NHL Draft: Top 10 Late-Round Jewels of the Chicago Blackhawks

Let's get something straight.  If I was a NHL GM and you offered me ten first round picks and ten sixth-round picks, I'd be a fool not to take my chances with the first-rounders.

That said, a future NHL star can still come from a late-round selection.

With junior players still developing when they are drafted by NHL clubs, picks in the later rounds may not be as sexy as selections in the first few rounds, but can produce productive players.

One such late-round Blackhawks selection, F Ben Smith, made a little noise as a late—season call—up in Chicago.  Though he wasn't selected until the sixth round of the 2008 draft, he has shown the type of game that may see him in a full—time role with the 'Hawks next season.

He also beat more ballyhooed prospects to the NHL, like Kyle Beach, the Hawks first round pick in 2008, and Shawn Lalonde, Chicago's third—round selection that year.

Will Smith go on to NHL greatness, or is he more of a bottom—line grinder who just scratches out a living in the league for several years?  It will take more than his short stint with the Blackhawks to make that judgement.  However, he wouldn't be the first pleasant surprise Chicago has seen rise from a low—round pick.

Here's a list of ten picks from the sixth round and below that made good on their selection.

10. C Tyler Arnason (7th round, 1998)

Arnason had a seven-year career with the 'Hawks, Senators, and Avalanche.  He logged more NHL contests (487) and points (245) than first-round pick Mark Bell—or any of that year's selections.

9.  RW Troy Brouwer (7th round, 2004

Brouwer just completed his third full season in Chicago and is one of the league's more promising young power forwards.  Whether he takes his game up a level from the physical 35—40 point player is still up for debate, but he looks to be a solid NHL forward for the next few years.

8. LW Ted Bulley (7th round, 1975)

Bulley averaged nearly 20 goals and 40 points in his five solid seasons with the 'Hawks, from 1977—78 to 1981—82.

7. LW Darryl Sutter (11th round, 1978)

Sutter played longer than eight of the players selected ahead of him.  Had two 60—point seasons, including a 40—goal performance in 1980—81.  Spent seven full seasons with the 'Hawks.

6. C Mike Stapleton (7th round, 1984)

Stapleton has played 14 seasons with eight organizations as a defensive center.

 5. F/D Dustin Byfuglien (8th round, 2003)

The 'Hawks took a shot at Buff's size and he helped win a Stanley Cup, along with Brouwer.  He has played well as a forward and on the blue line, but should be on the defensive end in Winnipeg.  He will make a lot of money for such a lowly selection and should be a fan favorite up north, as he was in Chicago and Atlanta.

4. RW Brian Noonan (9th round, 1983)

Enjoyed a 14—year NHL career for five clubs and won a cup with the Rangers.  He also cored 30—plus points for the 'Hawks on four occasions—as well as allowed my friends and I to shout "NNNoonan!" Caddyshack—style when watching games in college.

3. D Doug Crossman (6th round, 1979)

This big blue—liner played in more games and totaled more NHL points than Keith Brown, Chicago's first round selection that year (who was hardly a slouch).  He topped the 40—point mark five times, and in 1982-83 had 13 G, 40 A, and was a plus—21 for the 'Hawks.

2. G Dominic Hasek (10th round, 1983)

Hasek couldn't unseat Eddie Belfour in goal when he came to the states seven seasons after he was nabbed.  He didn't become an NHL starter until the age of 28—although he did all right for himself after that, if you consider six Vezina awards all right.

1. RW Steve Larmer (6th round, 1980)

Larmer won the 1982-83 Calder Trophy as the league's best rookie, was a two time all-star, and was an anchor on the 'Hawks for 11 seasons.  He played in 884 consecutive games with Chicago, where he is third in franchise history in goals (406) and fourth in total points (923).

Where will guys like Ben Smith rank when all is said is done?  Will Brouwer and Byfuglien move up this list in the future?  Time will tell. 

Keep an eye on Chicago's last few selections this season, as there is always the chance that the 'Hawks will dust off the next hidden jewel in the NHL draft.