The Blackhawks continued their second day at the draft with three selections in the 3rd round. Each pick was acquired via trade over the course of the last year.
It was predicted that the Hawks would look to emphasize size and speed with their selections. So far, that seems to be the case.
Let’s take a look at the three prospects selected in the 3rd round.
#66 – RW Gavin Hayes
(Acquired from Montreal in the Kirby Dach trade package)
The Flint Firebirds product from the OHL is the first selection of the third round for the Blackhawks.
The 18 year old posted 49 points in 65 games last season, potting 19 goals and dishing 30 assists along the way.
Hayes is a big body at 6’1″ and exemplifies every aspect of the modern day NHL power forward. He hits hard, drives the net, and strives in the nasty areas of the ice.
Central Scouting had Hayes ranked 51st overall because of his NHL caliber shooting ability. Combine that with his top-end speed and you have a promising young prospect.
This all around player loves to create havoc and could be a strong asset for the Hawks far into the future.
Gavin Hayes left his mark on Flint in Year 1, setting four new rookie franchise records including points in a season (49). After finishing 3rd among all OHL rookies for playoff scoring, Hayes is ready to hear his name called at the #NHLDraft! #WeAreFlint pic.twitter.com/vrOhKekjlU
— Flint Firebirds (@FlintFirebirds) July 7, 2022
#81 – C Samuel Savoie
(Acquired from Vegas in the Mattias Janmark trade package)
Savoie comes to the Blackhawks by the way of the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL.
The 18 year old posted 33 points in 64 games last season, scoring 18 goals and 15 assists.
Similar to other selections so far, Savoie has a high motor and a strong ability pursuing pucks. He is extremely physical and known as a pest.
Expect most of his succcess to come right in front of the net. Junky goals for our new junkyard dog.
Andrew Shaw 2.0 may have just fallen into the hands of the Hawks.
Those who love grit will love Samuel Savoie as a mid-round option in the 2022 NHL Draft pic.twitter.com/kfzovW9fbV
— Sabremetrix📊 (@Sabremetrix) June 9, 2022
#90 – C Aidan Thompson
(Acquired from Calgary in exchange for Nikita Zadorov)
Thompson comes into the Hawks organization as one of the older selections. The 20 year old spent the last two years playing for the Lincoln stars of the USHL.
Last year saw him scoring 82 points in 57 games, netting 24 goals and 58 assists.
Some consider this selection a reach, as Thompson has been eligible to be drafted since 2020. The 2020 NHL Central Scouting had him ranked 124th for that draft.
He will continue his hockey career by attending The University of Denver next year. He will be learn to develop his skills in a great DU program.
#94 – TRADED
(Acquired from Edmonton in the Duncan Keith trade package) The Hawks originally had four selections scheduled today, but traded the 94th overall pick to Arizona in exchange for Dallas’ 3rd round pick in 2023.
Fans should be happy with this trade. The consensus is that 2023 draft will be extremeley deep, making this a valuable asset to have next year.
The organization was ultimately able to stack their forward depth in the third round. These three players will take some time to develop, so don’t expect them in a Hawks sweater any time soon.
There is about a 27% chance a 3rd round selection plays in more than 99 NHL games. The odds aren’t great, but never say never.
Looking forward to watching these three selctions in the future.
