With the 2024 draft’s top 10 being heavy on defense, and 2025 being top-10 heavy on forwards, do you think that could push Davidson to take his top defenseman this year, thinking that he’ll have a better shot at an elite forward next year? — Neil G.
I don’t think the Blackhawks look at future drafts in that way. So much can change in a year. The Blackhawks probably will be drafting in the top 10 next year, but I would assume not as high. While there might be hype around some of the top players available in next year’s draft, it’s hard for me to believe that the Blackhawks can get a better play at a position next year later in the draft than they can with the No. 2 pick this year. Based on NHLe models, Ivan Demidov’s development is on the track with
NHL stars. There won’t be a lot of players projected like that in the next draft.
The Blackhawks may decide to go with a defenseman this year, but it’ll have to do more about getting “the” defenseman they want, rather than projecting what’s available to them next year. I do think what’s available in a given year can determine what a team does in that specific draft. When the Blackhawks took
Kevin Korchinski with the No. 7 pick in 2022, it was because they believed the draft wasn’t that heavy with elite defensemen and they could still draft a forward they liked at No. 13.
With the second pick this year, I think it comes down to where the Blackhawks see their greatest need. It’s less about the best player available and more about whether the Blackhawks want to add an elite winger or defenseman. I think you could make a case for Artyom Levshunov or Demidov, depending on which side of the argument you’re on. I do think Demidov coming to Florida next month will be part of the puzzle, too. The Blackhawks are expected to have a chance to watch him train on and off the ice and talk to him. That could influence their decision, too.