This article will be updated frequently.
With three picks in last night’s first round, the Blackhawks provided more fireworks than expected while grabbing multiple players who figure to eventually be key pieces of the nearly-completed rebuild. Today, though, is where GM Kyle Davidson truly makes his money. With rounds 2-7 packed into one day at the NHL Draft, today will undoubtedly feature a nearly endless stream of moves, trades and surprising picks, with Chicago expected to be as busy as everyone.
That’s why we’ve got you covered today at Sports Mockery. This page will be updated frequently to reflect every pick, trade or other move the Blackhawks make throughout the day, complete with full details and instant analysis. Stay tuned!
What Picks Do The Blackhawks Have Today?
The Blackhawks initially expected to be making two selections in the second round today, but ended up trading both to move up to No. 27 last night in a pretty fair deal. Thus, their first picks of the day come at No. 67 and No. 72 overall, at the top of the third round (their own and Ottawa’s from the Alex DeBrincat trade). They traded their fourth-rounder when they gave up Brandon Hagel a while back, but still hold picks No. 138 and No. 163 (fifth and sixth rounds). With four picks throughout the day, Davidson will likely make at least a few moves around the draft board to go get his guys.
Round 3, 67th Overall – F John Mustard
The Blackhawks got the day going by grabbing perhaps the best name in the draft in John Mustard. He’s more than just a great name, though — with 56 points in 60 games last season, he was named the USHL Rookie of the Year. He fits Chicago’s scheme with rare speed and a huge burst, and can beat defensemen on nearly every play. His talent is a bit raw, but there’s no question he’s a very high-upside prospect because of his ability to make plays and put himself in positions for success. He’ll head to Providence College in the fall.
Round 3, 72nd Overall – RW AJ Spellacy
The OHL winger was one of the best players on the board at No. 72, and Chicago didn’t hesitate. Much like Mustard (and pretty much every one of the Blackhawks’ prospects), Spellacy is extremely dynamic in space, using his great speed and elusiveness to separate from defenders. On the defensive end, he has a knack for stealing the puck and creating opportunities in transition. With 21 goals last season, Spellacy is another high-upside scorer who could be a prized asset for Chicago down the road.
TRADE – Round 3, 92nd Overall – RW Jack Pridham
Blackhawks send 2025 3rd-round pick to Carolina in exchange for pick No. 92
The Blackhawks weren’t expected to make another pick until the fifth round, but obviously saw something in Pridham and moved up to grab him. Ranked inside the top 100 in most lists, Pridham was a nearly point-per-game player in the BCHL last season. He truly caught the eye of many scouts in the BCHL playoffs, when he notched eight goals. Once again, Pridham uses his speed to get an advantage over defenders and plays a “north-south” game. With great acceleration and puck handling, he’s lethal with the puck on his stick. Pridham is headed to Boston University in the fall.
Round 5, 138th Overall – C Joel Svensson
Chicago grabbed a 19-year-old Swedish forward with their fifth-round pick. With solid size and a great ability to read plays as they develop, Svensson has a great chance to eventually be a strong two-way forward wherever he ends up. Unsurprisingly given that he’s a Davidson pick, Svensson is great at shooting through gaps in the defense, using his good speed to make plays and set up his teammates. Svensson has moved around the Swedish SHL, where he’ll play this fall, and has proven he has a knack for finding the net with 24 goals in 25 games at the J20 level last season.
Round 6, 163rd Overall – D Ty Henry
The Blackhawks used what should be their final pick of the draft on a big, 6-foot-4 blueliner. He profiles as a defensive defenseman who uses his body well to box out attackers and moves well. With great physicality to boot, Henry possesses all the tangible tools he needs to be a successful defenseman at the next level. He was stout defensively with Erie in the OHL last season and at just 17 years old, he has great upside for a sixth-round pick.
