Scott Metcalfe

Scott Metcalfe is a member of the Edmonton Oilers first round draft pick flops club. Unfortunately, that's not a very good thing. Other members include Selmar Odelein, Kim Issel, Peter Soberlak, Francois Leroux, Jason Soules and Scott Allison. Not a very elite group.

The Oilers have traditionally had trouble with many of their first rounders. After strong drafting in the first 2 or 3 years in the NHL, the Oilers were forced to pick near the end of every round because of their dynastic success. While its hard to find superstars when you are constantly picking 19th, 20th or 21st in the first round, you'd think the players they drafted would have been good role players at least.

Metcalfe was never expected to be a superstar. He was drafted because he showed good grit and work ethic with decent skating and scoring ability with the Kingston Canadians and Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. He was also a very responsible defensive forward for a player at the junior level. Oilers scouts figured that he could one day replace rugged Oiler third/fourth liner Dave Hunter - a very solid and capable, though underappreciated NHLer.

Obviously things never panned out for Metcalfe. He dressed for just two games with the Oilers before being traded to Buffalo. He spent 3 1/2 years in the Buffalo organization, mostly in the minors. He was recalled for 17 games over the duration of his stay with the Sabres. He scored 1 goal and 2 assists whil picking up 13 PIM.

Metcalfe would embark on a long career in the minor leagues and in Europe.