Team-by-team NHL Mock Draft has a high-impact winger falling to the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have two picks in the first round, so with this team-by-team NHL mock draft, we’re giving you an overview from the No. 1 pick to who general manager Kyle Davidson should take at No. 18 - courtesy of FC Hockey’s mock draft builder. 

Like my previous mock drafts, I’ll be taking the role of Kyle Davidson, but the exception is that I’m only simulating the first round and giving you a team-by-team look at the picks preceding those at No. 2 (and you probably have a good idea of who that pick is) and No. 18. 

So, let’s get started and discuss who I decided Kyle Davidson should take with the second pick and why that is before I give you my honest opinions on Picks No. 3 through No. 17 and who I ultimately took with that 18th selection. 

San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, C/Boston University

I could simulate the 2024 NHL Mock Draft 2,024 times, and it still wouldn’t matter - Macklin Celebrini is and should be the top pick here. Expect the same thing on draft day unless someone trades the Sharks about three potential star players for the pick, which isn’t going to happen. 

Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, D/Michigan State

My logic here was similar to what I shared in Mock Draft 1.0 if you remember it. Artyom Levshunov should be a superstar for many years for whoever takes him on draft day, and since he’s a defenseman, it makes sense for Kyle Davidson to snag him one year after adding Connor Bedard. 

Anaheim Ducks: Sam Dickinson, D/London Knights

It only took three picks to land a surprise, as I was certain the simulator would put either Cayden Lindstrom or Ivan Demidov here. But just because it was a surprise pick, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good one, and if I were a Ducks fan, I would be more than happy with Sam Dickinson joining the organization. 

Columbus Blue Jackets: Berkly Catton, C/Spokane Chiefs

Once again, I was thinking Cayden Lindstrom or Ivan Demidov here, but the Columbus Blue Jackets couldn’t go wrong with Berkly Catton. In fact, if I were to take a prospect who could reinvigorate the fans, Catton may be my choice.