These 3 forwards would be ideal if the Chicago Blackhawks draft in the Top 5 again

We are nearing the 30-game mark of the 2024-24 season for the Chicago Blackhawks, and the results have not been what the team had hoped for.

The Blackhawks currently sit 31st in the NHL standings with 20 points, tied with the last-place Nashville Predators. Despite the expectation of taking a step forward in the standings this year, it seems as though there may be another top-5 draft pick heading to Chicago.

After the past few drafts, the Blackhawks have accumulated one of the league's top prospect pools due to the sheer amount of selections they've had.

However, many would agree that the missing piece is a true elite-level forward prospect to pair alongside Connor Bedard.

As of this moment, Frank Nazar is the Blackhawks top forward prospect and is excelling with the Rockford IceHogs (AHL) in his first professional season. He just got the call -p to return to the NHL team.

Nazar is looking like a future staple on the team's forward group, but there is still a need for a player of equal or even greater potential to bring an added punch offensively.

If the Blackhawks do end up selecting in the top-5 once again, there will be numerous highly talented forwards to choose from who could all be a difference maker for the franchise in the coming years.

After selecting Artyom Levshunov with the second-overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks' seem to have drafted what they believe will be their future defense core. This draft's top defender is Matthew Schaefer who is having an excellent season with the Eerie Otters (OHL) and is making a very strong case to be a top-3 pick.

Given how heavily they have drafted to bolster the defense already, the Blackhawks almost certainly will not select Shaefer with their pick. Despite his electrifying offensive capabilities, it would not be addressing the team's biggest need.

These are the three forwards who the Chicago Blackhawks will have to choose between if they have another top-5 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft...

Boston College's James Hagens

The likelihood of James Hagens coming to Chicago will depend on if the Blackhawks select first-overall again.

Hagens is the top player in this draft class and is expected to be the number-one pick unless the draft takes an unexpected turn. Having just turned 18-years old, Hagens has tallied 20 points in 16 games in the NCAA.

With his production heating up as of late, Hagens is continuing to prove that he has the ability to generate offense at each and every level he's played at so far.

At the Under-18 World Juniors, Hagens had 22 points in 7 games for Team USA, setting a new points record in the tournament. The previous record had been set in 2011 by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov.

What stands out most from Hagens' game is his vision and playmaking abaility. He sees the ice at a high-end caliber and has the instincts that could make him a true impact player at the next level.

Hagens has all the talent to make him a first-overall caliber player and brings a lot of traits that NHL franchises look for in a young player. Although, the gap between him and some of the other forwards in this class may not be as wide as some think.

Brampton Steelheads' Porter Martone

If Blackhawks' fans are looking for Connor Bedard's wingman of the future, Porter Martone might just be the perfect player to put on his line.

The 6-foot-3-inch winger has been terrorizing the Ontario Hockey League this season with 21 goals and 54 points in 26 games.

Martone brings a lot of what the Blackhawks are looking for in terms of pedigree, size, and offensive capabilities. He plays a true power-forward's game and brings an added level of toughness to his play style.

A dual threat on offense, Martone brings a high-caliber goalscoring and playmaking that has made him excel against his peers in junior hockey.

Bringing along his size and skating ability, Martone could be the mold of a modern-day power-forward who could potentially get looks in the NHL as early as next season.

If the Blackhawks have the opportunity to draft a player like Martone, he could play a big role in their lineup going forward.

Saginaw Spirit's Michael Misa

Once granted exceptional status and given the ability to join the OHL at 15-years old, Michael Misa has lived up to that status with his play this season.

The 6-foot-one-inch center has had an excellent start to his OHL season with 27 goals and 55 points in 27 games.

What stands out for Misa this season is that he is scoring at a goal-per-game pace and has showed no signs of slowing down. He is a very smart player who consistently makes plays that keep his team out of trouble.

Misa plays a simple, but effective, two-way game and makes his presence known at both ends of the ice. He brings a level of consistency that any team would want in a future top-six centerman.

It is clear to see why Misa was touted so high at a young age, and he is proving this season that the decision to grant him exceptional status was the right one.