The Chicago Blackhawks‘ rebuild may have come and gone quicker than anticipated, but it isn’t without success. Winning the draft lottery and being able to select Connor Bedard definitely sped up the process, but the Blackhawks were able to assemble a team of highly drafted players as well, young and older.
Impressively, the Blackhawks could have up to 11 first-round picks on the roster this season, from rookies to veterans. By stating that, it may seem like Chicago should be built to win the Stanley Cup, but that’s not the case yet.
Not every first-round pick turns into a Bedard. Some players find other roles if the scoring doesn’t transfer over from before they were in the NHL, others haven’t hit their stride yet and may never will, and certain veterans are past their prime. This is what the Blackhawks have this season, and while 11 first-round picks won’t be as amazing as it sounds, it’s still pretty good.
First Overall Picks on Blackhawks
Kicking it off from the top, two players on the Blackhawks were drafted first overall – Bedard and Taylor Hall. Bedard is already living up to the hype that comes with being picked where he was. He had a great rookie season as an 18-year-old, not only winning the Calder Trophy, but leading the team in goal and points as well as all forwards in ice time. Bedard is going to be the cornerstone piece of the franchise for a long time, but he isn’t in his prime yet. He’s going to get a whole lot better.
Potentially on his wing will be Hall. He is a few years removed from his prime that seemingly ended in 2019-20 with a trade from the New Jersey Devils to the Arizona Coyotes. He won the Hart Trophy in 2017-18 with 39 goals and 93 points, but did show signs of life three seasons ago in Boston with 20 goals and 61 points.
Hall is coming off of an injury that kept him out for the final 72 games last season, but has some new life with the Blackhawks getting better so quickly. Whether he plays on the top line with Bedard in the spot he started last season or on the second line, Hall will contribute, even if it’s not in first overall form any longer.
Second Overall Pick – Artyom Levshunov
Artyom Levshunov might be a long-shot to stick on the Blackhawks all season, but wasn’t necessarily a long-shot to make the team before his injury. He was drafted second overall for a reason and is already 6’2, 209 lbs. He is coming off a near point-per-game season in the NCAA and there may be a spot up for grabs on the back-end for him to get a trial…