Blackhawks select Vaclav Nestrasil 25th overall at 2025 NHL Draft

Thank you, Toronto. The Chicago Blackhawks used their second first-round pick of the 2025 NHL Draft when they selected Vaclav Nestrasil with the 25th overall pick.

Nestrasil, who was not present at the 2025 NHL Draft, was a more off-the-board pick by Kyle Davidson, but he does have the tool set to be an NHL success.

The Blackhawks select Vaclav Nestrasil with 25th overall pick.

Playing in the USHL this past season, Nestrasil registered 42 points, including 19 goals, in 61 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. At 6-foot-6, Nestrasil has the size Blackhawks fans should be excited about.

Nestrasil is not going to be in the NHL next season, he is going to take some time to really develop into the prospect the Blackhawks think he can be, but if he does hit his ceiling the Blackhawks could have a real role player in the making with Nestrasil.

Nestrasil coming to Chicago's organization is a big add as it finally brings some size to the forward group.

There were a number of trades on night one of the NHL Draft, including one right before the Blackhawks' selection. The Pittsburgh Penguins sent the 31st and 59th picks to the Kings in exchange for the 24th pick where they took forward Will Horcoff.

The Blackhawks acquired the 25th overall pick in a 2023 trade deadline deal that sent Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty to Toronto in exchange for a 2025 1st round pick and a 2026 2nd-round pick.

With the Blackhawks making their second pick of the night, it seems likely they are done for night one of the 2025 NHL Draft. Chicago still has eight picks to go tomorrow when the NHL Draft picks back up with Rounds 2 to 7.

It won't take long for the Hawks to be back on the clock tomorrow, as the Hawks own the 34th pick—the second pick of the 2nd round. Get ready, Blackhawks fans! There is more excitement to come.

Editor's note: After publication the Blackhawks made a trade for the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and selected Mason West.