Ranking the 10 best undrafted NHL players of all time

1. Wayne Gretzky, C (1979-99)

Gretzky’s professional hockey career began in the World Hockey Association (WHA), and during the 1978-79 season, he was traded from the Indianapolis Racers to the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton and three other teams joined the NHL in 1979, and Gretzky signed a personal services contract, allowing him to remain with the Oilers and off draft boards.  

Gretzky had an impressive opening season recording 137 points and would go on an eight-year run of winning the Hart trophy and helping Edmonton capture four Stanley Cups. 

When his career ended, he had accumulated nine Hart Trophies, 10 Art Ross trophies and two Conn Smythe trophies. His No. 99 is also the only number retired league-wide.