1998: Jeff Heerema (RW) 11th Overall 32 PG 4G 2A 6 PIM
We are not off to a good start with the second first round pick in franchise history also being a major bust. Jeff Heerema was meant to be a goal scorer, having produced at every level on his way to the NHL. He was very productive across the minor leagues- scoring over 30 goals on two occasions- and had a decent career once he left for Europe. Unfortunately, however, he was unable to find that same scoring touch in the big leagues. This was a particularly big miss because of the player who was chosen one pick later: All-Star Alex Tanguay. While he benefited from playing with the likes of Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic, there is no doubt the “Canes would love to rewind history and pick Tanguay over Heerema.