Every NHL draft uncovers late-round prospects who develop into significant players. While increased scouting and analytics help teams identify talent earlier, some hidden gems invariably fall to later rounds.
Though finding Hall of Fame-level talent like Pavel Datsyuk or Henrik Lundqvist late is rare today, smaller skilled players often still get drafted later. For instance, the reigning Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, though not a true `late-round` pick at 62nd overall in 2022, was widely considered a player who should have been selected much sooner.
Recent examples of successful late-round picks include Troy Terry (148th, 2015), Andrew Mangiapane (166th, 2015), Jesper Bratt (162nd, 2016), Brandon Hagel (159th, 2016), and Mark Stone (178th, 2010). Concerns about size, skating, or game translatability caused them to drop, but they`ve significantly exceeded expectations, even representing their countries internationally. A player`s draft slot isn`t destiny; while early picks get more chances, a path to success exists for later selections if they earn opportunities.
A key trait among successful late-round picks is possessing at least one elite or `separating skill` that distinguishes them from others, as one NHL executive noted.
Historically, players drafted after the third round have a low chance (under 3%) of playing 200 NHL games. This means only a few players drafted after pick #96 are likely to make it. The probability of becoming an impact player (excluding goalies) is even lower (under 1.5%). Despite the low odds, teams take chances on these players, and a few in this class have specific separating skills that enhance their potential.
Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Cameron Schmidt is often rated much higher publicly than by NHL teams. Many scouts project him to be drafted between the third and fifth rounds, largely due to his smaller stature (5-foot-7). However, his potential as a second-line scoring winger, comparable to Alex Debrincat, is exciting.
Hesitation around drafting shorter players early is understandable given the rarity of success below 5-9. Yet, Schmidt might be the draft`s fastest player and possesses an elite shot. He has multiple `separating skills` scouts value. One scout commented that if he were 6-1, he`d be a top-15 contender.
His 40 goals in 61 games make him one of the top goal scorers available. He scores in various ways: off the rush, one-timers, net-front finishes, and with a smooth, powerful catch-and-release.
Schmidt`s speed and finishing ability make him a strong candidate to lead the CHL in goals over the next two seasons. Given Debrincat is 5-8, there`s a real possibility Schmidt becomes a reliable NHL scorer if he grows to a similar height. Instead of prioritizing size, teams could find significant reward in drafting a player with elite talent who might still develop physically.
Jacob Rombach, D, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
Jacob Rombach is physically imposing at nearly 6-7 with punishing traits and the potential to be a shutdown defender. While he lacks elite offensive skills, he has a credible path to becoming a solid No. 4 or 5 defenseman in the NHL.
Defensively, he offers one of the draft`s most complete skill sets, which is expected to improve. His puck retrieval is impressive; he scans for threats and evades pressure effectively using head fakes and simple, efficient passes.
When defending, he leverages his large frame to disrupt rushes, contain plays along the boards, and hinder cycle attempts. He isn`t overly aggressive physically, which scouts see positively as he avoids being caught out of position chasing hits. He closes gaps effectively, leading with a strong stick to smother opponents and force turnovers or dump-ins.
With improvements in skating and physicality, Rombach possesses the tools to become an effective shutdown defenseman capable of penalty killing and handling secondary matchups.
David Bedkowski, D, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
David Bedkowski appeals to old-school hockey sensibilities with his love for physicality. At nearly 6-5 and 215 pounds, he is the draft`s most punishing defender. While brute force doesn`t guarantee NHL success, the recent success of physical teams might lead executives to consider Bedkowski`s ability to provide effective transition defense and significant physical impact.
He excels at zone-entry defense. If he can refine his timing for stepping up to make hits, he has a path to becoming an effective bottom-pair defender. His ceiling might not be as a top-four defenseman, but playoff success often requires depth and physicality, which Bedkowski could reliably provide.
Viktor Klingsell, LW, Skelleftea AIK (J20)
Viktor Klingsell, who stood out at the World U18 Championships, is another potential late-round steal. While his overall production wasn`t at Jesper Bratt`s level in Sweden, he outperformed Bratt against peers. Given their similar heights and Klingsell`s high-end playmaking and vision, some see him as a `Bratt lite.` He lacks physicality but possesses some of the best offensive instincts and playmaking among European skaters.
Pace is the main concern, giving Klingsell a boom-or-bust profile. If he reaches his potential, he could be a second-line offensive facilitator, consistently notching 50-plus assists. If not, he`s likely a very good SHL player. This is the type of risk worth taking in later rounds, especially when speed is the primary issue. Developing skating is often easier than finding a player with Klingsell`s natural offensive instincts and playmaking.
Filip Ekberg, LW, Ottawa 67`s (OHL)
Filip Ekberg is another Swedish dual-threat forward who could make a team happy. His first half was hampered by illness and a limited role, but his play improved significantly in the second half, highlighted by an 18-point performance in seven games at the U18s, earning him an invite to Sweden`s World Junior summer camp.
There`s potential for Ekberg to have a significant scoring breakout in the OHL, boosting his projection to a middle-six NHL scorer.
Ekberg is a well-rounded forward who anticipates play, reads situations, facilitates offense, and has an excellent catch-and-release shot. He lacks dynamism but showed flashes of ability when healthy at the U18s. If he improves his skating, he has the qualities needed for a smaller player to succeed in a secondary scoring or power-play role in the NHL.
Aidan Lane, RW, Saint Andrew`s College/Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Aidan Lane might not be on the NHL radar without his strong finish to the season. Thanks to a rule change, the prep school graduate played the final 13 games in Brampton, scoring a point per game.
Projecting prep school players is difficult due to limited sample size. However, the high-motor winger looked promising in a top-six role for Brampton. He has the potential to become a bottom-six power winger in the NHL, utilizing his strength, physicality, and offensive generation ability.
He transitioned smoothly, drew defenders, and made positive plays. His physical strength allowed him to overpower more experienced OHL players. Lane`s motor, physical tools, and promising offensive flashes make him a potentially high-value pick after the fourth round. Improving his speed and explosiveness is crucial for effectively using his tools for forechecking and secondary offense in the NHL. His commitment to play NCAA at Harvard provides ample time for development against strong amateur competition.
L.J. Mooney, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
L.J. Mooney, a diminutive winger from the USNTDP, is a dynamic skater whose puck handling excites fans. At 5-7, his multiple `separating skills` should entice a team to take a chance in the middle rounds.
He`s a relentless player, constantly noticeable on the ice. His blazing speed, combined with fantastic puck skill, is immediately apparent. He has real potential to be a transition challenge for defenders. To achieve this, Mooney needs to improve his ability to facilitate offense and read the play. He must use his elite skating and puck skill to attack the middle of the ice and create high-danger chances.
Given his size and playmaking questions, he has a boom-or-bust profile. However, many players with his skill level lack the competitive drive. Mooney`s fearless play, consistent pace, and willingness to play both ends of the ice eliminate doubts about his compete level. For teams with multiple mid-round picks lacking dynamic skaters or potential contributors (like the Flyers, Canadiens, and Red Wings), Mooney is a worthwhile gamble.
Duncan Priestley