In a bizarre miscommunication on Friday, it was announced that the Panthers’ first-round pick the Blackhawks acquired in the trade of Seth Jones is top-ten protected, throwing a wrench in mock drafts across the internet (Chicago was reportedly aware of the condition all along, it was just never relayed outside the organizations). The Blackhawks may not get their hands on that pick until 2027, as the Panthers are 10th-worst in the league as a result of a number of brutal injuries throughout the season.
But if they don’t get that pick until it becomes unprotected next year, Chicago still has its own first-rounder (not to mention three second-round picks) at its disposal. The Blackhawks currency find themselves sixth-worst in the NHL, and assuming they sell a veteran or two at the upcoming deadline, they could have a real shot at a pick inside the top three once again.
Chicago already has its cupboards stocked with talent in the pipeline, but it can never hurt to add a name to the top of the list—much like the team did with Anton Frondell when they drafted him third overall last summer. Assuming the draft lottery drops them in the No. 4-6 overall range, there are a handful of talented prospects that stick out as names the Blackhawks should be targeting this summer.
Keaton Verhoeff—RHD, North Dakota
The Blackhawks finally have a decent pool of right-side talent defensively, with Connor Murphy, Artyom Levshunov, Louis Crevier, and Sam Rinzel holding it down. But with Murphy almost certainly leaving before the draft, Chicago could use another right-handed blueliner getting through the system as fast as possible. If the Blackhawks could snag Verhoeff, he’d be more than a huge get—he could be a crowning achievement of sorts for the team’s almost-complete rebuild. He could go as high as No. 1 overall, but if he slides a bit, Chicago would be getting a 6-foot-4 RHD who has been excellent at UND and can provide great size and reach for the Blackhawks down the road.
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Ethan Belchetz—LW, Windsor (OHL)
Belchetz isn’t quite as high on most lists as Verhoeff, but his archetype could be just what Chicago needs. Early in GM Kyle Davidson’s tenure, he drafted almost solely small, fast forwards, and now, the Blackhawks could use some size. They’re getting that soon from guys like Samuel Savoie and AJ Spellacy, but Belchetz could be a great power forward option near the top of the draft. He’s picked up 53 points in 49 games for Windsor this season, and at 6-foot-5, he has all the tools he needs to be successful for the Blackhawks at the next level.
Gavin McKenna—LW, Penn State
Is this wishful thinking? Maybe. After all, McKenna (who is distantly related to Connor Bedard) was once a prospect nearly as hyped as his “cousin.” With 129 points in 56 games in the WHL a season ago, he seemed like a lock to go No. 1 overall this summer. But amid an underwhelming season at Penn State (a felony aggravated assault charge that was later withdrawn didn’t help much), questions are starting to pop up as to whether teams atop the draft opt for Ivar Stenberg or Verhoeff instead. I still think he deserves to go at or near the top, but if the lottery sends the Blackhawks to around No. 3, you can be certain they’ll at least be keeping an eye on him.
