Draft day steals

Dominik Hasek won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 1997 and 1998. (Getty Images)

By Michael Amato

Not every superstar NHLer was a blue-chip prospect selected in the first round. Many were uncovered in the later rounds by some shrewd scouting. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest draft steals of all-time.

10. Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers, Round 7, 205th overall - 2000

‘King Henrik’ is a three-time Vezina nominee and the only goalie to win at least 30 games in each of his first six seasons. He is the backbone of the Rangers and led Sweden to Olympic gold in 2006.

9. Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa, Round 6, 133rd overall - 1994

The Senators all-time leader in goals, assists and points. ‘Alffy’ has 1,023 career points and led the Sens to their only Cup final appearance in the modern era.

8. Peter Bondra, Washington, Round 8, 156th overall - 1990

Bondra accumulated 503 goals over his 16-year NHL career. He also notched two 52-goal seasons along the way.

7. Theoren Fleury, Calgary, Round 8, 166th overall - 1987

What the 5-foot-6 Fleury lacked in size, he made up for in tenaciousness. He amassed 455 goals and 1,088 points and hoisted a Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989.

6. Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit, Round 7, 210th overall - 1999

Zetterberg is widely regarded as one of the best two-way forwards in the game today. He was dominant in the 2008 playoffs leading the Wings to a Stanley Cup and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for his efforts.

5. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit, Round 6, 171st overall - 1998

Datsyuk has captured three straight Selke Trophies and won the Lady Byng Trophy four years in a row from 2006-2009.

4. Doug Gilmour, St. Louis, Round 7, 134th overall - 1982

With 1,414 career points, Gilmour sits 17th on the all-time scoring list. He also has a Selke Trophy and Stanley Cup ring on his resume.

3. Luc Robitaille, Los Angeles, Round 9, 171st overall - 1984

‘Lucky Luc’ potted 668 goals over his career making him the highest-scoring left winger of all-time.

2. Brett Hull, Calgary, Round 6, 117th overall - 1984

All Hull did was score more goals than anyone in the history of the game not named Gretzky or Howe (741).

1. Dominik Hasek, Chicago, Round 10, 199th overall - 1983

The Dominator’s career includes a gold medal, three Jennings and six Vezina Trophies. He is also the only goalie in history to win the Hart Trophy twice.

The THN.com Top 10 appears Wednesdays only on TheHockeyNews.com.

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