Blackhawks Nab Third Overall Pick, Plenty of Good Prospects to Choose From

The Chicago Blackhawks will select third overall after the ping-pong balls fell at the NHL Draft Lottery. The New York Islanders were the surprise winners of the first pick. The Utah Hockey Club won the second drawing and will select fourth since they could only move 10 spots. The San Jose Sharks get the second overall pick in a wide-open draft.  

We have until June 27 to debate who will go where, but let’s start by quickly examining the top five prospects.

D-Matthew Schaefer

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer is still at the top of most draft boards despite not playing since Dec. 27 due to a shoulder injury. He is the type of blueliner that NHL general managers drool over. He’s got size, speed, and his already an elite-level skater. Schaefer is a future No. 1 defenseman in the making, in the mold of Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. While he excels offensively, he’s no slouch in the defensive zone. He plays a fearless brand of hockey, with an active stick and excellent gap control.

F-Michael Misa

Michael Misa seems to be the player most Blackhawks fans want to see added to the prospect pool. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward scored 62 goals and 134 points in 65 Ontario Hockey League games for the Saginaw Spirit this past season. The only player who scored more goals than Misa in the OHL was Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis. He would be an ideal running mate for Connor Bedard. Misa is great scoring off the rush, who already has NHL-level speed and edge work. He has the hockey IQ to be an NHL player from day one.

F-James Hages

James Hagens could help the Blackhawks at the center position if they want to go with another pivot under six feet tall. He scored 11 goals and 37 points in 37 games for Boston College. He was one of the best players at the World Junior Championship, helping Team USA to its second straight gold medal with five goals and nine points in seven games. He’s a dual offensive threat, both with his shot and passing. Hagens has the hockey sense you want in someone down the middle. He thinks the game on a different level, and his awareness constantly puts him in the right places.

F-Anton Frondell

Anton Frondell is a player who has risen up the draft rankings as the season progressed. The 6-foot, 196-pound center had 11 games and 25 points in 29 games in Sweden’s equivalent of the AHL. He has good speed, but he needs to work on getting up to full speed better. He’s willing to play in the tough areas of the ice, be it in front of the net, along the boards, or below the goal line. Frondell has impressed scouts with his strong shot, physical play, and 200-foot game.

F-Porter Martone

Porter Martone is another forward whom the Blackhawks might use the third pick on if he’s there. At 6-foot and 208 pounds, he has the size and the toughness the Blackhawks need in their system. His biggest knock is his skating, but that is something that can improve. If Ryan Donato can become a better skater at 29, Martone can at 18. He’s a mix of an old-school power forward and a sniper. He might be too good to pass up at No. 3 if he’s there.

There is plenty of intrigue with this pick, and the unknown of who will be available makes the debate even more fun. No matter who the Blackhawks take third overall, he will be an impactful player and an important part of the rebuild.