Could the Blackhawks add another exciting defenseman to their prospect pool?
The Chicago Blackhawks have a big decision to make with their fourth-overall pick at this year's draft. No matter who ends up being selected with the first three picks of the draft, the Blackhawks are going to have some very good prospects to choose from once they are on the clock.
In The Athletic's most recent mock draft, Corey Pronman predicted that the Blackhawks would select defenseman Alberts Smits with the fourth-overall pick.
Smits is one of the most promising defensemen in this year's draft, so he would have the potential to be a nice addition to Chicago's prospect pool. This is especially so when noting that the left side of the Blackhawks' blueline could use improvement. If they landed Smits, he would have the potential to give them a long-term answer for their left side.
Smits spent most of this season in Finland's Liiga with Jukurit, where he had six goals and 13 points in 38 games. He also had an impressive six goals and 10 points in just five games for Jukurit's U20 team this season.
Smits also played five games on a loan with EHC Munchen of Germany's DEL, where he had one assist and two penalty minutes.
Ultimately, if a forward like Ivar Stenberg has already been taken when the Blackhawks are on the clock, Smits could be worth selecting if he is available. The potential for him to be a very good NHL defenseman is there.