Blackhawks: This mock draft lands Chicago a third first-rounder
The Chicago Blackhawks are going to make the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. They are going to be followed by the rest of the league making picks in what is considered to be a generational draft.
When you think about what this can do for the future of the Blackhawks franchise, it has to excite everyone.
Of course, bringing in that player at the top of the draft is the key but surrounding him with talent is just as important.
They already have one extra first-round pick but why not add another? Chicago leaves the event with three first-round selections in this mock draft:
Round One
The Chicago Blackhawks are changing their franchise in the first round.
1 -1: Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard is the most obvious pick in the entire draft. The Regina Pats forward is a generational prospect that is going to change the Chicago Blackhawks franchise forever.
He has the ability to do literally everything at a high level. From day one, he will be a superstar in the league.
1 – 19: Quentin Musty
Chicago is looking for plenty of wingers to develop in hopes that they join Connor Bedard in the top-six one day.
Bedard will play in the NHL right away but adding a LW like Quentin Musty in a few years will be a nice touch.
He showed tremendous improvement in the OHL this past season and should explode in 2023-24.
With this trade, the Blackhawks send the pick they received from the Ottawa Senators (Alex DeBrincat trade) and the pick they received from the New York Rangers (Patrick Kane trade) back to the New York Rangers in addition to Chicago’s seventh-round pick (195th overall).
In return, the Hawks get pick 23. A team like the Rangers might take three draft picks to move back. They are still in win-now mode but adding more draft capital in a deep draft might be something they consider.
1 – 23: Gavin Brindley
The Chicago Blackhawks should seriously consider Gavin Brindley. He is a tremendous hockey player that is going to become a star in the NHL. Even if they don’t trade back into the first round like this, the 19th pick should be considered for him.
He is going to go back to the University of Michigan this year and go off. This will make everyone in the middle of the draft who passed on him fill up with regret. The Hawks can take advantage.