Former Blackhawks' 1st-round pick Kyle Beach signs in Austria

The Chicago Blackhawks' recent proliferation of Stanley Cups has masked a rather faulty draft strategy over the past half-decade. 

Just days before Kevin Hayes, Chicago's 2010 first-rounder, qualifies for unrestricted free agency without ever suiting up for the franchise, another recent top pick has bolted the North American ranks. 

Austria's EC Red Bull Salzberg announced Thursday that they signed 25-year-old left winger Kyle Beach, who was selected 11th overall by the Blackhawks in 2008. 

Beach was a mainstay with Chicago's AHL affiliate in Rockford for four seasons before being traded to the New York Rangers last year. He scored 43 goals and 83 points in 208 career AHL games.

Beach and Hayes are among seven former first-round picks that have yet to make significant contributions for the Blackhawks since Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were selected in successive drafts back in 2006 and 2007.