Staff Grades: Chicago Blackhawks 2020 NHL Draft Selections

Drew Commesso (2nd Round Pick)

Jimmy Lynch:

Commesso could be the Blackhawks next Corey Crawford. However, hopefully, he can be more like Matt Murray and Tristan Jarry and make an impact at a younger age. Crawford was drafted in 2003 and did not jump to the NHL until 2011. Hopefully, Commesso and his great positioning in the net can jump to the NHL within the next three or four years. (Grade B)

Justin Klawans:

The best goalie choice besides Askarov, he should get some more experience at Boston University. I could see him maybe becoming the future starter. (Grade B+)

Dylan Terry:

After not being presented the opportunity to draft the highly touted Yaroslav Askarov, I still believe that the Blackhawks were able to get a solid netminder. Commesso is a unique goaltender, as his glove side is on his left hand. He posted really good numbers this past season with the USNTDP, going an impressive 18-7-1 in 30 games with a 2.05 goals-against average,  and a .920 save percentage. He also had 3 shutouts.

His next team will be Boston University, where he will hope to become the starting goaltender for the Terriers as a freshman. We all know how many serviceable guys come out of Boston U, so expect Drew to develop into a very good goalie. We can only hope that he becomes Jonathan Quick 2.0 (Grade A-)

Kevin Braeunle:

I think this was a bit early for a goalie considering some of the talent (Jan Mysak) that was still on the board. Needless to say, Chicago filled a huge positional need. I actually like Commesso over Blomqvist. Commesso thinks the game at an elite level, is good positionally and makes the saves that need to be saved.

He also has all the qualities you look for in an NHL goalie: size, athleticism, rebound control, positioning, etc. Again, seems like an upside-ish pick here. I love the fact that he will go to a Boston University; a system that just churned out Jake Oettinger. (Grade B+)

Seth Stauffer:

This is probably the best move Chicago made in the draft. Not only would Commesso have been a good pick for any team that chose him, but he also fills a need in Chicago. It’s realistic to think he could develop into a starting goalie for Chicago, and right now there aren’t any other contenders for that role.  At 18, he’s pretty young and will take years to develop as a player. Regardless, the scouting reports on him see him as an NHL goaltender.

Jake Wheeler:

Just like the Reichel pick, I believed there were better goalies to choose from. I wanted the Blackhawks to select Joel Blomqvist, as he has put up good numbers in the top Finnish league this season. “Commesso’s .917 SV% and 2.01 GAA” shouldn’t go overlooked though. I think if he develops properly at Boston University, he could be a starter one day. (Grade B-)