When the current CBA went into effect after the NHL lockout, one change saw the Entry Draft go from nine rounds down to seven, leaving some sixty players each year that would have been selected as free agents. While Trevor Timmins and his staff have done a very good job finding NHLers with their picks, they also have been able to find some potential hidden gems via free agency in players that were passed over in the draft.

One has to look no further then to the Hamilton Bulldogs were the club is getting excellent play from free agents, Cedrick Desjardins, David Desharnais, and Brock Trotter who are all major reasons why the team is once again among the best in the league as the same could be said last season as the trio of rookies made their mark. In addition, while not on an NHL contract like the others, Frédéric St-Denis has played some solid hockey in Hamilton as well.

Timmins and his staff have mostly looked to the QMJHL for additional talent that has paid off at the minor league level, winning both and AHL and ECHL championship, thanks in large part to several of these free pickups. Over the last few years the team has signed; David Desharnais, Cedrick Desjardins, Thomas Beauregard, Dany Massé , Robert Mayer, Frédéric St-Denis, Yann Danis, Francis Lemieux, J-P Cote, among others. After training camp the team also took on a chance on Philippe Lefebvre, as the Habs continue to look to the Voltigeurs for not only future players but a coach as well.

This past summer the club looked outside the QMJHL as they signed two players from Sweden, Andreas Engqvist and Mikael Johansson. Engqvist was passed over in the 2006 and 2007 Drafts but the Habs saw something they liked as he had some injury problems last season yet was still able to set career highs in goals and points. It remains to be seen what if anything the organization will benefit from the 22 year old center prospect, but he has shown good progress in each of his four season in the SEL. He's slated to come over next year. Johansson was picked by the Wings in '03 and after some injury troubles he's finally starting to get some ice with the Dogs.

Cedrick Desjardins has really stepped up his game this year as one of the top goalies in the AHL, talking over the starting job and getting named to the All Stars. If he continues to progress the Habs may find themselves with a real gem as the New Brunswick native already has an impressive resume that includes a Memorial Cup, an ECHL Championship and Playoff MVP.

When the injury bug piled up on the Habs this year, it opened a door for David Desharnais that many likely thought would never be opened, a chance to play in a NHL game. Since returing from injury he has been the Dogs best forward, and a model of consistency, getting points in 20 of 25 games, good for 2nd on teh team. The skilled center will be hard pressed to get an NHL spot full time but after ripping up the ECHL as rookie, scoring the 2nd most points of any rookie in the leagues history, he was named co-rookie of the year for the Dogs after a very impressive season. This year he is even more dangerous as he's having a breakout season with 14 goals and 30 points.

Brock Trotter is in the same boat as Andreas Engqvist, as he was also passed over at the '06 and '07 drafts after a major injury cost him his freshman year. The Manitoba native is one of the few NCAA free agents the club opted to sign, as he was leading his team in scoring before leaving in the 2nd half to turn pro in the AHL. Last year he was among the top forwards on the team and this year he's been the teams top scorer since preseason. The crafty winger can be a treat to watch and if he can improve his skating/foot speed he might have a shot at an NHL spot in time.

THe Habs looked to the Voltigeurs this past summer when they signed two free agents, Dany Massé and Philippe Lefebvre. Injuries have kept Massé off the ice this year but he should be getting closer to a return. Last season he had a great season with the Volts and was a big part in helping win a QMJHL championship. Like Trotter and Engqvist, Massé was passed over in the '06 and '07 drafts, hopefully it's a case of late bloomer as the hard working center will try and make his mark. Lefebvre was passed over in this past summers draft and was eligible for next summers draft before the Habs chose to sign him to a three year deal. So far this year with the Volt's he's had his ups and downs but should see a bigger role with his club next year.