5 Best Prospects for the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft
With a season most-likely to be a struggle for the Blackhawks, it is just the right time to take a look at what our potential future could look like. Here are my 5 best prospects for the Blackhawks at the moment for next year's draft:
1. Connor Bedard (C): Bedard, a 17-year old center, is poised to be the #1 overall pick in the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft. He is a menace on both sides of the puck, but especially on offense. He has a shot that has a chance to go in from any spot inside the blue line while also being able to wiggle through the defense and set up his teammates. His combo of offense and defense allows his feisty little frame to play much bigger than it is. He is a generational talent.
2. Matvei Michkov (RW): Michkov, the 17-year old winger, is easily #2 on this list behind Bedard because he is the closest to him in terms of talent. Some scouts may actually prefer his skillset over Bedard's, but there is one thing that makes scouts hesitant: his contract. He has a contract that keeps him in Russia until 2026. There are only a couple teams that may take the risk of waiting another 4 years to get him on their squad, but the Blackhawks now have a 5-year rebuild plan in place. So, if they don't get #1 then he should be their top target.
3. Cam Allen (D): If the Hawks do not get the #1 overall pick, I can see them taking Allen just as easily as I can see them taking Michkov. Allen, 17, is the best defenseman in the draft, and let's be honest; the Blackhawks need help at the blue line. Allen had 7 points in 5 games as Canada's captain for the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.
4. Adam Fantilli (C): Fantilli is the top prospect out of the college ranks for this upcoming draft. He has solid size and speed, but is also just 17-years old. He was the Playoffs MVP of the USHL in 2021 and is a force to be reckoned with this season at the University of Michigan. He could easily impress scouts by dominating against players 1-4 years older than him.
5. Matthew Wood (LW): Wood, the 17-year old UCONN product, is one of the quickest risers in the rankings for the upcoming draft. He put up a ridiculous 85 points in 46 games in the BCHL and has a 6'3 195lb frame. With his heavy slap shot and wrister, I see similarities of Patrick Laine in this youngster. He could be a great addition to the Blackhawks if dealt a pick outside of the top 3.
| POLL | ||
If the Blackhawks don't get the #1 pick, who, of the players mentioned, should they draft? | ||
| Matvei Michkov | 57 | 24.5 % |
| Cam Allen | 60 | 25.8 % |
| Adam Fantilli | 72 | 30.9 % |
| Matthew Wood | 44 | 18.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
