5 sleepers at forward the Blackhawks must consider in the 2024 NHL Draft

Justin Poirier, RW/Baie-Comeau

Speaking of scoring machines, Justin Poirier is it, and it’s something he’s managed consistently since the 2021-22 season. Poirier burst onto the junior hockey scene with the QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau Drakkar in 2022-23, putting up 48 points and 28 goals in 55 regular season games, plus an additional nine points and four goals throughout seven postseason appearances. 

It was a strong start for Poirier, who saw action in 68 regular season matchups this past season, scoring a sensational 51 goals and 82 points. That trend continued in the playoffs, as Poirier put up another 24 points and 16 goals in 12 games. 

Yet, Tankathon has him ranked 61st, and others - as shown on his Elite Prospects profile - have Poirier in the 80s. One reason stems from his lack of size, as Poirier is just 5’8 and 181 lbs. He’s also rather aggressive for his smaller size, but then again, Alex DeBrincat was also a smaller player with an edgy style, and he fell out of the first round, and the same is likely to happen with Poirier. 

That said, his production has been beyond phenomenal, and despite his lack of size and late birthday, somebody is getting a dynamic scorer who can also set plays in motion for his linemates. If he lands in Chicago’s system, it will be a win for Kyle Davidson once Poirier is eligible to leave the CHL leagues.