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.

Jacob Quillan

Also coming from Quinnipiac in the NCAA, Jacob Quillan brings a lot of what the Blackhawks are looking for in their prospects. The 22 year-old center is in his third season with Quinnipiac and has become a top scorer on their team in recent years. After 9 points in 36 games during 2021-22, Quillan has tallied 77 points in 75 games over the following two seasons.

An all situations player for in the NCAA, Quillan plays a fast-paced game with high energy. He has pro-ready size at 6'0 196lbs and is a reliable player at both ends of the ice for Quinnipiac. After being a key contributor on the National Championship winning roster, his strong play this season led Quillan to the All-ECAC Hockey Second Team.

Quillan is a player that aligns very well with the type of prospects Kyle Davidson has been adding to the pipeline. He plays a fast game with a high motor and can play in all situations. Davidson is trying to build a resilient team who plays a complete 200 foot game. Quillan has all the attributes to fit right in with the Blackhawks future plans given he just turned 22 years-old at the beginning of February.