With the 2023 NHL draft now in the past, we watched the future stars of the sport walk across the stage in Nashville. But you can find Hall of Famers outside of the top of the draft. The NHL has seen the rise of numerous legendary players who entered the league without the fanfare of being drafted. These unsung heroes defied expectations, broke barriers, and left an indelible mark on the sport. This article celebrates the top ten late-round or undrafted players in NHL history. While most originally overlooked them, they overcame adversity, showcased exceptional talent, and proved that you can find greatness in unexpected places.
The Best NHL Late-Round/ Undrafted Players
10: Dave Taylor
Dave Taylor embodied consistency, durability, and loyalty throughout his 17-year NHL career. Spending his entire career with the Los Angeles Kings, Taylor amassed over 1,000 points and played an instrumental role in the team’s success. His unwavering commitment to the Kings organization earned him the respect of fans and peers alike.
9: Johnny Bucyk
Johnny Bucyk, fondly known as “Chief,” dedicated his entire 21-year NHL career to the Boston Bruins. While undrafted and often overlooked, Bucyk became a revered figure in Boston. He lead the Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships and scored over 500 goals. His loyalty and offensive prowess left an everlasting impact on the franchise. Bucyk is arguably one of the best players in the history of the Boston Bruins.
8: Doug Gilmour
Doug Gilmour’s tenacity, skill, and versatility made him a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Despite going undrafted, Gilmour captivated fans with his two-way play, leadership, and clutch performances. He finished his career with over 1,400 points and earned several individual accolades along the way.
7: Curtis Joseph
Curtis Joseph, affectionately known as “Cujo,” was the epitome of resilience and consistency. Undrafted out of college, Joseph went on to amass over 450 wins, placing him among the NHL’s winningest goalies. Even though he started out overlooked, his acrobatic saves and unwavering determination made him a fan favourite throughout his career.
6: Rogie Vachon
Rogie Vachon’s incredible career showcased his ability to steal games and win championships. Undrafted and underestimated, Vachon backstopped the Montreal Canadiens to three Stanley Cup triumphs, solidifying his place among the NHL’s greatest goalies. Following his great career he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.
5: Joe Mullen
As one of the pioneers for American-born players in the NHL, Joe Mullen left an indelible mark on the sport. Despite every team passing on him, Mullen’s skill and dedication propelled him to three Stanley Cup championships and over 1,000 points. His achievements earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
4: Dino Ciccarelli
Dino Ciccarelli’s journey to NHL stardom was unconventional, to say the least. Going undrafted due to concerns about his size and skating ability, Ciccarelli proved his detractors wrong by scoring over 600 goals, ranking him among the NHL’s greatest goal scorers. He earned his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010.
3: Ed Belfour
Ed Belfour, often referred to as “Eddie the Eagle,” soared to great heights as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders. With his fierce competitiveness and unmatched reflexes, Belfour amassed an impressive resume, including two Vezina Trophies and a Stanley Cup championship with the Dallas Stars in 1999.
2: Adam Oates
Known for his exceptional vision and playmaking abilities, Adam Oates was an offensive maestro on the ice. Another player teams passed in the draft, he recorded a staggering 1,420 points, ranking him among the NHL’s all-time leaders in assists. Oates’ hockey IQ and uncanny ability to set up teammates earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
1: Martin St. Louis
Standing at just 5’8″, Martin St. Louis epitomized determination and resilience throughout his illustrious career. Even though everybody overlooked him in the NHL draft, he became an offensive juggernaut, capturing the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP in 2004 and finishing with over 1,000 points. St. Louis is arguably the greatest undrafted player in the history of the sport and was one of the best players in hockey for a decade plus.
Unsung Heroes
The stories of these top ten late-round or undrafted players in NHL history serve as a testament to the triumph of perseverance, talent, and determination. Their ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness on hockey’s grandest stage is an inspiration to aspiring players around the world. Although once overlooked, these unsung heroes have left an enduring legacy. Proving that the NHL draft is not the sole determination of a player’s potential. The players will forever be etched in NHL history, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest diamonds are found in the rough.
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
