Despite the depth of the NHL Draft, with its 223 picks in 2026, some underrated gems can still be found outside of the first few rounds.

For the CHL, it's a lot less likely to find draft steals due to the greater scouting emphasis on players playing in Canada in comparison to other countries with less scouting resources, such as smaller European countries, or a country like Russia where scouting is complicated further by secondary matters.

There's been a lack of OHL talent who have been drafted late and managed to become a full-time NHLer, the last one being Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker in 2018.

However, the 2026 Draft has a few promising names that could reverse that trend, and see the chance of full-time NHL play as reliable options if things can go right for these players. Here are five players drafted outside the first four rounds who could become NHLers.

Vladimir Dravecky - Defenseman (NYI/141st)

The New York Islanders selected Brantford Bulldogs defenseman Vladimir Dravecky with the 141st pick in the 2026 draft, but he has one of the better chances in this draft to become an NHLer.

Dravecky likely fell in the draft in part due to his smaller size at just 5'11 and 192lbs, but Dravecky was also ranked 47th by Central Scouting, clearly valuing the undersized defenseman as someone who should have gone earlier than he did.

A right-shot defenseman, Dravecky showed some offensive skill and craftiness, his 28 points in 58 games more a result of being lower on a stacked Brantford blueline.

Dravecky might just be a great European pro defenseman, but there's a decent boom-or-bust potential on Dravecky's side.

Beckham Edwards - Center (DET/153rd)

Beckham Edwards had been trending towards being a likely top-64 pick at the start of this season, but fell having struggled to capitalize on the successes of last season, falling to Detroit at 153rd.

It's not all Edwards' fault, his 45 points in 64 games was second on the Sarnia Sting on a roster that lacked offensive options. While Edwards struggled to lack depth to his game, coming off as too one-dimensional as he can rely on his shot, but Edwards does have enough of a toolkit to take a step forward next season.

Edwards is one of the more skilled options taken outside of the first four rounds, but has to add more to his all-around game. Still, there are enough positives in Edwards' game to see him potentially become a third-line NHL forward, likely on the wing at that level.

Alex Kostov - Right Wing (LAK/177)

Selected as a double overager, Los Angeles Kings prospect Alex Kostov is someone who has a clear NHL pathway, but still has a bit more to do to prove himself at that level.

Kostov is a big winger at 6'4 who had a dominant season with the Flint Firebirds, scoring 24 goals and 55 points in 47 games with the team, having impressed on the club's top-six while showing strong upgrades in his overall development.

There are some limiting questions in Kostov's game that make it clear why a PPG 6'4 forward like Kostov went as low as he did, being an average skater who lacks foot speed. That lack of mobility could hinder him from making it at the NHL level.

Headed to the NCAA with Quinnipiac, Kostov is headed to a school that has done well developing players and growing their games. The obvious positives are there with Alex Kostov to see a potential depth NHLer.

Wesley Royston - Right Wing (MTL/190th)

One of two back-to-back picks by the Canadiens, having selected American Parker Trottier a selection earlier, Wesley Royston is a player who similarly to Alex Kostov, has a clear NHL pathway in part due to his size.

The 6'4 winger is actually a strong skater for his size, and that mixture of size and skill makes him a captivating pro option, but Royston's question remains about a lack of consistent offensive tools.

As a 2007 birthday, a bit more was expected from Royston this season, and he'll need a positive D+1 to help improve his stock. His overall skill set could see him emerge as a bottom-six NHLer, but he'll have to wait in a deep Montreal prospect pipeline.

Colin Fitzgerald - Center - (STL/203rd)

The seventh round rarely yields success, but Colin Fitzgerald is one of the more promising bets to play NHL games. Having been viewed as a potential first rounder, Fitzgerald had a disappointing first half to his season before turning things around after a trade from Peterborough to the Soo.

Fitzgerald is a defensively responsible center who has solid maturity and can take faceoffs, but his stock rise from his move to the Greyhounds was only a small bump, evident by going in the final round.

Having struggled to replicate the offensive potential he has shown in the past, being able to reclaim his puck game could see him project as a potential fourth line center at the NHL level.

Another prospect taken in the seventh round who could be of potential is Quinn McKenzie, selected 222nd by New Jersey. McKenzie is someone who would have made my recent overagers article had he gone undrafted, the undersized winger having good offensive creativity.

He could be the type of AHL prospect who plays a few NHL games as a call-up, a solid bet in the seventh round that I'm surprised more teams don't do.