Blackhawks: Get To Know Rumored First-Round Pick Noel Gunler

The Chicago Blackhawks have the 17th pick in the 2020 NHL entry-level draft. Their rumored selection is Noel Gunler, a winger from Sweden.

The Chicago Blackhawks have the 17th pick in the 2020 NHL entry-level draft. That isn’t a bad selection for them, even after making the playoffs, eliminating their chances for the 1st selection in the draft. There have been so many mock drafts pointing at who the Hawks should get and who they shouldn’t. Noel Gunler at 17 is the rumored pick now that we know where the Hawks will draft.

So, who is Noel Gunler? Gunler is an 18-year old winger, who plays on both sides. He has a right-handed shot and plays a well-rounded game.

At 6-foot-1, he brings height to this forward group, but he weighs 176-pounds. Assuming he sits a year or two before being called up to the NHL, he will most likely put on weight either way. So, his weight isn’t a concern for me, at the moment.

Gunler has one of the best shot selections in the entire draft, per scouts. He isn’t afraid to drive to the net and create offense. He’s a dual-threat player on the ice with great edge work. There’s a lot to like about him.

More from Draft

• The Blackhawks Added To Their Defense And Size During NHL Draft
• Blackhawks: Recapping the team’s 2021 NHL Draft Class
• Blackhawks Draft Colton Dach In 2nd Round
• Blackhawks: What’s the plan for the 2021 NHL Draft?
• Blackhawks: What position does the team need to focus on at the draft?

My issues come with his stats this past season. He struggled to put the puck in the net, scoring just 4-goals in 45-games. For a top NHL prospect, you want to see more offense out of your first-round draft choice, no matter where you’re picking him.

NHL scouts have said he has a good shot that will translate to the NHL, but if he cannot score in the SHL, he won’t be scoring on NHL goalies.

Should Chicago Draft Him?

In my opinion, the Hawks shouldn’t draft him. There will still be some solid prospects left on the board when the Hawks pick. They also could trade up, using a player like Brandon Saad to get into the Top 10, if there’s another player they have their eyes on.

As we get closer to the NHL entry-level draft, there will be more Mock Drafts that come out. I’m curious to see if Gunler sticks in the Top 20 or falls in the draft.