The NHL draft is way more than just the top picks. Some of the most legendary players weren’t selected in the first round, or even the second or third. These players proved that it’s not about when you’re picked but what you do with your shot when you get it. So, let’s dive into the top 10 draft steals who were picked super late but went on to have legendary careers.
1. Joe Pavelski – 7th Round, 205th Overall (2003)
You want to talk about a steal? Joe Pavelski was selected in the 7th round, 205th overall in 2003, and somehow ended up having the most points out of anyone in that entire draft class! He finished his career with a whopping 1,068 points (476 goals, 592 assists). Yep, you heard that right — he’s got more points than anyone else drafted in 2003. He wasn’t just a point machine, though. Pavelski was clutch, a playoff performer, and a key leader for the San Jose Sharks, eventually leading them to a Stanley Cup Final in 2016. To be drafted so late and then end up as one of the league’s best? Absolute steal.
2. Pavel Datsyuk – 6th Round, 171st Overall (1998)
Pavel Datsyuk, picked 171st overall in the 6th round by the Detroit Red Wings in 1998, is another insane example of a late-round steal. Known for his jaw-dropping stickhandling and elite two-way play, Datsyuk finished his career with 918 points (314 goals, 604 assists). Not only was he a key player for the Red Wings, but he also won two Selke Trophies and a Stanley Cup in 2008. His creativity and ability to shut down opponents made him one of the most skilled forwards to ever play the game.
3. Henrik Lundqvist – 7th Round, 205th Overall (2000)
If you think a goaltender picked in the 7th round has no chance of becoming a Hall of Famer, Henrik Lundqvist is here to prove you wrong. Drafted 205th overall in 2000 by the New York Rangers, Lundqvist went on to become one of the greatest goalies of his generation. With over 1,000 career wins and a Vezina Trophy in 2012, his longevity and consistency made him a franchise cornerstone for the Rangers. Lundqvist retired with 1,044 career points as a goalie, and let’s be real, his impact on the ice and as a leader is unforgettable.
4. Martin St. Louis – Undrafted (1994)
Martin St. Louis is one of the ultimate success stories in NHL history, particularly since he was undrafted in 1994. After going unnoticed by every NHL team, St. Louis worked his way up through the minors and made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames. While his time in Calgary was solid, it was with the Tampa Bay Lightning where he truly became a household name. Over his career, St. Louis played for the Flames, Lightning, and briefly the New York Rangers, finishing with 1,033 points (391 goals, 642 assists). His time with the Lightning stands out as he led the team to a Stanley Cup win in 2004 and claimed both the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Trophy that same season. Despite his undrafted status, St. Louis’ remarkable journey to becoming one of the NHL’s elite players serves as a testament to his perseverance, talent, and work ethic.
5. Jamie Benn – 5th Round, 129th Overall (2007)
Jamie Benn might not have been drafted super late, but being selected 129th overall in the 5th round in 2007 is still a steal. With 937 career points (as of this article’s posting on 1/21/25) (395 goals, 542 assists), Benn has been a beast for the Dallas Stars, winning the Art Ross Trophy in 2015. Known for his physical style of play and leadership, Benn played a huge role in the Stars’ success, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. He’s shown time and time again that it doesn’t matter where you’re picked — you can still become one of the best.
6. Henrik Zetterberg – 7th Round, 210th Overall (1999)
Henrik Zetterberg was drafted in the 7th round, 210th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 1999. And let’s be honest — no one saw this coming. Zetterberg’s career spanned 15 years, and he finished with 960 points (337 goals, 602 assists). A two-way forward, Zetterberg was known for his ability to shut down opponents while still being a top scorer for the Red Wings. He helped lead Detroit to a Stanley Cup in 2008 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy that year. When you’re drafted that late and go on to have a career like Zetterberg’s, that’s a steal.
7. Chris Kunitz – Undrafted (2003)
Chris Kunitz is another great example of an undrafted player who made a major impact in the NHL. After going unselected in the 2003 NHL Draft, Kunitz worked his way through the minors and eventually earned his spot in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks. He became known for his hard-nosed play and his ability to contribute offensively, playing a key role on both the Ducks and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kunitz enjoyed a highly successful career, putting up 619 points (268 goals, 351 assists) and winning four Stanley Cups—one with Anaheim (2007) and three with Pittsburgh (2009, 2016, 2017). Kunitz’s career is a testament to the idea that you don’t have to be drafted to make an impact in the NHL; determination and opportunity can lead to greatness.
8. Mark Giordano – Undrafted (2004)
After showing his stuff in the minors, the Calgary Flames signed Mark Giordano as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He went on to have an incredibly successful career, winning the Norris Trophy in 2019 and earning over 500 career points. Giordano was a top-tier defenseman who could play in every situation, and his leadership made him one of the most respected players in the league.
9. Tomas Holmstrom – 10th Round, 257th Overall (1994)
Picked 257th overall in the 10th round in 1994, Tomas Holmstrom was never going to be the flashy star of any team, but that’s what made him so valuable. Known for his ability to park in front of the net and screen goalies, Holmstrom was a key player in the Detroit Red Wings’ four Stanley Cup championships. He finished his career with 530 points (243 goals, 287 assists), but his contributions were more about what he did away from the puck — helping teammates score and playing a gritty, physical game.
10. Pavel Bure – 6th Round, 113th Overall (1989)
Pavel “The Russian Rocket” Bure, picked 113th overall in the 6th round in 1989, is one of the most electrifying players in NHL history. Known for his blazing speed and goal-scoring ability, Bure finished his career with 779 points (437 goals, 342 assists). His game-breaking style made him an instant fan favorite, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012. Bure’s several 50+ goal seasons and his reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards ever solidified him as a draft steal that no one saw coming.
Wrapping Up
The takeaway here is simple: never count a player out just because of where they were drafted. These guys, whether they were picked late or undrafted entirely, went on to prove that determination, skill, and heart matter way more than draft position. If you’re drafted late, these players are proof that it’s still possible to have an amazing career, and sometimes, it’s those late picks that end up surprising everyone and becoming the real stars of the show.
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