Chicago Blackhawks could pull off a surprise move at 2025 NHL Draft

The Chicago Blackhawks could surprise the hockey world by selecting an unexpected player at the 2025 NHL Draft. In particular, I’m talking about Matthew Schaefer.

Let’s back up here for a second.

Prevailing wisdom suggests that the New York Islanders, holders of the first-overall pick, will take Schaefer with the top pick. If I had to bet, that’s where I would put my money. Schaefer makes sense for the Isles. So, he would be a good fit.

But what if the Islanders chose to take a forward instead?

Michael Misa or James Hagens could make potential top-line forwards for the Islanders.

Now, let’s assume the San Jose Sharks, selecting second overall, choose either Misa or Hagens, whoever is left over.

That situation would leave the Blackhawks with a shot at selecting Schaefer. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a long shot, but it’s a scenario that could play out in the Blackhawks favor.

Schaefer would be a great choice for the Hawks, giving them a legit top-pairing defenseman. Plus, Schaefer would strengthen an already solid prospect pipeline.

But how likely is it that Schaefer lands on the Blackhawks lap?

It’s a 50/50 shot at this point. It all boils down to what the Islanders do. If they take one of Misa or Hagens, the likelihood of Schaefer landing in Chicago shoots through the roof.

Mock draft has Chicago Blackhawks selecting winger with third pick

According to Tankathon’s mock draft, the Chicago Blackhawks are projected to select right winger Porter Martone.

Martone is ranked as the sixth-best North American skater by NHL.com. When looking at his bio, it’s easy to see why the Blackhawks would jump at the chance to take him.

Martone is listed at 6’3” and 204 pounds. That size essentially makes Martone NHL ready, considering that he still has room to grow.

There’s another interesting angle to this selection. The Blackhawks have a healthy prospect pool across the board. But they lack a player who can ride shotgun with Connor Bedard. So, why not take someone like Martone?

A Bedard-Martone duo allows the Blackhawks to deploy a strong power forward to roll with a skilled playmaker like Bedard.

Martone captained the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL this past season. The 18-year-old tore up the league, scoring 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games. Last season, Martone registered 31 goals and 71 points in 60 OHL games.

On paper, Martone looks like the sort of player Chicago could use in its top six. Regardless of who the Islanders or Sharks take, Martone could be the best pick for the Blackhawks based on a positional need.