NHL Draft: Blackhawks Add Two Forwards in 4th Round

The Blackhawks added some much needed forward depth in the 4th round of the 2019 NHL Draft by selecting forwards Michal Teply and Antti Saarela.

Michal Teply

The Chicago Blackhawks continued their draft trend of adding bigger players by adding Michal Teply in the 4th round (105th overall). Teply is 6’3″ and 185 pounds. He still has a lot of maturing and growing to do to fit into his frame.

The Czech Republic left-winger was listed fairly high in multiple 2019 NHL Draft prospect rankings:

• 67th overall (The Athletic)
• 85th overall (hockeyprospect.com)
• 63rd overall (Future Considerations)
• 56th overall (ISS Hockey)
• 46th overall (McKeen’s Hockey)
• 14th overall (NHL Central Scouting – EU skaters)
• 56th overall (Elite Prospects)
• 73rd overall (TSN/Bob McKenzie)

The Blackhawks have built a trend this NHL Draft by focusing more on size with their prospects. Vlasic is 6’6″ and Dach is 6’4″ and now, the Blackhawks add Teply another large forward in Michal Teply.

Teply had this to say about his playing style following being drafted:

The Blackhawks will give Teply time to improve and grow his game before allowing him to push for a spot in the NHL. Here is a video with some of his highlights.

Antti Saarela

The Blackhawks also added forward Antti Saarela in the 4th round with the 123rd overall pick. Saarela is 5’11” and seems to get under the skin of the people he plays against. EliteProspects.com ranks Saarela as the 74th best prospect.

In my opinion, Saarela seems like an “Andrew Shaw” type player. Someone that can get under the skin of an opponent, but he also has a lot of talent with the puck. Check out his highlights below.

The Blackhawks do not have a lot of forward prospects, so these 2 players will likely be given a chance with the next few years. Keyword: few years.

Do not expect any of these 18-year-olds to crack the Blackhawks’ lineup next season.