Blackhawks get more high grades and put rivals on notice with other 1st-round picks

The Chicago Blackhawks got it right with their third-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks got the power forward they needed to play alongside Connor Bedard.

The thought of having a player like Anton Frondell lurking about as Connor Bedard makes waves is a thought tantalizing Chicago fans.

But amid the hubbub of the third-overall selection, the Blackhawks also had two other first-round picks.

The Hawks had the 25th overall selection, which originally belonged to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then, Chicago acquired the 29th overall pick in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes.

So, let’s take a closer look at the two other first-rounders the Chicago Blackhawks selected in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Grading Chicago Blackhawks 25th and 29th overall picks

No. 25 – Vaclav Nestrasil

The Chicago Blackhawks used their second first-round selection to nab Czech player Vaclav Nestrasil. The 18-year-old Nestrasil was too good to pass up at this spot. He was still on the board at #25, so the Hawks took the 6’6” right winger.

This pick was an example of taking the best player available. That was Nestrasil. Elite Prospects describes him as a “heavy hitter,” “playmaker,” and “two-way forward.”

A two-way, playmaking forward at 6’6”? That’s something that’s too good to pass up.

Nestrasil is pledged to the University of Massachusetts for next season. He spent this past season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, scoring 19 goals and adding 42 points in 61 games. That’s potential that prompted the Blackhawks to take him 25th, instead of allowing him to slide into the second round.

The Athletic’s mock draft had Nestrasil 32nd overall. Meanwhile, Tankathon had Nestrasil going 46th overall.

It seems the Hawks saw something that other analysts missed. In my estimation, analysts figured Nestrasil’s numbers weren’t worthy of a first round selection. The Hawks look to prove the experts wrong.

Grade: B+

Nestrasil was a bit of a reach at this spot. But he was too good to pass up. Two-way wingers with his size and overall skill don’t grow on trees. If Nestrasil blossoms into a bona fide top-six winger, this pick could turn into an A.

No. 29 - Mason West

There was a reason why the Chicago Blackhawks traded up to land the 29th pick. Center Mason West from the Fargo Force of the USHL was still on the board. The team saw an opportunity and swapped picks with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes, it seems, saw a player they wanted in the second round. So, why not land an extra draft pick in the process?

West is another towering player. He stands 6’6” and 218 pounds. He’s got the size to turn into this generation’s Jumbo Joe Thornton, with skating skills to match.

Elite Prospects describes West as a “powerful skater,” and a “two-way forward.” NHL Central Scouting has him ranked as the #27 North American Skater.

West spent limited time in the USHL, playing just 10 games. In those 10 games, he scored one goal and nine points. He spent the bulk of the 2024-25 season with Edina High in Minnesota, dominating the league. He scored 27 goals and 49 in 31 games.

He’ll spend next season in the USHL before heading to Michigan State in 2026-27. The ETA is still quite distant for West. But he could be just the boost the Blackhawks need when they’re ready to contend in about two to three years.

Grade: A-

Tankathon had West going 48th overall. Again, this pick could be seen as a reach by the Blackhawks. But how many centers with his size and skill are available each year? The pick gets an A because the Blackhawks will need a solid 3C behind Bedard and Frank Nazar. West could be that guy.