Brian Lawton's journey in the world of professional hockey began with high expectations. Born on June 29, 1962, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Lawton was a highly touted prospect from a young age. His skills on the ice caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected first overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars, making history as the first American-born player to be chosen with the top pick.
Lawton's entry into the NHL was met with considerable anticipation. He joined the Minnesota North Stars for the 1983-84 season, where he played as a forward. His rookie season saw him participate in 58 games, during which he scored 10 goals and provided 21 assists. While these numbers were respectable for a newcomer, they did not quite match the lofty expectations set for a first overall draft pick.
Over the next few seasons, Lawton continued to develop his game with the North Stars. He played with the team until 1988, experiencing both highs and lows. His best season with Minnesota came in 1986-87 when he scored 44 points in 67 games. Despite his efforts, the North Stars struggled during this period, and Lawton's performance was often scrutinized in light of his draft status.
In 1988, Lawton's career took a new direction when he was traded to the New York Rangers. His time with the Rangers was brief, as he played only 30 games for the team during the 1988-89 season. He then moved on to the Hartford Whalers, where he played 12 games before being traded again, this time to the Quebec Nordiques. Lawton's stint with the Nordiques was also short-lived, as he played just 15 games with the team.
The early 1990s saw Lawton continue to move between teams. He joined the Boston Bruins for the 1989-90 season, appearing in 13 games. The following season, he signed with the Los Angeles Kings, where he played 15 games. Lawton's final NHL stop was with the San Jose Sharks during their inaugural season in 1991-92. He played 59 games for the Sharks, scoring 19 points.
After his time in the NHL, Lawton continued his professional hockey career in the minor leagues. He played for the Phoenix Roadrunners in the International Hockey League (IHL) and the San Diego Gulls in the same league. His playing career concluded in the early 1990s, marking the end of a journey that had begun with such promise.
Throughout his career, Lawton faced the challenges that come with being a top draft pick.
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