5 of the Best NHL Draft Steals by the Detroit Red Wings

Apr 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pavel Datsyuk 171st overall in 1998 draft

The 90’s was at times, a great draft decade for the Detroit Red Wings. In the late 90’s it got really great for the Red Wings. In the 1998 NHL draft the Red Wings got the hidden gem that is Pavel Datsyuk at 171st overall.

More from Detroit Red Wings

• 3 Michigan Sportsbook Promos You Can’t Afford to Miss (Unlock Over $2,400!)
• BetMGM Michigan Bonus: $1,000 No-Sweat Bet to Back ANY Detroit Team
• SI Sportsbook Offers Michigan Bettors an Exclusive Promo Bonus (10x Your Money!)
• Detroit Red Wings: Can Lucas Raymond produce as he did in rookie year?
• Detroit Red Wings: Can Michael Rasmussen find his niche role?

Datsyuk saw success at an early age, but still managed to go undrafted in both the 1996 and 1997 drafts. It wasn’t until the ‘98 draft that he was selected and even then he wasn’t taken highly. Many teams passed on the Russian, some due to his size, others due in part to not having the scouting people see him in Russia the way the Red Wings did.

Since being drafted, Datsyuk has helped the team win two Stanley Cups. Become a household name to NHL fans around the league and won a plethora of awards during his 13 year NHL career. It is cool to see how this once looked over Russian player become a fan favorite here in Hockeytown.

Next: Dallas Drake