Was this the best 5th round pick of all time?

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Finnegan Frost
June 20, 2024 (4:06 PM)

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In the latest segment of Detroit Red Wings draft pick analyses, we take an in depth look at the best 5th round picks in franchise history.

Historically, players drafted in the 5th round aren't the most noteworthy or exciting, but this player definitely put an end to that stigma. Darren Helm, a long time Detroit Red Wing, was an instrumental part of their success during their Cup runs in the late 2000's. Helm was selected 132nd overall in 2005. Since his early debut in the NHL, Darren Helm was a force to be reckoned with possessing championship calibre since day one.

Helm began his career as a champion, carving out a role as a speedy fourth line center in a late-season call-up in 2008. He ended up playing 18 games in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup playoff run, and 23 in the 2009 run that ended a game short of a repeat. Notably, Helm scored six goals in those playoff runs before scoring one in the regular season. That stands as a niche NHL record.

General manager Steve Yzerman will be the man responsible for scooping up diamonds in the rough in this year's draft. Can he potentially find a hidden gem comparable to Darren Helm? If so, it would undoubtedly increase the Red Wings chances of being Stanley Cup contenders once again.

Source: the hockey writers
The Best Red Wings Picks in Each Round of the NHL Draft: Fifth Round