Blackhawks must address these 3 crucial needs at NHL draft

The Chicago Blackhawks, amidst their ongoing rebuild, have kept a close watch on the draft throughout the season. Despite landing Connor Bedard as the top pick last year, their rebuild journey is far from over.

With a struggling 22-48-5 record, they sit near the bottom of the NHL standings, facing a 13.5% chance at winning the draft lottery.

Last season, luck was on their side, but there's no guarantee of a repeat. Still, even without the first pick, they have a solid position, holding additional first-round picks from Tampa Bay. Plus, with seven more selections beyond the first round, they have ample opportunities to bolster their prospect pool.

While the Blackhawks' prospect pipeline is promising under General Manager Kyle Davidson's tenure, there are areas needing attention as the draft approaches.

<>Potential Game-Breaking Forwards: Despite landing Bedard, the Blackhawks are in a prime position to add another high-caliber forward. With talents like Ivan Demidov in the mix, they could secure a future star to complement Bedard's prowess.

Right-Shot Defensemen: The team lacks right-handed defensemen in their prospect pool. With talents like Artyom Levshunov on the radar, they could shore up their defensive depth for the future.

Forwards With Size: Adding size to the forward lineup is a priority. Players like Cayden Lindstrom offer both size and skill, providing a promising addition to the team's future roster.

As the draft approaches, the Blackhawks will be strategizing to address these needs, aiming to build a competitive team for the seasons ahead.