Ranking the top 5 undrafted players in the NHL today

The Pittsburgh Penguins' signing of winger Conor Sheary on Sunday signified yet another undrafted player making his presence known at the NHL level - a trend that's become more common due to the talent level of players joining the league via more unconventional avenues.

Here are the top five undrafted players currently making an impact in the NHL:

5. Cam Talbot - Edmonton Oilers

When Talbot posted a .926 save percentage and 2.21 goals-against average in relief of New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist in the 2014-15 season, experts around the NHL knew it wouldn't be long until this undrafted free agent earned a starting job.

Fast forward to today, and Talbot is not only one of the best goalies in the game, but also Edmonton's bona fide No. 1. Last season, he finished tied for the most wins in the league with 42, carrying the Oilers to the postseason for the first time in more than a decade.

From playing Division I NCAA hockey in Alabama to being the starting goalie on one of the NHL's most storied franchises, Talbot's undrafted journey was long and difficult.

He'll be counted on next year to carry the Oilers even deeper.

4. Mark Giordano - Calgary Flames

The lone rearguard on the list deserves a lot more credit than he usually receives.

In addition to being the Flames' captain, Giordano is also an excellent teammate, leader, and community figure, taking home the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award at the 2017 ESPYs.

On the ice, he's everything you want in a defenseman.

Since he joined the league as an undrafted free agent in 2008, the 33-year-old Toronto native has been the Flames' most consistent D-man. He logs heavy minutes (career average of 22:05 per game) and puts up solid plus-minus numbers (career plus-55), while also contributing offensively.

In 11 seasons with Calgary, Giordano has registered 340 points in 673 regular-season games, making the fact he's an undrafted player even more puzzling.

3. Mats Zuccarello - New York Rangers

Despite being limited by a few serious injuries, including a cracked skull and a fractured hand, Zuccarello has been an effective offensive weapon for the Blueshirts.

Over 383 career regular-season games with New York, Zuccarello tallied 86 goals and 176 points while serving as a key contributor on the Rangers' top power-play unit. Since the 2013-14 season, he has 55 points on the man advantage.

Speed, skill, and a knack for producing when it matters most (31 points in 60 career playoff games) make Zuccarello one of the best undrafted NHLers in the game today.

2. Artemi Panarin - Columbus Blue Jackets

A talented Russian whose path to the league was very similar to the player's below, Panarin was passed over in the 2010 draft and also began his career in the KHL.

Since joining the Chicago Blackhawks in 2014, he put together two stellar offensive seasons while playing on a line with Patrick Kane. The duo displayed immediate chemistry, leading to Panarin racking up 61 goals and 90 assists for 151 points in only 162 games.

Producing at an almost point-per-game pace is an impressive feat, especially for a player who was initially deemed too small and soft to hang with the NHL's big boys.

Panarin's offensive gifts make him a lock for this list.

1. Sergei Bobrovsky - Columbus Blue Jackets

For a guy who initially plied his trade in the KHL, Bobrovsky has been nothing short of sensational since signing with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. A 40-win season, 19 shutouts, and two Vezina Trophies later, and Bob has played his way to being one of the top goaltenders in the league.

Last season was especially stingy for the 28-year-old Russian. He led the NHL in both GAA (2.06) and save percentage (.931), while also registering an impressive seven shutouts.

Bobrovsky was passed over in the 2006 draft, but, given his most recent numbers, it's clear he should have been in the NHL from the jump.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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