Late-round gems in the NHL draft can lead to impactful careers, even as scouting and analytics improve draft strategies. Players like Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall, exemplify this, as he should have been picked earlier. Recent success stories include Troy Terry (148th), Andrew Mangiapane (166th), and Mark Stone (178th), all of whom overcame doubts about their size and skill. The key to their success lies in possessing elite attributes that set them apart.

This year's draft presents potential diamonds in the rough, even as odds diminish for players selected after the third round. Notable prospects include Cameron Schmidt, a dynamic scorer despite his smaller stature, and Jacob Rombach, a towering defenseman with shutdown potential. Teams seek separating skills, and players like Viktor Klingsell and David Bedkowski have shown flashes of their unique talents in international play. These players embody the essence of late-round success, defying the odds stacked against them.