The Blackhawks moved up in the first round for a specific reason. They may have their eye on someone the team really wants and needs.
The Blackhawks moved up in the first round for a specific reason. They may have their eye on someone the team really wants and needs.
The Chicago Blackhawks made what may look like a minor trade now with the New York Islanders on May 24, but it could turn out to be pretty significant down the line.
The Blackhawks acquired the 18th overall and 50th overall picks in the 2024 draft in exchange for the 20th, 54th and 61st overall selections.
So instead of drafting first overall and 19th like Chicago did last year, the team has the second and 18th picks in the first round this year.
That second first-round pick can be big. With the second first-round pick in 2023, the Blackhawks drafted speedy Oliver Moore, now rated as their top prospect in THN's 2024 Future Watch.
General manager Kyle Davidson wanted Moore and almost traded up to ensure Chicago got him. That didn't end up happening and the Blackhawks were lucky the centerman, now heading into his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota, was available to them at 19.
This year, the Blackhawks definitely have their eye on a player that they didn't think would be available two picks after where the team is now picking at 18. We're going to speculate who that might be and why the Blackhawks are set on drafting this player.
Potential Draftee by the Blackhawks at 18th Overall
Michael Hage. 2023-24 Team, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Michael Hage might be drafted as a center, but with Lukas Reichel and Moore also competing for that role on the second line, there will have to be some shifts over to the wing which isn't a bad thing.
Hage can change momentum when he's on the ice with his ability to move, create space and offense, and has great stickhandling. He scored 33 goals and recorded 75 points in 54 games with the USHL Chicago Steel, a team that's owned by the family-controlled Wirtz Corporation, which also owns the Blackhawks.
Hage's ceiling is set at second line center which is perfect for the Blackhawks' organization. This team needs forwards more than defenders right now.
Trevor Connelly. 2023-24 Team, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Trevor Connelly can be a top-6 player, but has a bit to clean up before that can happen. This might add an extra year to his development, but there isn't a rush to get every prospect the Blackhawks have into the NHL right away. He put up 31 goals and 78 points in 52 games this season in the USHL and has elite vision to go along with a strong offensive game.
Connelly is also able to take defenders one-on-one and has the skill to beat them to create scoring. He would fit nicely on the left side beside Connor Bedard or to fill out the top-6 on the second line.
Beckett Sennecke. 2023-24 Team, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Beckett Sennecke is a great playmaker already and has the ability to read defenses and find seams. He put up 27 goals and 68 points in 63 games this season. He doesn't only have the skill to produce well offensively, but also the work ethic to grind and retrieve pucks from the dirty areas as well as use his body to his advantage.
I can't think of a better winger to break up plays and get the puck to Connor Bedard for a long time. Think of a Zach Hyman type to the Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid if Hyman was even better at feeding the puck to McDavid.
The Blackhawks moved up for a reason. There was one or more players that could be there when Chicago picks a second time in the draft in the 18th slot.
These three potential draft picks have been hovering around 15-18 on many draft rankings. Other teams have different needs and that may play to the Blackhawks advantage in the first round when drafting the player they really want.
Recent Blackhawks News
Former Blackhawk Corey Perry Pushed Further Down Oilers' Ladder
Connor Bedard And Blackhawks IIHF World Championship Report Card: So-So Overall
Is Lukas Reichel Set for Bounceback With Blackhawks After Two Impressive Post-Season Showings?