The 32 best NHL Draft prospects Blackhawks fans can't afford to overlook

17. Jackson Smith, defense (WHL)

Jackson Smith is one of the more exciting defenseman in the draft due to his natural abilities. The 6-foot-3 defender moves very well for someone his size as he is a smooth-skating offensive defenseman with high-end puck-moving ability. He tallied 54 points in 68 games for the Tri-City Americans this season, as he shows great confidence with the puck on his stick and an exciting offensive game. However, his talents are still very raw, and his defensive game will need some work before jumping into professional hockey.

18. Malcom Spence, winger (OHL)

Spence looks like he can become a bona fide member of a team's top nine in the future due to the versatility he brings to the ice. The 6-foot-2 winger posted 73 points in 65 games for the Erie Otters this season as a hardworking forward with some offensive flair.

Spence's two-way game is what catches a lot of attention, but he is no slouch in the offensive zone, as he has above-average vision and speed that help him create chances.

19. Benjamin Kindel, center (WHL)

One of the climbers of this year's draft has been Benjamin Kindel, a relentless center whose offense reached new heights this season. Kindel tallied 99 points in 65 games for the Calgary Hitmen this season and proved that he can be effective from anywhere on the ice. His hockey IQ is among his best attributes, as he consistently is a factor in both zones. Despite being on the smaller side at 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, Kindel is without a doubt one of the smartest players in this year's draft class.

20. Braeden Cootes, center (WHL)

Braeden Cootes has been raising more and more eyebrows this season after he broke out in the WHL with 63 points in 60 games. The young center has a very high motor and always keeps his feet moving when he's on the ice. He is a persistent player who works for every puck and can finish in the offensive zone with his strong wrist shot.

21. Cullen Potter, winger (NCAA)

After a promising freshman season at Arizona State this season, Cullen Potter finds himself as one of the more underrated players in the draft. The young forward is an elite skater who utilizes that ability to seamlessly skate past defenders and create scoring chances. He tallied 22 points in 35 games in his freshman season, showcasing his vision and playmaking that could make him a very dangerous player in the NCAA next season.

22. Cole Reschny, center (WHL)

Cole Reschny is a player who is always getting involved in the play no matter which end of the ice he's at. He is a smart, well-rounded player who is not afraid to play with an edge to win puck battles in either zone. He brings potent playmaking abilities and always seems to make the right play, which was on full display this season with 92 points in 62 games, 66 of those points being assists.

23. Ivan Ryabkin, center (USHL)

At one point, Ivan Ryabkin was considered to be a top prospect in this class and a potential top-10 pick. The natural abilities are without question, as he is a gifted stick-handler and playmaker who will not shy away from physical play.

He has pro-ready size at 6-feet tall, 201 pounds, but the issue lies in the effort that he gives on a night-to-night basis. He tallied 30 points in 27 USHL games, and 16 points in 14 playoff games. Many see Ryabkin as a risky pick, but he can be a steal if he hits on his potential.

24. Blake Fiddler, defense (WHL)

Fiddler seems like the type of defender who could very well be drafted higher due to teams lacking a defender who plays with an edge. The right-shot defender has NHL size at 6-foot-4, 209 pounds, and is a strong skater who has a high hockey-IQ in the defensive zone, which allows him to make stellar reads.

He is not known for his offense, though he did produce 33 points in 64 games this season. His natural abilities and instincts as a defender could make him a highly sought-after player on draft night.