In the history of the NHL Draft, who was the best late round 'discovery'?

Question

This is based on a question asked to me recently.

So, we all know that the people who get chosen in the first round are 'supposed' to be franchise type players. However, this isn't always the case. Conversely, players drafted near the end of the draft are supposed to be long shots at best, but some go on to have long good careers (Dave Taylor anyone?).

Who do you think was the best 'diamond' in the rough
1) Cannot be drafted in the first 100 of the draft
2) Cannot be a Czech/Russian player drafted pre-1990 as these were crapshoots by teams in case the player EVER became available.

My best 'diamond' in the rough was Darryl Sutter, 179th overall, and he's had quite an impact in the league since.

The 'best answer' will be chosen based on the arguments you present for your particular choice.

Bob, My choice of Sutter was based strictly on players "I" had a hand in drafting.

Answer 1

While Sutter is a good one, Luc Robitaille and Alfredsson come to mind.

Answer 2

In my opinion, Peter Bondra would be the late round "discovery" of choice. He was picked 156th Overall by the Caps in 1990 and he has gone on to play for 4 teams and is now a 500+ goal scorer. He hasn't one any major awards but has been to the All Star Game 4 times in his career.
he is my choice

Answer 3

204. Nikolai Khabibulin - Winnipeg Jets, 1992 NHL Draft.

He's gone an impressive 226-213-64, with a 2.67 GAA.

Not jaw dropping numbers by any means, but still very good, and he led Tampa Bay to the Cup in 2004.

Answer 4

Without looking at any previous answers, I'll go with Luc Robitaille (171st overall by the Kings in 1984).

If I'm correct, Luc was passed over and over because he wasn't that great a skater, or so it was thought. But once he began playing he produced results immediately, with 40+ goals and winning the Calder, also scoring well over 600 goals and well over a thousand points in his career.

For a player drafted so late, you can't possibly get a better steal.

***Sorry, edited to remove Hasek from my answer.***

Answer 5

Arguably, of course, Luc Robitaille.

He was a franchise player for the Kings. He was a crowd favorite with every team he played with. He sold tickets. He had a 19 year career, and finished his career with nearly 1400 points. All this from a 9th round draft pick.

Answer 6

Peter bondra drafted 8th round 156th overall in 1992 but has scored 500 goals since then.

Answer 7

Definitely has to be Bruce Wiseman. The best Goalie in the game during the 96 season.

Answer 8

Henrik Lundqvist

Answer 9

Alex Daigle was taken before Chris Pronger in his draft year. Where is Alex Daigle right now compared to Chris Pronger?

Answer 10

Henrik Zetterberg. 210th overall

109 goals, 131 assists

[]Bronze medal at the 2001 and 2002 World Championships.

[]Awarded Guldpucken (Swedish Player of the Year) in 2002.

[]Named to the Swedish All-Star Team in 2002.

[]Silver medal at the 2003 World Championships.

[]Awarded the Sporting News Rookie of the Year (voted on by NHL players) in 2003.

[]Named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2003. (Lead NHL rookies with 22 goals and 44 total points.)

[]Calder Trophy finalist in 2003.

[]Named to the Swedish All-Star Team in 2005.

[]Gold medal at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

[]Gold medal at the 2006 World Championships.

[]Named to the NHL Western Conference All-Star Team in 2007. (Withdrew to rest wrist injury)

[]Viking Award in 2007, awarded to the "Best Swede" in the NHL