Carter Yakemchuk Draft Profile: Is he a Future Chicago Blackhawk?

Carter Yakemchuk as a Chicago Blackhawk is an absolute dream scenario. He plays the right side, has prodigious size, produces in a top tier junior league, and is closer to being an NHLer than most in this class. As eluded to on the prior page, being a September birthday, Yakemchuk's development both physically and mentally is ahead of a lot of other right shot defenseman available (Levshunov withstanding).

His offensive prowess shows a modern NHL skill trait that should translate quickly. He attacks well, closes his gaps effectively, and has a good mobile stride to pair with his excellent hands. While there have been some concerns over his tendencies to not engage in physical play that will likely come with an NHL regimented staff training him all year.

The Blackhawks biggest deterrent to acquire Carter Yakemchuk though is that he is almost assuredly going to be drafted in-between their 2 first rounds selections. Right now that would be a top 3 pick as well pick #21 (via Tampa Bay). Carter Yakemchuk is most likely going between picks 8-12. That would mean either a trade down (which is very rare) or a trade up from 21 (being the more likely option).

Would Kyle Davidson be willing to part with say a 2nd and a 3rd to move up from 21 to pick 11 for Yakemchuk? That likely depends on if they select say Ivan Demidov, Macklin Celebrini, Berkly Catton, or Cayden Lindstrom at the top of the draft and now are looking for that right shot defender.

So while it "could" happen where Carter Yakemchuk ends up a Chicago Blackhawk... Ultimately it's improbable unless the young Chicago GM wants to part with some hard earned draft capital.