The NHL Entry Draft is an annual event where teams select young players to join their organizations. The goal is to find the next superstar, the player who will lead the team to championships and glory. However, sometimes teams strike gold with a late-round pick, selecting a player who exceeds all expectations and becomes a steal. These draft steals not only provide excellent value for their teams but also leave a lasting impact on the league. Here, we take a look at the top 10 draft steals in NHL history.
1. Pavel Datsyuk (6th Round, 171st Overall - 1998)
Pavel Datsyuk is one of the most skilled players to ever grace the NHL ice. Selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1998 draft, Datsyuk fell all the way to the sixth round, where the Red Wings found a gem. Datsyuk went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Red Wings and was a four-time recipient of the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship. His remarkable defensive skills and ability to create offense made him a true draft steal.
2. Henrik Zetterberg (7th Round, 210th Overall - 1999)
Another Detroit Red Wings steal, Henrik Zetterberg, was selected in the seventh round of the 1999 draft. Zetterberg became a key player for the Red Wings, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2008. Known for his leadership, exceptional two-way play, and clutch performances, Zetterberg's impact on the team was immeasurable. He finished his career with over 1,000 points and solidified his place as one of the best draft steals in NHL history.
3. Joe Pavelski (7th Round, 205th Overall - 2003)
Joe Pavelski's story is a testament to the value of hard work and determination. Selected by the San Jose Sharks in the seventh round of the 2003 draft, Pavelski quickly became a fan favorite with his scoring ability and leadership qualities. He played a vital role in the Sharks' success during his tenure, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. Pavelski's consistent production and ability to perform in clutch moments make him one of the biggest draft steals of all time.
4. Dominik Hasek (10th Round, 199th Overall - 1983)
Dominik Hasek's journey from a late-round pick to one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history is nothing short of remarkable. Selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 10th round of the 1983 draft, Hasek had to prove himself at every level before becoming an NHL regular. Once given the opportunity, Hasek dominated the league, winning six Vezina Trophies and two Hart Trophies. His unorthodox style and incredible athleticism revolutionized the goaltending position.
5. Henrik Lundqvist (7th Round, 205th Overall - 2000)
Henrik Lundqvist's selection in the seventh round of the 2000 draft by the New York Rangers turned out to be a franchise-altering moment. Lundqvist became the Rangers' backbone for over a decade, consistently putting up stellar performances and leading the team to numerous playoff appearances. With numerous records to his name, including the most wins by a European-born goaltender, Lundqvist's impact on the Rangers and the league is undeniable.
6. Pavel Bure (6th Round, 113th Overall - 1989)
Pavel Bure's dynamic playing style and scoring prowess made him one of the most exciting players of his era. Selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round of the 1989 draft, Bure quickly became a superstar in the NHL. Known as the "Russian Rocket," Bure won two Rocket Richard Trophies for leading the league in goals and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012. His impact on the game and his draft position make him a true steal.
7. Brett Hull (6th Round, 117th Overall - 1984)
Brett Hull's drafting in the sixth round of the 1984 draft by the Calgary Flames is a notable steal in NHL history. Hull went on to become one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time, winning two Stanley Cups and scoring over 700 goals in his career. His lethal shot and hockey IQ made him a nightmare for opposing goaltenders. Hull's late-round selection makes him one of the biggest draft steals in NHL history.
8. Luc Robitaille (9th Round, 171st Overall - 1984)
Selected in the ninth round of the 1984 draft by the Los Angeles Kings, Luc Robitaille exceeded all expectations and became one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history. Robitaille scored over 600 goals in his career, won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. His offensive prowess and consistent production make him a remarkable steal in the draft.
9. Pavel Bure (4th Round, 113th Overall - 1989)
Pavel Bure's selection in the fourth round of the 1989 draft by the Calgary Flames is another example of a late-round steal. Bure's electrifying speed and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite and a true game-changer. He won two Rocket Richard Trophies and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Bure's impact on the game and his late-round selection make him one of the biggest draft steals in NHL history.
10. Martin St. Louis (Undrafted - 1997)
Although not selected in the NHL Entry Draft, Martin St. Louis' journey to becoming one of the greatest players of his generation is a remarkable story. St. Louis signed with the Calgary Flames as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and faced numerous obstacles before finding success. He went on to win two Art Ross Trophies as the league's leading scorer and a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. St. Louis' undrafted status and his remarkable career make him a true draft steal.
The NHL has seen numerous draft steals throughout its history. The players mentioned above not only provided excellent value for their respective teams but also left a lasting impact on the league. Their stories inspire future generations of players to never give up and prove that talent can be found in any round of the draft. These draft steals are a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the NHL Entry Draft.
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