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

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.