By the Letters: “U” Stands for Undrafted NHL Legends
In the high-stakes world of the annual NHL Entry Draft, organizations spend countless resources striving to identify the NHL’s next generation of players. While being drafted in the first round carries a level of prestige, history has shown that the NHL Entry Draft is far from a precise science; many NHL legends went undrafted. In this edition of “By the Letters”, a focus is on letter “U”, highlighting three NHL icons who proved that being undrafted is no barrier to greatness—being undrafted is, perhaps, the ultimate fuel that helps lead a player uphill towards the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Undrafted: Ed Belfour—The Flight of “Eddie the Eagle”
Despite undeniable talent, Ed Belfour went undrafted, eventually signing with the Chicago Blackhawks after winning an NCAA championship at the University of North Dakota. His impact was immediate; “Eddie the Eagle” won the Calder Memorial Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and William M. Jennings Trophy all in his rookie season. In 1999, Ed Belfour helped lead the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup championship.
Undrafted: Martin St. Louis—A Refusal to be Unnoticed
Martin St. Louis represents the ultimate testament to perseverance. Bypassed by every team in the NHL Entry Draft, St. Louis refused to be unnoticed. He spent time sharpening his craft in the minors before finding his rhythm in Tampa Bay. He didn't just play; he dominated, winning two Art Ross Trophies, a Lester B. Pearson Award, a Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and a Stanley Cup. The NHL career of Martin St. Louis is a unique celebration of a player who turned every “No” into a Hart Memorial Trophy-winning “Yes”.
Undrafted: Curtis Joseph—Cujo’s Undaunted Climb to Stardom
Curtis Joseph was bypassed during the NHL Entry Draft; it wasn’t until a stellar season at the University of Wisconsin that NHL scouts finally took notice. Signing as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues, “Cujo” launched an NHL career defined by unbelievable athleticism. He retired with 454 career wins—proving that an undrafted goalie can still become one of the most successful goalies of his generation.
Cool Fact: As of today (March 20, 2026), another undrafted goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky, is tied with Curtis Joseph (454 career wins); Bobrovsky earned career win 454 with a 4-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers for his 53rd career shut-out (2 more than Joseph’s 51).
U: Undrafted NHLers Who Climbed Up to the League’s Peak
The stories of undrafted NHL stars (e.g., Ed Belfour, Martin St. Louis, Curtis Joseph) serve as a powerful reminder: the NHL Entry Draft is only a starting line. Being undrafted may mean an uphill battle, but for those with grit and tenacity to persevere—while staying undaunted—the destination remains the same—NHL legendary status.