Washington Capitals: Top 5 best draft picks from the 1980s

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Kevin Hatcher, Washington Capitals (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images) /

#4 Kevin Hatcher

Before there was Mike Green, the Washington Capitals offensive defenseman was Kevin Hatcher, who was drafted at 17th overall in the 1984 NHL Draft. He still holds the franchise record for most goals in a season by a defenseman.

Hatcher scored his first goal in the 1984-85 season while only appearing in two games. The next year he scored nine goals and added 10 assists for 19 points. He added eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in the 1986-87 season.

In 1987-88, Hatcher scored 14 goals and added 27 assists for 41 points. The next two years saw him post back to back 13 goal seasons with 27 assists for 40 points in 1988-89 and 41 assists for 54 points in 1989-90.

In 1990-91, Hatcher scored 24 goals and added 50 assists for 74 points. The next year he scored 17 goals and 37 assists for 54 points before a career high 34 goals in the 1992-93 season to go along with 45 assists for 79 points. The next year was his final year in Washington where he scored 16 goals and added 24 assists for 40 points.

In 1995 he was traded to the Dallas Stars. He spent 10 years with the Caps and suited up for 685 games. He scored 149 goals and added 277 assists for 426 points while donning a Capitals sweater.

Hatcher was a great impact player of the 1980s and early 90s.

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