Depending on how literally you define the word "steal," there would only be a handful of 2001 or earlier draftees who have played in no NHL games and yet are considered steals. Good prospects that go three full seasons (2001-02 through 2003-04) with literally no games in the NHL are rarely steals.
The criteria probably limit the list to players developing slowly overseas, perhaps some college players who attend all four years, goaltenders and project defensemen (who take a while to develop anyway). Most names on any such list would stretch the definition of a steal, in my opinion. Steals don't percolate that long outside the NHL with no exposure to NHL play, not even one game.
Henrik Lundqvist would be one of the few legitimate steals I would mention. Most others probably aren't steals, but wild cards.
), he is now playing great in the AHL and could turn into a solid sniper at the NHL level.
