Chicago Blackhawks Potential Draft Targets

Jun 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the Chicago Blackhawks logo on the ice during media day in preparation for game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Fina against the Boston Bruins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning ‘Hawks fans! I hope your morning has started off better than the ‘Hawks did Tuesday night against the Wild. Too soon?

With the ‘Hawks off until tomorrow I thought it’d be a great opportunity to look at some potential draft targets in the upcoming 2015 draft.

Currently the ‘Hawks sit in 4th place in the Western Conference and 10th in the league. Because of this, I’m only going to concentrate on realistic options for the ‘Hawks. All players listed have the potential to be available when the ‘Hawks select in the 20-30th range (but who are we kidding? We’re going to be drafting 30th after another Cup!).

Lets take a look at a few options.

Colin White, C, USA NDTP, 6’0″, 185 lbs

Rankings:

ISS: #20

Future Considerations: #20

Craig Button: #19

As most of my friends know, this is one of my favorite players in this years draft. White is a superb 2-way center that has a fantastic feel for the game. He has great acceleration, good speed, and knows what to do with the puck. While he hasn’t scored quite as much as scouts expected this season, White is a true leader on the ice. Every time I read about him I can’t help but think about Captain Serious. This is what Future Considerations has to say about White:

"“Strong, well-rounded, two-way center…one of the best skaters for this draft…great speed with an excellent stride and tremendous acceleration…moves quickly and is tough to handle when he hits top speed…has great strength on his skates and is tough to separate from the puck…battles hard for possession…drives the net and is strong in close…can beat a goalie in many ways…has a great shot and also distributes the puck well…a very hard worker with an edge to his game…great on defense with a great defensive stick and strong defensive-zone awareness…always in the right spots on the ice and he is a tremendous worker.”- Future Considerations"

Sounds like a Chicago Blackhawks kind of player doesn’t it?! Unfortunately, White will probably be long gone by the time the ‘Hawks select. But we can dream!

Jordan Greenway, F, USA NDTP, 6’4″, 220 lbs

Rankings:

ISS: #23

Future Considerations: #23

Craig Button: #31

Another American, Jordan Greenway is a prototypical power forward. He’s a strong skater who’s tough to knock off the puck. Greenway does have room for improvement but could one day develop into a top-6 25 goal scorer. Future Considerations has this take on Greenway:

"“A big power winger who can put the puck in the net…moves well for a big guy, with good feet and decent speed…very hard to handle when he has the puck, as he protects the puck with his strength and reach… makes quick feeds to generate scoring chances…possesses a heavy shot and is lethal when he sets up in shooting position off the face-off dot…has the ability to score in many different ways…strong around the net and quick to put home feeds in front…has a very good physical game and is tough to compete with along the boards and down low…helps out defensively by getting back quickly…takes away lanes and pokes pucks loose…battles bouts of inconsistent play”- Future Considerations"

Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John, 6’1″, 185 lbs

Rankings:

ISS: #19

Future Considerations: #28

Craig Button: #25

A native of the Czech Republic, Zboril is a puck-moving, smooth skating defensemen who is currently less than the sum of his parts. Zboril projects as a 3-4 year project with very high potential. Future Considerations has this report on Zboril:

"“A good two-way blue liner…plays a complete game and relies on his impressive footwork to maintain defensive coverage as well as put himself into the offensive play…has a good top speed and all-round mobility…has a dangerous point shot that is both accurate and hard…has a physical element to his game and will step up to make a hit…clears the crease and separates opponents form the puck with his body in the defensive zone…has an active stick…good upside as an all-round NHL defender.”- Future Considerations"

Have a great day ‘Hawks fans!