The Chicago Blackhawks are likely to Draft a Defenseman in the 2024 Draft

Let's get one thing out of the way, if the Chicago Blackhawks get the #1 pick in 2024 they will select Macklin Celebrini. Outside of the outstanding center though, there is a pretty incomplete list of forwards available. 2025 however houses an unbelievable contingent of potential franchise level players from the forward (LW-C-RW) positions.

James Hagens, Anton Frondell, Porter Martone, Roger McQueen, and Michael Misa are just 5 of the many players already staking claim over becoming future top 10 selections. These 5 in particular though should give GMs across the league notice that perhaps they won't be selecting a defenseman if drafting high in the 2025 draft class.

Even further out is the 2026 class and yet again the forwards seem to have the edge, led by likely #1 pick (and cousin to Connor Bedard) Gavin McKenna. Canadian center Ryan Roobroeck is already producing in the OHL at the age 16 while looking like his frame will be that of a plus (already 6-2 185lbs) at the NHL level. Swedish born scoring dynamo Viggo Bjorck, while just 15, is putting up eye popping numbers (92 points in 33 games) though at a lower level of hockey than McKenna or Roobroeck.

So with this knowledge already in hand, where might the Blackhawks look in the 2024 Draft?