With the current position of the Chicago Blackhawks, it is important we make smart draft choices to setup our future team. Today i’m gonna look at 5 players the Blackhawks should target in the first round of this year’s upcoming NHL draft.
1. Macklin Celebrini
If the Blackhawks can somehow pull it off and win the lottery again, the pick would be Macklin Celebrini, the consensus #1 overall pick this year displays great skills on the ice. Often compared to some great NHL players Macklin uses his speed vision and great release to drive plays. Currently at Boston University he has posted 31/28/59 in 35 games and he is only 17!
2. Cayden Lindstrom
The 6”4, 215 pounder Lindstrom is a beast, for a guy of that size he can sure skate. Maybe the most exciting Prospect in this upcoming draft in my eyes. Cayden displays a unique talent, not only can he go out there and score goals, he plays a very good game on both sides of the puck. Cayden has been injured the past month or so, but is expected to be back for the WHL playoffs. Currently playing with the Medicine Hat Tigers he has posted 27/19/46 in 32 games. I’m expecting Cayden to be picked anywhere from the 2-6 Range in this year’s draft.
3. Artyom Levshunov
Levshunov is definitely one prospect Hawks fans should keep a tab on. The Right Handed Defenseman is a smooth skating dman who plays both sides of the puck good. Artyom has provided plenty of offense this year for Michigan State while also being solid defensively with being a +25. This year at Michigan State Levshunov has posted 9/24/33 in 36 games! I project Levshunov to go anywhere from 3-6 in this years draft, which is right in the range where the Blackhawks will be picking.
Blackhawk’s 2nd 1st Round Pick Via Tampa Bay Lightning
The Blackhawks made a trade back in 2022 sending Brandon Hagel over to Tampa bay for Taylor Raddysh, Boris Katchouk, a first round pick in 2023 and a first round pick in 2024 which is this year. In 2023 the Hawks used Tampa’s pick to select forward Oliver Moore. These last 2 players i’m writing about are players that could be selected by the Blackhawks with the pick via TBL in this year’s draft.
4. Adam Jiricek
It is no secret the Blackhawks are looking to add another right shot defenseman for their future core. Adam is a solid defenseman who plays both sides of the puck well but isn’t better at one side than the other. Jiricek has had a rough year injury wise and is currently out for the year after getting hurt at world juniors. I believe Adam can bounce back and be an effective NHL player. I predict Adam to go anywhere from 17-27 in this year’s draft.
5. Andrew Basha
Andrew Basha is a smooth skating forward who can put the puck in the back of net but can also dish it off beautifully. Basha is 18 years old currently playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, he has put up 30/55/85 in 63 games. Andrew can be a nice top 6 piece for the Blackhawks future core. Look for Andrew to be picked anywhere from 22-30 in this year’s draft!
BS Reports 
Leave a comment