We’re just three years removed from the day the Chicago Blackhawks’ franchise was turned upside down–when they jumped up to first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft to select Connor Bedard. On Tuesday night, though, they weren’t so lucky.
The Maple Leafs won the lottery to move up to first overall and the Sharks jumped up to second overall, forcing the Blackhawks down to the fourth overall pick behind the Canucks. After selecting No. 1 in 2023, No. 2 in 2024, and No. 3 in 2025, the downhill pattern continues with the fourth selection at this year’s NHL Draft in late June.
The Leafs and Senior Executive Advisor Mats Sundin will have a chance to likely select Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick. With a new 1C in town, will they make the rumors true and move Auston Matthews? Would the Blackhawks give up this year’s No. 4 overall pick to get him?
I wrote earlier on Tuesday that outside of McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, Chicago should be targeting Caleb Malhotra or Chase Reid with the No. 4 pick. Picking fourth overall might actually make that decision easier if nothing changes before draft day, as they’ll have the opportunity to take one of the two players that seem to be in the second tier of this year’s prospects. They’ll have until Friday, June 26, to make their decision (or even trade the pick to make a splash in this summer’s trade market!).
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