operate, while his own scoring touch keeps defenses honest. The chemistry between the two has been a major factor in the Wild’s continued success and playoff competitiveness.

At 23 years old, Rossi’s best hockey is likely still ahead of him. The Wild made an excellent selection at ninth overall, and Rossi’s continued development suggests he could become one of the league’s better two-way centers. His story is also inspirational, overcoming serious health challenges to establish himself as an NHL star. Minnesota’s patient approach with his development has paid off handsomely.

Cole Perfetti rounds out the 2020 NHL Draft top 10 players where are they now

The Winnipeg Jets selected Cole Perfetti tenth overall, and the Whitby, Ontario native has developed into a dependable second-line center. Similar to Jack Quinn, Perfetti might not have the flashy offensive numbers that grab headlines, but he consistently produces and plays a responsible two-way game that coaches value.

Perfetti’s career-high 50 points in 2024-25 represents solid production for a middle-six forward. His playmaking ability and hockey IQ make him effective at creating offense for his linemates, while his defensive awareness allows him to be trusted in various situations. The Jets have used him extensively on the power play, where his vision and passing ability create scoring chances.

While Perfetti may never surpass the 60-point threshold, he remains a respectable selection at tenth overall. Not every pick needs to become a star, and Perfetti’s consistent production and reliability make him valuable to Winnipeg’s championship aspirations. His ability to play both center and wing gives the Jets flexibility in their lineup construction.

Perfetti’s development has been remarkably steady, with incremental improvement each season. He hasn’t experienced the dramatic peaks and valleys that some of his draft classmates have endured. That consistency is valuable for a Jets team that has established itself as a perennial playoff contender. As he continues maturing, Perfetti projects to be a solid second-line contributor for the next decade.

---

Five years removed from the 2020 NHL Draft, the top ten selections have produced multiple franchise cornerstones and several solid NHL contributors. Tim Stützle has established himself as the class’s best player, while Lucas Raymond, Quinton Byfield, and Jake Sanderson have also developed into high-impact performers. Alexis Lafrenière’s recent development suggests he’s finally living up to his first overall billing, while Marco Rossi and Cole Perfetti provide excellent value for their draft positions.

The class also includes cautionary tales about the importance of player development and organizational support. Alexander Holtz and Jamie Drysdale have struggled to reach their potential, though circumstances beyond their control played significant roles. According to The Hockey Writers, the draft class extended beyond the top ten, with players like Seth Jarvis, Dawson Mercer, JJ Peterka, and Brock Faber emerging as valuable contributors. As these players enter their prime years, the 2020 draft class will continue shaping the NHL landscape for years to come. The varying development paths remind us that draft position doesn’t guarantee success, but talent combined with proper development and opportunity creates stars.