"Breaking Down the Barriers: The Rise of Undrafted NHL Players" In a league where millions of dollars are spent on high-profile draft picks, it's easy to overlook the underdogs who have made it to the top through sheer determination and hard work. A new trend is emerging in the NHL, where players who were overlooked in the draft are now proving themselves to be just as valuable as their drafted counterparts. With the likes of David Backes, who was drafted 246th overall, and Oskar Lindblom, who was drafted 138th overall, achieving great success in their careers, it's clear that being undrafted is no longer a barrier to success in the NHL. But what drives these players to succeed, and what does their rise to the top say about the state of the league?