Chicago nudges up its secondary draft slots the first and second rounds, but gives up a second-round pick to do so in 3-for-2 deal with New York. Do Kyle Davidson and staff have their eyes on certain draft prospects?

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson hinted he might move 2024 draft picks, and apparently has prioritized quality — albeit slightly — over quantity.

The Blackhawks still own the No. 2 pick overall in June, one they nailed down in the NHL draft lottery on May 7.  But Chicago traded its second first-round pick (20th overall) and two second-round picks (54th and 61st overall) to the New York Islanders on Friday.

The Blackhawks received two 2024 selections from the Isles in exchange. Chicago got the 18th overall pick in the first round and 50th overall pick, or 18th spot the second round. 

The Blackhawks had acquired the No. 20 pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of the trade for forward Brandon Hagel on March 18, 2022. 

Chicago, which finished 31st overall last season, had three second-round picks entering Friday. That included its own at 34th overall (second in the round), plus the 54th and 61st that were acquired in earlier trades as Davidson stockpiled draft assets.

Friday's move gives Chicago one less 2024 pick overall, but slightly higher second selections in the first two rounds. Apparently, Davidson and his staff want to improve the odds of getting a player or two they've identified as they build their draft board.

Following Friday's trade with the Islanders, the Blackhawks have eight picks in the 2024 draft, including six picks in the first three rounds.

After the draft lottery on May 7, Davidson said this kind of deal was a possibility.

"If one option arises that is clearly the highest value, than that's what we'll do," Davidson said. "We're not married to any one direction with that pick."

He added that once he and his staff reach Las Vegas for the draft on June 28 and 29, more options might arise. See the following video: