First-round picks might dominate prospect discourse – and generally achieve higher levels of success in the NHL – but the majority of NHL players come from the rounds that follow. 

Some of the NHL's top scorers were picked on day two of the draft, and even more of its best defenders, including Roman Josi, Adam Fox, Devon Toews, Gustav Forsling, among many others.

So, in this edition of players who ascend to top prospect status, we're emphasizing defencemen. There are two rules: No first-round picks and no prospects featured in our top-100 affiliated skaters, including honourable mentions.