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3 potential options for the Chicago Blackhawks if they trade up from the 20th overall pick

By Ethan Gawronski |
Spokane Chiefs v Winnipeg Ice
Spokane Chiefs v Winnipeg Ice / Jonathan Kozub/GettyImages
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After the results of the NHL Draft Lottery, the Chicago Blackhawks' first pick is set in stone at 2nd overall, giving General Manager Kyle Davidson arguably his toughest draft decision yet.

The consensus seems as though the selection will be either Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov or Ivan Demidov of SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in the MHL. Either of the two players would give the Blackhawks another high-end prospect that will become an important part of their rebuild.

However, the debate won't stop there as many will wonder who the team will select with their additional first-round pick.

For the second year in a row, the Blackhawks own the Tampa Bay Lightning's first-round selection, after acquiring both picks in return for Brandon Hagel at the 2022 trade deadline. Last year saw the Lightning's pick land at 19th overall where the Blackhawks selected speedy center Oliver Moore, who quickly became one of the team's best prospects.

This year will be very similar, with Tampa's selection being 20th overall after their first-round playoff exit against the Florida Panthers.

The 2024 draft is not as strong as 2023, which leaves the possibility of the Blackhawks using that 20th overall selection to move up in the first round. Kyle Davidson has shown in his previous two drafts that he is more than willing to trade up to get the player he desires.

In 2022, he did so by trading Alex Debrincat and Kirby Dach for top-15 picks, then again by flipping the 38th selection to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for the 25th pick and Petr Mrazek. He also tried moving up from 19th last year to draft Moore, who fell to the Blackhawks anyway after teams wouldn't budge on any trade offers.

The Blackhawks have the assets to move up, with many draft picks spread out over the next three drafts. Davidson was also vocal about taking the next step, and utilizing those draft picks for a player the team feels strongly about would give them another top prospect sooner to make the jump rather than stockpiling picks.

TSN's Bob McKenzie and Craig Button, along with The Athletic's Corey Pronman, have recently submitted their mock drafts and lottery draft rankings which show some high-profile players possibly falling into the 10-13 range.

These are three players the Blackhawks could target if they want to trade up from 20th overall...

Berkly Catton

Looking back a few months ago, many draft experts would have penciled in Berkly Catton as a possible top-five pick. His excellent season with the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) saw Catton post 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games, making him one of the most dynamic scorers in the draft class. He is a strong skating center with deceiving offensive capabilities and a coveted high-motor.

In their recent draft rankings McKenzie, Pronman, and Button have Catton placed as follows:

McKenzie: 11th overall

Pronman (subscription needed): 10th Overall

Button: Outside of top 16

The main reason Catton's stock has fallen is his size, he currently stands at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds which would not address the Blackhawks need for size. However, Catton's talent is undeniable and could definitely make him a draft steal if he falls.

Pronman's prediction of Catton going 10th overall to the New Jersey Devils is the most likely option, and that could be the exact team looking to make a move if the deal is right. It will all depend on the assets the Blackhawks are willing to give up.

If Levshunov is the guy at No. 2 for Chicago, possibly adding Catton as well would be a huge step forward for the rebuild.

Carter Yakemchuk

The 2024 NHL Draft is going to be a "defense heavy" draft, which could be very beneficial for the Blackhawks. If they decide to take a chance on the skill of Ivan Demidov at second-overall, there will likely be a strong defensive prospect available for them to take later on.

Enter Carter Yakemchuk.

Yakemchuk fills a need for the Blackhawks as a right-shot defender, with Sam Rinzel and Louis Crevier being the only true right-handed defensemen in the system. After tallying 71 points in 66 games for the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Yakemchuk is one of many polarizing defenseman in the class.

Yakemchuk's Post-Lottery Rankings...

McKenzie: 12th overall

Pronman: 12th overall

Button: 11th overall

Coming in at six-foot, three inches tall and 194 pounds, Yakemchuk has good speed and a high offensive ceiling. His long reach and high hockey IQ make him a threat with the puck as he finds open areas to advance the play. Add in a powerful slap shot and he looks the part of a modern-day puck-moving defenseman.

If Yakemchuk is available around his predicted range, the Blackhawks could try and swing a deal to draft him especially if they take a forward with their first pick.

Cole Eiserman

After seeming like a consensus top-five pick earlier in the season, Cole Eiserman has become one of the most controversial prospects heading into the 2024 draft. The Massachusetts native is a pure goal scorer if there ever was one, his season with the USA National Team Development Program saw him post 58 goals and 89 points in 57 games.

Though Eiserman has an elite shot, his playmaking and defensive game need work. Many question his effort away from the puck with there being many shortcomings defensively for the young winger.

Eiserman's Post-Lottery Rankings...

McKenzie: 13th overall

Pronman: 11th overall

Button: 13th overall

The most prolific goal scorer in USNTDP history, Eiserman's shot is enticing as many believe he will become a top-six forward in the NHL and possibly a top-line scorer. The inconsistencies in his game make many worried about him as a prospect, which will be an area for him to work on at Boston University, where he is committed to playing next season.

Though it may be a long shot, if the Blackhawks are banking on a pure goal scorer to play alongside their plethora of playmaking forwards, then Eiserman could be a name worth keeping an eye on as the draft approaches.

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