Could These Three Undrafted Players be on Chicago Blackhawke GM Kyle Davidson's Radar?

As the Chicago Blackhawks continue forward with their rebuild, many look toward the upcoming NHL Draft wondering who will be added to the prospect pool. Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson has his eyes set on drafting high-end talent in order to bring the team back amongst the NHL's elite. The Blackhawks have a strong pool of prospects already, with some being very close to making the jump to professional hockey whether in Chicago or Rockford (AHL). Despite the Blackhawks having many selections in the next few drafts, it is possible that Kyle Davidson signs young free agents outside the NHL in order to add depth to his growing pool of prospects.

The Blackhawks have never been reluctant to sign top players from around the world who aren't associated with an NHL team. Under the previous regime, players such as Artemi Panarin, Dominik Kubalik, Pius Suter, and David Kampf were just some of the many who were signed from leagues outside the NHL and became solid contributors (or stars in Panarin's case). Even Brandon Hagel was a similar story, as he was not given an entry-level contract by Buffalo and became a free agent who the Blackhawks signed later that summer.

In the past few seasons, there have been more colligate players coming into the Blackhawks organization, with some being signed as free agents or having their rights acquired. Mike Hardman, Wyatt Kalynuk, and Cole Guttman all were brought in from the college ranks, Guttman being signed by Davidson. With the Blackhawks still very much rebuilding, there are young, unsigned, players out there who could definitely be worth giving a contract offer to.

With the Blackhawks already signing prospect Landon Slaggert, there could be even more coming to Chicago from the NCAA.

Collin Graf

One of the most sought after free agents outside the NHL, Collin Graf has been sensational for Quinnipiac in the NCAA.

After beginning his collegiate career at Union College, Graf transferred to Quinnipiac for the 2022-23 season and quickly became a key member of their lineup. In two seasons, Graf has posted 105 points in 70 games with Quinnipiac, winning a National Championship in 2022-23.

Collin Graf will certainly get calls from many NHL teams once Quinnipiac's season ends, and it would be surprising if the Blackhawks were not one of them. The 6'1 194lbs forward has a solid frame with a natural ability to score goals, scoring 41 over his 70 games with Quinnipiac. Graf also can play both center or wing, though it may be more likely he remains a winger at the professional level. Along with his strong on-ice attributes, he's a proven winner after securing the National Championship last season.

If the Blackhawks extend an offer to Collin Graf, there surely will be plenty of opportunity for him in Chicago. His ability to play center or wing has been a preference of Kyle Davidson in recent drafts, with many forward prospects being able to play both. He also brings size and high-end skill to the prospect pool and most likely will challenge for a roster spot once training camp comes around.

Maxim Tsyplakov

While he's aged out of being a prospect, Maxim Tsyplakov could be a player worthy of being given a chance in the NHL. At 25 years-old, Tsyplakov has been playing professionally in Russia (KHL) since as early as the 2017-18 season. This year has been his best in the KHL, exploding for 31 goals and 47 points in 65 games with Spartak Moskva.

The 6'3 winger is in the final year of his KHL contract and already has interest from NHL teams. He plays a hard-nose style game with the knack for scoring goals. If put with the right linemates, he could find himself in a middle-six role as a power-forward in the NHL.

It has been reported that 12 teams have already reached out to Tsyplakov about coming over to the NHL after his contract in the KHL expires.

The Blackhawks have current ties to the KHL in their system, with 2021 6th round pick Ilya Safonov and 2023 2nd round pick Roman Kantserov both playing in Russia. It was also known that Kyle Davidson had reached out to Calgary Flames forward Andrei Kuzmenko before he came over and signed with Vancouver.

A player like Tsyplakov could bring a good combination of size and skill to the Blackhawks roster as the opportunity for a larger role will be more wide open than it would be with other NHL teams. The Blackhawks don't have many power-forwards on the roster, but Tsyplakov has the potential to fill that role. His checking style of game on paper also sounds like it would fit in well with Luke Richardson's coaching. While he is not the youngest player on this list, Tsyplakov is nearing the prime of his career and could be a valuable asset to the Blackhawks.