9. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Lundell, C, HIFK-Liiga
Scott Powers: Lundell is one of the more NHL-ready players in this draft. He may not make the jump next season, but he certainly fits in the time frame if the Blackhawks are looking to add another high-end, responsible forward to play around Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in the near future. If you add Lundell to Kane, Toews, Kirby Dach, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Dominik Kubalik and Brandon Saad, the Blackhawks have to like how their top nine would be shaping up in the short- and long-term. Lundell’s skating is a bit of a concern, but what he’s done in Liiga at his age is undeniably impressive. Only Jesse Puljujarvi was a better possession player this past season in Finland. Lundell plays the type of two-way game the Blackhawks can use more of in their lineup.
Pronman’s take: I hate to do this to my longtime friend, but I am not a big fan of going after Lundell at No. 9. He’s a good player, but the upside is not that of a top-line caliber player. Powers is right about his NHL projectability given what he’s shown versus men already, but I think you can get more talent at this spot. I am aware that my opinion is not the opinion of a good chunk of the industry, although the more NHL scouts I’ve talked to in the second half, the more pessimistic I get Lundell is going to be a top 10 pick.