Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Best Draft Sleepers

Jun 3, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman

(4) skates with the puck during the second period in game one of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

A championship team usually has its share of diamonds in the rough. There are a few guys who were drafted late in the draft and weren’t expected to make it, but end up playing a vital role on a title team or breakout and become superstars themselves.

Monday, I rated the Chicago Blackhawks’ best first-round selections, the no-brainer picks who were expected to pan out. In anticipation of the NHL Draft on Friday, here is a list of the Hawks best sleeper picks, a player who was taken in the third round or lower whose star grew far further than ever expected.

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Before going into the top-5, here are some honorable mentions who barely missed the cut: Troy Brouwer (Round 7, 2004 Draft), Marcus Kruger (Round 5, 2009 Draft) and Andrew Shaw (Round 5, 2011 Draft).

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