Going into last year's draft, the Blackhawks were looking at the third overall pick after having a stroke of luck in the draft lottery, allowing them to select Kirby Dach, who at 19 has already made his presence felt at the NHL level. There's a lot still up in the air surrounding everything about this season, including draft positions, due to coronavirus concerns. The NHL could go to a 24-team playoff format, stick with a 16-team format, or cancel the playoffs entirely, but for the purpose of this exercise we're going to assume the standings and draft positions have the Blackhawks staying near the 7th-10th overall pick. It isn't likely that top prospects like Alexis Lafreniere and Quinton Byfield will still be available at that point, but 2020 is a stronger draft year and there will certainly be talent available. Here are a few players that the Blackhawks could look to snap up come the draft as they look to return to the playoffs.
MARCO ROSSI, C, OTTAWA 67'S
Standing at just 5'9, Rossi leads the OHL in scoring with 120 points in just 56 games, including 81 assists. His ability to play at a high speed compliments his skill and leads to tons of point production. Rossi is a fantastic passer first but he also has a nose for the net. The knock on Rossi from the Blackhawks' perspective is that their center depth is looking strong for the next few years. Captain Jonathan Toews won't be going anywhere anytime soon, and the team has faith in Kirby Dach and Dylan Strome to take over after Toews. As a result, the Blackhawks, who already have lots of young talent on the defensive side of the puck, may look to fill a need at winger. Outside of Brandon Hagel and John Quenneville, the Hawks don't have much of a talent pool at that position.
COLE PERFETTI, LW, SAGINAW SPIRIT
Perfetti is nine points behind Rossi for the scoring lead with 111 points in 61 games. His 74 assists also rank second in the league, behind Rossi. Perfetti is an elite playmaker who has great vision. While he will need to work on the defensive side of his game as well as his skating before being able to take the next step to the NHL level. He had a slow start to this season after posting 37 goals as a rookie, but caught fire near the second half of the season and put up 37 before the OHL cancelled their season.
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| Kirby Dach was selected at the #3 spot in last year's draft and is enjoying a successful rookie year. |
MARCO ROSSI, C, OTTAWA 67'S
Standing at just 5'9, Rossi leads the OHL in scoring with 120 points in just 56 games, including 81 assists. His ability to play at a high speed compliments his skill and leads to tons of point production. Rossi is a fantastic passer first but he also has a nose for the net. The knock on Rossi from the Blackhawks' perspective is that their center depth is looking strong for the next few years. Captain Jonathan Toews won't be going anywhere anytime soon, and the team has faith in Kirby Dach and Dylan Strome to take over after Toews. As a result, the Blackhawks, who already have lots of young talent on the defensive side of the puck, may look to fill a need at winger. Outside of Brandon Hagel and John Quenneville, the Hawks don't have much of a talent pool at that position.
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| Could the Blackhawks use their first-round pick on winger Cole Perfetti? |
COLE PERFETTI, LW, SAGINAW SPIRIT
Perfetti is nine points behind Rossi for the scoring lead with 111 points in 61 games. His 74 assists also rank second in the league, behind Rossi. Perfetti is an elite playmaker who has great vision. While he will need to work on the defensive side of his game as well as his skating before being able to take the next step to the NHL level. He had a slow start to this season after posting 37 goals as a rookie, but caught fire near the second half of the season and put up 37 before the OHL cancelled their season.
ALEXANDER HOLTZ, RW, SWEDEN
Holtz is a pure goal-scorer. He can snipe from anywhere and has an elite goal-scoring ability. His ceiling isn't as high as some of the other prospects, but he'll be able to put the puck in the net at a high level. Right now, he's had some success playing in the SHL and will be an intriguing player come draft day.
ANTON LUNDELL, C, FINLAND
Lundell helped Finland win the World Juniors in 2019 but was injured for this year's tournament. He has 28 points in 44 games played this year in the top Finnish league. Lundell plays a complete game and would be considered the "safe" pick if the Blackhawks were to go with him. His offensive ceiling is lower than the other prospects on this list, but plays a more NHL-ready, which could be crucial to the Blackhawks as they try to retool and win with the Kane-and-Toews led core. Lundell plays an extremely strong defensive game. He's a good faceoff man and would most likely end up as a solid pick for whoever drafts him, even if he doesn't end up being a superstar. He's a consistent player who can pan out to be a nice middle-six center.
Holtz is a pure goal-scorer. He can snipe from anywhere and has an elite goal-scoring ability. His ceiling isn't as high as some of the other prospects, but he'll be able to put the puck in the net at a high level. Right now, he's had some success playing in the SHL and will be an intriguing player come draft day.
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| Anton Lundell plays a complete game and could fit in well at center behind Toews and Dach. |
ANTON LUNDELL, C, FINLAND
Lundell helped Finland win the World Juniors in 2019 but was injured for this year's tournament. He has 28 points in 44 games played this year in the top Finnish league. Lundell plays a complete game and would be considered the "safe" pick if the Blackhawks were to go with him. His offensive ceiling is lower than the other prospects on this list, but plays a more NHL-ready, which could be crucial to the Blackhawks as they try to retool and win with the Kane-and-Toews led core. Lundell plays an extremely strong defensive game. He's a good faceoff man and would most likely end up as a solid pick for whoever drafts him, even if he doesn't end up being a superstar. He's a consistent player who can pan out to be a nice middle-six center.
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