This player was the best third round draft pick in the history of hockey

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Finnegan Frost
June 19, 2024 (2:33 PM)

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As the NHL draft is quickly approaching, we dive into some of the most iconic third round draft picks ever selected in Red Wings history.

You would be hard pressed not to mention Niklas Lindstrom when breaking down the best third round draft picks of all time. This iconic selection was historic as Lindstrom was instrumental during the golden era of the Detroit Red Wings. Current Hall of famer and former Stanley Cup champion, Niklas Lindstrom is arguably the best third round draft pick in the history of the sport. His purpose on the team as a shut down defenceman, great teammate, and team leader etched his name into one of the greatest players to ever wear the Red Wings red and white colours.

Among all Detroit skaters, Lidstrom sits fourth overall in scoring. His 1,564 games rank highest among any Detroit draft picks and are second in franchise history only to Gordie Howe. His seven Norris Trophy wins are tied with Montreal legend Doug Harvey for second all time. They're one behind the legendary Bobby Orr. Lidstrom was so good that he won the Norris as a 40 year old, the oldest to ever do it. And when he captained the Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup, he became the first European captain to accomplish the feat.

Lindstrom notched over 1142 points during his longstanding career in Detroit and was one of the main reasons the Red Wings were a force to be reckoned with. It would be hard to argue any significant comparison when breaking down the best third round pick in NHL history.

source: The Hockey News
The Best Red Wings Picks in Each Round of the NHL Draft: Third Round