This one might be a little difficult to justify putting him on this list at all, as many considered the career of Sergei Samsonov a disappointment, but while he may not have lived up to lofty expectations, there is no doubt that the Russian had a promising career. 

Bryan Smolinski could be considered a journeyman of sorts in the National Hockey League (he did play with nine teams) but his skill set was always coveted as every team can use a player who could score when needed and was adept at the penalty kill.  The Centre would score 651 Points over a 1,056 Game NHL career.

Real Cloutier was an absolute phenom in Quebec, and rather than wait for the age-restricted National Hockey League, he would go directly from the Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL to the Quebec Nordiques of the WHA, where he could play professionally as an 18-year-old.

A bit of a late bloomer in terms of his offensive production, Glen Murray began his career quietly with the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins, but a trade to the Los Angeles Kings would see him gain two 60 Point seasons in the late 90s.  He would be traded back to the Bruins, where in the 2002-03 campaign, he would have a career high of 92 Points and lead the National Hockey League in Shots and Even Strength Goals.  He was named an All-Star in both seasons.