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

Mac Swanson, F/Fargo

Mac Swanson was the second-lowest-rated player on Tankathon’s board among their top forwards at the end of April, clocking in at 84th overall. Yet, much like the previous two players listed, Swanson is a threat to score time and again, but once more, the issue comes with his size. 

At just 5’7 and 157 lbs, Swanson may be the smallest player in the 2024 draft class, and that will cost him spots even if he puts up two points and one goal per game. Either way, 77 points and 26 goals in 55 contests is still an epic number, and it was a substantial increase in production over the 55 points and 12 goals he put up in 57 regular season games last year for the USHL’s Fargo Force. 

He was also an incredible scorer even before his USHL career, so we know Swanson can put up points, even when he factors in as one of the smallest players, regardless of whom he’s playing for. Thanks to his productivity, someone will take him in the third round, and if he keeps up this high-octane pace at the University of North Dakota, where he will have Will Zellers as a teammate, making it to the NHL in time is a realistic outcome. 

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects as of May 1st)