Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports

Blackhawks Will Have 2 Top-20 Picks in Upcoming NHL Draft

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 4/30/24

Although the Chicago Blackhawks' season is long over, there are still plenty of storylines in the news for fans to follow. One such story is Connor Bedard, who on Tuesday was named one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top rookie. Bedard is the heavy favorite for the award.

However, there are storylines involving the upcoming NHL Draft as well. With the Tampa Bay Lightning falling to the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Blackhawks' second first-round pick will be a top-20 selection. If the New York Islanders and/or Vegas Golden Knights win in the first round of the playoffs, the pick could move up to 19th or 18th in the draft.

The Blackhawks are guaranteed another top-20 pick this year now that the Lightning are eliminated. Tampa's pick could move up to 19th or 18th overall if the Knights and/or Islanders advance to the Conference Finals.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 30, 2024

The Blackhawks acquired Tampa Bay's pick in the Brandon Hagel trade back in 2022. At the time, the Blackhawks traded Hagel and a pair of fourth-round picks to the Lightning for forwards Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk, along with first-round picks in the 2023 and 2024 NHL Entry Drafts. The 2023 pick was used on prospect Oliver Moore.

As time moves on, the trade itself is one worthy of analyzing, but the focus for now is on that second first-round selection. The Blackhawks cannot pick worse than fourth in the upcoming NHL Draft Lottery on May 7, but have the second-best odds of landing the top pick in the event for the second straight year.

Nonetheless, Kyle Davidson has positioned himself to continue loading up the cupboard with future assets. The Hawks added Connor Bedard and Oliver Moore last year. Now, they will have a chance to add two more meaningful additions in the first round.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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