25 years ago Mats Sundin was taken first overall at the NHL draft - and it changed the game forever. News. 25 years ago Mats Sundin was taken first overall at the NHL draft - and it changed the game forever. Mats Sundin broke a barrier to become the first European drafted No. 1 overall. The game changed forever that day. By Uffe Bodin. The year 1989 was one of great historical significance.