Mock draft 1.0 states who Blackhawks must pick in each round of the 2024 NHL Draft

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The Chicago Blackhawks have one of the more ideal picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, and not just that, they also have seven selections in the first three rounds. So conducting a mock draft via the FC Hockey Mock Draft Builder was a fun experience to see which high-end players were available, plus who would fall into the mid-rounds and serve as potential steals.

Now the question bodes: Will the actual NHL Draft in June resemble what we have listed below and in the ensuing slides? Keep reading to see who Chicago took (pre-lottery), and the theme for Mock Draft 1.0 has everything to do with logistics, so keep that in mind as you go through each pick.

Round 1: Artyom Levshunov, D/Michigan State

This one came down to Artyom Levshunov and Ivan Demidov, but I decided to go with the blueliner over the forward, and the 6’2, 209-pound Levshunov has the size and productivity of someone who could if they wanted to, make an early jump to the NHL. He showed off that productivity with 42 points and 13 goals at the USHL level before scoring nine goals and 35 total points in 38 games with the Michigan State Spartans.

Round 1B: Carter Yakemchuk, D/Calgary Hitmen

There is a good chance Artyom Levshunov and Carter Yakemchuk are the top two-way blueliners in the 2024 NHL Draft and while many fans may have wanted to see a forward go off the board here, there was no way I was letting Yakemchuk fall further. Overall, Levshunov and Yakemchuk would catapult the Blackhawks blue line tenfold if this happened next month.

Round 2: Lucas Pettersson, C/Modo Hockey J20

Lucas Pettersson doesn’t have an ideal build that you see from high-end draft prospects, or at least among many slated to go in the first two rounds in this draft class. But he’s been an alternate captain, a captain, and one of the top producers in J20 Nationell this past season. In 2024-25, you’ll see more of what he’s capable of at the SHL level, where he could spend another year or two.

Round 2B: Terik Parascak, RW/Prince Georges Cougars

I was ecstatic to see Terik Parascak last this long, given his 105-point and 43-goal outburst. If he ends up falling this far in June, general manager Kyle Davidson may have gotten a sound scorer at a great value.

Round 2C: Ollie Josephson, C/Red Deer Rebels

The versatile forward hasn’t put up the same numbers as Terik Parascak and Lucas Pettersson, but he also enjoyed a seven-goal, 28-point jump in regular season productivity. For now, Ollie Josephson would be a high-potential pick if he fell to the Blackhawks at this spot, but he could factor in as a second-round steal.

Round 3: Eemil Vinni, G/HIFK 18

The question regarding Eemil Vinni is whether he will build on a mildly successful season in Mestis when he finished the year with a 0.892 save percentage and a 2.72 GAA if he makes it to Liiga in 2024-25. As the Blackhawks have some solid goaltenders in their system now, some may say it’s a reach to take a netminder here. But, in reality, it’s okay to reach for one, even if they serve as nothing more than a potential trade package later.

Round 3B: Marek Vanacker, F/Brantford Bulldogs

Marek Vanacker has a thinner build, but he, like many mid-tier prospects, will have time to develop his muscle and strength. He’s already showing he can produce at a sensational level, and it’s what makes him an incredible mid-round pick and a potential steal.

Round 4: Benjamin Rautiainen, LW/Tappara

Benjamin Rautiainen would be a ton of fun to follow as a B-prospect, thanks to the fact he will make at least a few electrifying plays per game, many of which lead to points. He saw time in 44 regular season and playoff games this past season in U20 SM-sarja and put up 37 goals and 80 points in the process.

Round 6: Noa Vali, G/TPS

Yes, he is another goaltender, and despite his small size for a netminder, few opponents have been lucky enough to get the best of him in Finland at the U20 SM-sarja level. He even played well in Liiga for his age and experience, and like a few prospects listed, Vali could reward the Blackhawks in time for taking a chance on him should this occur on June 29th.

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(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)

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Mock draft 1.0 tells us who the Blackhawks should pick in each round of the 2024 NHL Draft