{"id":31025,"date":"2018-06-17T08:50:20","date_gmt":"2018-06-17T12:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=31025"},"modified":"2025-10-10T22:55:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T02:55:27","slug":"chicago-blackhawks-draft-targets-part-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/06\/17\/chicago-blackhawks-draft-targets-part-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Blackhawks Draft Targets – Part 6"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2018 NHL draft is less than a week away on June 22nd and 23rd. The Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> are preparing for the draft looking to get some immediate help for their storied franchise after a disastrous 2017-18 season. They\u00a0currently\u00a0have the eighth overall pick this year, one of their highest picks in years. They have four picks in the first three rounds, and eight picks total. There is a lot of speculation on how this draft will unfold for a team looking to return to playoff contention next season.<\/p>\n

Part 6 – Draft Targets Summary, Trade Rumors, and More<\/h1>\n

In the first 5 pieces of the Chicago Blackhawks Draft Targets Series, we looked at several decisions facing the Blackhawks. Based on their currently signed defence corps<\/a>, it\u00a0is expected\u00a0that they\u00a0would draft a defenceman with their first pick at number eight. In Part 1 of the series<\/a>, we featured Evan Bouchard<\/a><\/strong> as the best defence option that\u00a0may be\u00a0available at when the Blackhawks pick.<\/p>\n

Based on the report from Last Word’s own Ben Kerr,<\/a> Bouchard has what it takes\u00a0to be\u00a0an impact player on the\u00a0back end in the very near future. Be sure click on the player’s name for the link to their Top Shelf Prospects<\/a> profile and highlight video reel.<\/p>\nEvan Bouchard<\/strong><\/a>\u00a06’2″\u00a0\u00a0192 lbs<\/h2>\n

\u201cBouchard could become a top defenceman at the next level, however, it is more likely that with his defensive issues, he is more of a second pair player. He\u00a0can be\u00a0a real threat on the power play though, and\u00a0should be\u00a0able to put up points if he properly develops. In terms of style, Bouchard\u2019s game is reminiscent of Brent Burns<\/a>. This is a style comparison only, not one based on talent level.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

If Bouchard moves up in the draft, that may make Quinn Hughes<\/strong> or Noah Dobson<\/strong> available at #8. They are both excellent picks and compare favorably, but may need some time to develop.<\/p>\n

Quinn Hughes<\/strong><\/a>\u00a05’10” 174 lbs<\/h4>\n

“Hughes\u00a0can be\u00a0an\u00a0elite\u00a0offensive and puck-moving defenceman at the next level. He should quarterback the power play and lead the rush. The defensive game is a question mark, and how much he can improve in the next couple of years will\u00a0determine\u00a0if he is a first pairing defenceman at even strength or more of a second pairing player. Hughes will likely head back to college for his sophomore season, as he is probably not going\u00a0to be\u00a0NHL ready this fall. His game is reminiscent of Ryan Ellis<\/a> of the Nashville Predators.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Noah Dobson<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>\u00a06’3″ 179 lbs<\/h4>\n

“Dobson can stand to improve his upper body strength and be more effective in physical battles and get even more power on his shot. There is time for the 18-year-old to add muscle to a skinny frame. He may need a year or two of development time, but he has the potential\u00a0to be\u00a0a number one defenceman at the NHL level, playing both the power play and the penalty kill, and taking on other team\u2019s top lines. In terms of style, his game is comparable to Alex\u00a0Pietrangelo\u00a0of the St. Louis Blues.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Draft Pick #2 at 27th Overall = Rumors Galore<\/h2>\n

The Blackhawks have a second first round draft pick that\u00a0was obtained\u00a0in the trade of<\/a> Ryan Hartman<\/a><\/strong> to the Nashville Predators<\/a>. It is this second first round pick of the Blackhawks that may make the first round draft night extra interesting. Consequently, rumors have been circulating recently as to what trade offers the Blackhawks may receive involving one or both of their first round picks.<\/p>\n

Trade partners making noise are the Carolina Hurricanes<\/a> who\u00a0are tagged\u00a0in multiple rumor articles circulating Chicago. The rumors involve the Blackhawks trying to acquire defenceman Justin\u00a0Faulk<\/strong>. The pieces of the deal involve the Blackhawks also re-acquiring Scott Darling<\/a> in the trade. Besides one or both of the Blackhawks first round picks being involved, Carolina is requesting Brandon Saad<\/a><\/strong> as part of the deal.<\/p>\n

Mark\u00a0Lazerus\u00a0of the Chicago Sun Times writes<\/a>:<\/p>\n

“One target in particular Bowman has inquired about is the Hurricanes\u2019 Justin\u00a0Faulk, two league sources said.\u00a0Faulk, a 26-year-old right-handed shot, could form an\u00a0elite\u00a0top pairing with Duncan Keith<\/a> and would improve a power play that was the third-worst in the league last season. Justin Faulk<\/a>\u00a0has two years left on his contract and carries a cap hit of $4.83 million.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

“Faulk\u00a0wouldn\u2019t come cheap, though. The Hurricanes, seeking to shake things up under new ownership and first-year coach Rod Brind\u2019Amour, have their eye on Brandon Saad<\/a>, one league source said. The theoretical deal \u2014 and it\u2019s important to emphasize it\u2019s all theoretical at this point \u2014 would be for more than just Faulk. The Athletic reported the Hawks\u00a0are interested\u00a0in bringing back goalie Scott Darling<\/a>.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Adding Faulk<\/h3>\n

There is no doubt that\u00a0Faulk\u00a0would immediate improve a suspect Blackhawks D Corps<\/a> next season. Also, re-acquiring Darling would help solidify their goaltending in case Corey Crawford<\/a><\/strong> has further health issues next season. It’s the departure of Brandon Saad<\/strong> that is the tough part to swallow. Based on last season’s numbers,\u00a0the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> clearly won the Brandon Saad<\/strong> –\u00a0Artemi\u00a0Panarin<\/strong>\u00a0trade with the Blackhawks<\/a>. However Saad’s analytical numbers last season were incredible despite his lack of scoring. He is due for a rebound season next year and should get the chance to do it in Chicago.<\/p>\n

Two other teams that\u00a0may be\u00a0active traders this draft are the Calgary Flames<\/a> and the Nashville Predators<\/a>. Both of the teams do not have any first or second-round draft picks this year. Their first pick isn’t until the third round. Due to this, would they be interested in one of the Blackhawks first round picks? Who would they be willing to give up to get back into the first round of the draft? Inquiring minds want to know, and it’s likely the Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman<\/strong> is way ahead on this one.<\/p>\n

Second Pick Options<\/h3>\n

If the Blackhawks hold\u00a0onto\u00a0their second pick at #27, there are several players worthy of first round consideration. In Part two of the Draft Targets Series<\/a>, we featured the following players as ranked by Last Word’s Ben Kerr.<\/a> Be sure to click their names for links to their Top Shelf Prospects<\/a> profile and video highlight\u00a0reel.<\/p>\n

Ryan McLeod<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a>6’2″ 200 lbs – Center<\/h4>\n

“With continued development, McLeod could become a two-way middle-six centre in the NHL. The question here is the upside. It is doubtful that he has enough offensive tools to centre a top line. However, he could fit in nicely on a second line, providing secondary offence and matching the other teams top line. As a late birthdate player, expect him to spend one more year in junior and then move on to the NHL In terms of style, his game is reminiscent of Ryan\u00a0Kesler, but without the great shot.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Several other solid prospects that\u00a0may be\u00a0available at #27 are:<\/h3>\n