Why was Adama Oates passed up in the NHL Draft while playing Junior Hockey?

Question

He was playing in a league that was for future pro's and he was the leading scorer. What happened?

Answer 1

Adam Oates made his legacy at RPI (Renesselar Poly Inst.) an American college in Troy NY, not junior leagues. You are correct that he went undrafted but after winning the NCAA Championship and setting numerous scoring records he became a very sought after free agent. The Wings ultimately won a bidding war and signed him for an unheard of deal of 1mill. over 4 years (and the hockey owners world was not happy with that deal). He was largely overlooked because back then very few state college players were regarded as good enough...most went through the Canadien Juniors system and many considered him of marginal size. Obviously they were wrong but then again they are so wrong so often it shouldnt be that big a surprise. That is the beauty of hockey....so many guys who were afterthoughts end up being stars in hockey, more so than any other sport.

Answer 2

They thought he was Obama.