Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks Draft Profiles: Milton Gästrin
We started our series of Blackhawks Draft Profiles by looking at six options for the third overall pick in this month’s NHL Entry Draft. The Blackhawks also have the 25th overall pick, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2023 trade for Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty. General manager Kyle Davidson has been aggressive on draft night before, so there is no guarantee that this pick will be made. Swedish center Milton Gästrin could be a target for the Blackhawks’ second first-round pick.
Tale of the Tape
Date of Birth: June 2, 2007
Place of Birth: Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds
2024-25 Team: MoDo Hockey J20 (J20 Nationell)
Player Profile
Gästrin is a candidate for the 25th overall pick, or the Blackhawks’ second-round pick (34th overall) if he’s still on the board. While he’s not projected to be a superstar, he can be a very effective third-line center. He has the hockey sense, motor, defensive game, and physicality to fill that role perfectly at the NHL level.
To be a two-way center, you must have an offensive game in your arsenal. Gästrin scored 18 goals and 42 points in 40 J20 Nationell games. He was a force on the international stage, scoring seven goals and 18 points in 10 U18 games for Sweden.
Scouts are most impressed with Gästrin’s well-rounded talents. He’s a play driver down the middle of the ice. His play has been consistent regardless of the level, as he played in eight SHL games last season. The young center makes an impact in all three zones. He’s quick to be an option for his defensemen on breakouts, and can get the puck smoothly through the neutral zone. Once in the offensive zone, he creates space for his wingers on the rush, wins puck battles, and facilitates to his teammates.
Gästrin plays a high-energy style of hockey. He’s a good skater, so he’d fit well in the Blackhawks’ prospect pool. He plays a heavy game in the defensive zone, which should get even more physical as he fills out.
What Experts are Saying
“Gästrin is a heavy presence on this team that adds enough play creation to fit his role with the higher-end option on Sweden. He showed some nice puck movement through the neutral zone, working the give-and-go. He’s just a tank at the net front, battling for inside space, and once he gets planted, he’s super difficult to move.” – Cam Robinson, Elite Prospects
“He’s got size, he’s a natural center, he’s a strong enough skater, and he plays well off his linemates, offering a responsible and heady game. His habits and details are there at an early age. He’s not a dynamic offensive player, but he handles it well, makes plays around the net, and seems to really understand timing and spacing.” – Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
“Gästrin seems to win most of his 1-on-1 puck battles and is strong on his skates. His positioning in the offensive zone shows a high hockey IQ, and his vision allows him to consistently find open linemates in good scoring position. His skating already is good and should get better as he fills out physically.” – Adam Kimelman, NHL.com
Blackhawks Fit
Gästrin feels like the perfect addition to the high-end talent the Blackhawks have in their prospect pool. You need those middle-six role players to make deep playoff runs. He is a player who knows his role and will play it well, all while adding some depth scoring. His style of play feels like it would flourish under Jeff Blashill’s coaching style.
Video Room
Additional Draft Profiles
Porter Martone
Anton Frondell
Caleb Desnoyers
Jack Nesbitt
Cullen Potter
Daniil Prokhorov
Malcolm Spence
