If the Chicago Blackhawks drafted differently, how would the rebuild look?

2023 Draft

After winning the draft lottery, Davidson used the first selection on generational talent Connor Bedard.

Despite a down year by his standards in 2024-2025, he has still produced 128 points in 150 career games before his 20th birthday. With more support around him, Bedard could easily be a point-per-game player next season. 

If he did not select Bedard, Davidson likely would have picked Adam Fantilli who went third to Columbus.

Fantilli currently has scored the second most points in the 2023 Draft class with 81 in 131 games and fits the mold of the prototypical number one center. He showed off his scoring touch this year, netting 31 goals. 

Davidson snagged arguably the fastest player in the 2023 Draft in Oliver Moore at 19th overall.

After two 33-point seasons at the University of Minnesota, Moore joined the Blackhawks at the end of last season, tallying four helpers in nine games. Moore, 20, will likely start next season in Rockford, where the Hawks hope he can dominate like Nazar did. 

Davidson could have added Moore’s USNTDP teammate, Gabe Perreault, who was selected by the New York Rangers at 23rd overall.

After two prolific seasons at Boston College, Perreault went scoreless in five games with the Blueshirts. Moore and Perreault are highly comparable players, so it will be interesting to see how their careers pan out.