Chicago Blackhawks Draft: There is 1 “best case scenario”
The 2021 NHL Draft Lottery awarded the Chicago Blackhawks the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. It isn’t necessarily the pick you want but it is what they have so they need to make the best of it and have a good offseason. 2020-21 was as unique of a season as there has been in the history of the sport which makes it even more possible to hit a home run with this pick. The scouting and development have been a bit different lately and the Hawks could take advantage.
The Chicago Blackhawks would be wise to consider drafting Kent Johnson.
One player that sticks out as a “best-case scenario” type of player is Kent Johnson out of Michigan. He already has one year under his belt playing for the Wolverines and there could be more to come from him as he looks to make his NHL dream come true.
He is going to have some big-time talent around him yet again at Michigan in 2021-22. He has already spent time with Owen Power and Matt Beniers who are both going to be top-five picks in this year’s draft. Luke Hughes, who is also going to be a top-five pick, will be attending in the fall as well. If Power and Beniers play another year in the NCAA, they will be a very good team.
Kent Johnson, if he falls to 11, has to be in consideration for Stan Bowman and his staff. He is a Canada-born kid that is playing NCAA which is always nice to see if you are a fan of college hockey. He is a left-shot centerman that stands at 6’1″ and 165 lbs. He has some height and will certainly put on more muscle as he gets a little bit older.
He has shown already in college that he has the skills to play with other skilled players which might make him valuable once he reaches pro hockey. If the Hawks select this kid, he might reward them but putting them in a good spot with their centerman.
With Kirby Dach already in the fold, Johnson might be able to join him to form a really good two-headed monster down the middle. Of course, development is key once these players are drafted into NHL organizations.
Related Story. Could the Chicago Blackhawks trade for William Nylander?. light
In 26 games playing for Michigan this year, he had nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points. Being over a point per game player in college hockey is not easy, especially for a freshman. Another year of development there and we could see some really big numbers. If the Hawks end up with a new prospect like this, they will have done well in the first round.