Blackhawks: This mock draft lands Chicago a third first-rounder

The Chicago Blackhawks need to find some success in the late rounds.

4 – 99: Brady Cleveland

Brady Cleveland was a huge piece of the puzzle for the USNDTP this year. He was their go-to shutdown guy on defense. He isn’t going to wow anyone with offensive stats but he will make some big plays physically and keep the other team from scoring.

He is going to play college hockey for the University of Wisconsin in 2023-24 and they should be very good. After a few years there, he should be ready for a LD role in the NHL. It can’t be all about offensive skill when building a team and that is where a guy like Brady Cleveland comes in.

5 – 131: Mazden Leslie

The Chicago Blackhawks, as mentioned a few times, have a need for more right defense in the organization. Mazden Leslie might be able to be that guy for a team drafting in the 5th round.

This kid screams “draft steal” this year. He has a high upside to his offensive game which would be nice from the right side on a pair. The defensive side of his game needs tons of work when he returns to the WHL.

You may have heard of Mazden Leslie’s Player Development Coach with the Vancouver Giants, Brent Seabrook. Maybe if the Hawks drafted him, he could take some advice from him on what it would be like to play there.

Rounds Six and Seven

The Chicago Blackhawks don’t currently have a sixth-round pick in 2023. In the mock trade with the New York Rangers made here, the Hawks traded their seventh-round pick. That would mean that all of the selections are made.

If Chicago found a way to have a draft like this, big things could be coming for them and their future. This should be so fun to watch unfold.