Lawton was a good call; I remember many being stunned with his selection, especially with Yzerman and Lafontaine being available. I had played against Yzerman throughout minor hockey and briefly in Junior A and had witnessed his abilities first hand. I thought Minny was nuts to pass over both him and Lafontaine, especially after the season Pat had in junior.
California caused a stir when, in keeping with its tradition, made a big reach with its top pick in 1976, selecting Swedish defenceman Bjorn Johanssen fifth overall. He was the first European taken in the first round, and when he went fifth overall it was quite a shock. Of course, he ended up being mediocre, playing a grand total of 15 NHL games with the legendary Cleveland Barons. Detroit didn't fare any better with the fourth pick in hindsight, and he was also highly questioned at the time - Fred Williams. I remember thinking Detroit was nuts not to be picking Bernie Derlago, or my favourite player at the time, Peter Lee.
Montreal had people scratching their heads with the selection of Robin Sadler ninth overall in 1975, only for him to announce soon after that he had no intention of playing for the Habs. Might not have hurt to interview him before the draft - he never played a game in the NHL.
Los Angeles caused a stir by selecting Doug Smith 2nd overall in 1981. Being a 67's fan growing up I saw plenty of Smitty and the OHL, and I was shocked to see him picked 2nd overall, when IMO there were better OHLers in cirella, Francis, Tanti, and McInnis, let alone the rest of the world. Smitty never lived up to his second selection status. Carpenter was another surprise that year - the first high schooler ever taken so high in the draft, third overall. He ended up having some decent seasons at least.
Vancouver's selection of Jere Gillis fourth overall in the 1977 draft was questioned by many of the experts, especially with the likes of Brad Maxwell, Doug Wilson, Mike Bossy and Mark Napier available. One of many poor draft picks by the Canucks in those days.
New Jersey surprised the experts by picking Neil Brady third overall in 1986. they weren't alone in picking flops that season however.
Daniel Dore was a surpise pick at fifth overall in 1988 - never a highly skilled player, back woes put a quick end to his career.
Dave Chyzowski, Warren Babe, and Scott Scissons are other players I recall being picked earlier than projected.