We’re still very much in the dog days of the Blackhawks’ offseason, and it’s way too early to even be thinking about next year’s draft, with an entire season set to be played before we get to that point. But looking ahead is the name of the game today in sports, so let’s do it anyway.
Earlier, we took a somewhat optimistic approach to next summer’s draft, dreaming of the possibilities of a high draft pick (though hopefully not by way of another bottom-three finish, of course) that would result in players like Porter Martone and Michael Misa. While either of those players would be a huge win for Chicago’s completed rebuild, we also need to dream a bit smaller. Assuming the Blackhawks have a pick in the mid-to-late first round, a few players could still be great additions with tons of upside.
Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL)
Just like Michael Misa, who we talked about earlier, Spence already has two seasons under his belt in the OHL – only his is because of a September birthday that makes him one of the oldest players in the 2025 draft class. This past year, Spence logged a total of 66 points while serving as the alternate captain for the Erie Otters. He profiles as a two-way forward, and a good one at that – he has a great scoring touch and moves the puck well, but perhaps his best trait is his physicality. He’s 6-foot-2 and has a unique ability to take over a game with his dominant, heady defense before taking the puck and moving it efficiently up the ice.
Under the Kyle Davidson regime, the Blackhawks have made it a point to target players who have exhibited leadership, so Spence wearing the “A” is already a good sign. While physicality may not be a problem on the current NHL team, Chicago’s pipeline could certainly use a bit more of it, with Davidson tending to lean toward undersized, highly skilled skaters. Spence has loads of potential as a middle-six, grinding winger, and I’d love to see him develop into one in the Blackhawks’ system.
Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State (NCAA)
Potter made headlines in college hockey this summer when he decommitted from Michigan State in order to play big minutes this fall at Arizona State. He was the highest scorer on the NDTP’s U17 team, leading them in scoring with 46 goals in 54 games. Potter is certainly undersized at 5-foot-9, but plays a highly skilled game as one of the fastest skaters in his draft class. Early scouts seem to be mixed on his upside, but most have him going in the mid-to-late first round.
Davidson’s “type” seems almost repetitive at this point – it seems every prospect he drafts is an undersized, speedy, high-motor scorer. That description fits Potter perfectly, meaning he’ll almost certainly be near the top of his targets at this point in the pre-draft process. Potter should be able to use his speed and talent to stand out at Arizona State this season, and as he rounds out his game, he could develop into an elite draft prospect, overcoming his limited stature with a plethora of talent.
