Blackhawks fall to fourth overall in Draft Lottery

The ping pong balls did not bounce in favor of the Chicago Blackhawks tonight, as they dropped down to the fourth overall pick in next month's NHL Entry Draft. The Toronto Maple Leafs won the first drawing for the top pick, while the San Jose Sharks won the second drawing, knocking the Blackhawks down to the fourth spot.

The Blackhawks are now at the mercy of the Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks as they must wait to see who they select. The most likely scenario has forwards Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and one of the top defensemen coming off the board before the Blackhawks' pick. If either McKenna or Stenberg falls to four, which is unlikely, general manager Kyle Davidson will sprint to the stage to announce his pick.

Davidson will have plenty of options with the third pick. If he still wants a forward, Caleb Malhotra could be the move. He’s coming off a big postseason with the Brantford Bulldogs, a team they have watched a ton of over the past few seasons. It would not surprise me if Malhotra is high on the board, given the number of eyes they’ve had on him while scouting their own prospects on the team.

If Davidson wants to add a defenseman at number three, he’ll have plenty to choose from. One of Keaton Verhoeff, Chase Reid, and Carson Carels will be available in this spot.

Verhoeff is a former goalie-turned-defenseman who had six goals and 20 points at the University of North Dakota this season. At 6’4, he uses his size and strength well on the ice. He is a creative offensive player with good vision and a powerful shot. The biggest knock from scouts is his skating, but that is something that can be improved over time.

Reid is coming off a big season with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, scoring 18 goals and 48 points in 45 games. He also had two goals and four points in five games for Team USA at the World Junior Championship. He is an elite skater with high-end offensive talent and a good 200-foot game. He drives the play at 5-on-5, quarterbacks the power play, and plays a ton of minutes. He does need improvement on his defensive game, but name me one 18-year-old blueliner who doesn’t.

Carels had a monster draft season with 20 goals and 73 points for Prince George in the WHL. His shot from the point and his wrist shot from in close can turn heads, but it’s his playmaking ability that has scouts the most excited. He’s a tremendous puck mover, and there isn’t a pass he can’t make. He’s the best skater of this trio, and also the most physical. Those are two things that might put him at the top of Davidson’s draft board.

Finally, don’t rule out a trade. Davidson could gain some more assets to move down to select another player he’s high on that will be available later in the first round. Or, the pick could be dangled to acquire that star player everybody wants to get this summer.

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