The Chicago Blackhawks kicked off their night by selecting Anton Frondell with the third overall pick. That ended a conversation that had been a debate ever since the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery results were revealed. 

Chicago had a second first-round pick in the draft, which has become a norm for them since Kyle Davidson took over as the General Manager of the team. This pick originally belonged to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it landed at pick number 25. 

With the 25th overall pick, the Blackhawks selected Vaclav Nestrasil. He became the first player selected from the USHL, as he comes from the Muskegon Lumberjacks. 

Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on X Welcome to Chicago, Vaclav Nestrasil‼️ 🔗https://t.co/nmsllf83WU

During the 2024-25 season in Muskegon, Nestrasil scored 19 goals and added 23 assists for 42 points in 61 games played.

The Lumberjacks also won the Clark Cup, and Nestrasil was a big part of that. He had seven goals and six assists for 13 points in 14 postseason games en route to the championship. 

One thing that makes Nestrasil stick out next to his peers is his size. He stands at 6-foot-6 and is 185 lbs. The Blackhawks came into this draft needing size and skill up front. They get both in Nestrasil of Czechia. 

In 2025-26, Nestrasil is committed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Playing college hockey has helped so many prospects develop well, and the Blackhawks have done great with post-college development. 

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