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The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at Dobber Prospects! Every day in August we will be bringing you a complete breakdown of a team’s draft and insights into their off-season movements. In September, we will dive into each team’s prospect depth charts with fantasy insights and implications for the upcoming season. Check back often, because we plan on helping you with your hockey withdrawal all off-season long!
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By: Puneet Sharma
Despite the excitement surrounding Connor Bedard in the Windy City, the Blackhawks’ performance was still hard to watch. It often seemed like the team’s production didn’t improve much beyond Bedard’s efforts. On the flip side, the San Jose Sharks have done an impressive job surrounding Macklin Celebrini with a solid mix of veterans and prospects, setting him up for success this season. It’s not that Bedard hasn’t been impressive, but could you imagine what Bedard could have done if the Blackhawks provided him with better support. Later in this article, I’ll dive into the Blackhawks’ new signings and supporting cast, but for now, let’s break down how they fared in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Draft Recap
This draft was crucial for Chicago, and the team made several strategic picks aimed at bolstering their roster for the future. The Blackhawks focused on selecting players who can grow alongside Bedard, potentially transforming their fortunes in the coming seasons.
The Blackhawks’ draft class looks promising, featuring players like Vanacker, who can feed off Bedard, and Boisvert and Mustard, who can generate offense on their own. This draft is a significant step forward; however, the post-draft buzz was all about a reported offer from the Blackhawks, who allegedly dangled next year’s first-round pick (unprotected) and another pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the fourth overall selection, showing keen interest in Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom. Unfortunately, that trade did not come to fruition. Chicago went into the draft with the 2nd and 18th overall picks but didn’t stop there. They traded back up into the first round with the Carolina Hurricanes, securing the 27th overall pick in exchange for their second-round picks (Nos. 34 and 50). This year the Blackhawks are aggressively rebuilding their depth, making strategic moves to surround Bedard with the right talent.
Round 1, Pick 2 – Artyom Levshunov, RD
Levshunov is shaping up to be a top-pairing defenseman who can lock down the defensive zone while adding some serious offense. His skills, creativity, and vision as a puck-handler and passer are impressive. Chicago’s defensive prospects are already solid with Kevin Korchinski in the mix, but Levshunov is on another level. He has the offensive instincts to run the first powerplay and a lethal point shot. He’s a dynamic force, often leading the rush and generating zone entries. Truly a rare talent with star potential you can build around. Expect him to spend more time at Michigan State next season, refining his game even further.
Round 1, Pick 18 – Sacha Boisvert, C
At 6-foot-2, Boisvert brings size, skating ability, skill, and a competitive edge. Over the last two seasons in the USHL, he’s been a standout, showcasing his instincts and scoring touch with the puck. He’s adept at beating defenders with speed and fits the bill in many aspects for the NHL. His work ethic and hockey IQ are key strengths, complemented by a strong shot. As an Assistant Captain for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, he has proven to be a leader, posting an impressive 36 goals and 32 assists in 61 games. Boisvert is a big, strong center with top-six potential, making him a player to watch.
Round 1, Pick 27 – Marek Vanacker, LW
After securing Carolina’s No. 27 overall pick, the Hawks chose Marek Vanacker from the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL). Vanacker is known for his hockey IQ and versatility, excelling on both offense and defense. While he leans towards playmaking, he’s focused on boosting his offensive impact this season, evidenced by his 36 goals and 82 points in 68 games. Vanacker might not always dominate highlight reels, but he’s a reliable presence who excels in all aspects of the game
Round 3, Pick 67 – John Mustard, LW
He’s among the top skaters in this draft class, and one of the fastest. Mustad is extremely fast and his aggressive attacking style and skillful playmaking consistently outpaces his opposition. In his 60-game stint with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL, he racked up 29 goals and 27 assists, showcasing his offensive prowess. Mustard has already set his sights on Providence College for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, where his speed and scoring ability are expected to shine at the collegiate level.
Round 3, Pick 72 – AJ Spellacy, C
Spellacy is an interesting player that brings a unique blend of talents as a two-sport athlete. Before committing to Windsor in the OHL, he turned down five NCAA football scholarship offers, including from Iowa and Illinois State. Originally from Ohio, Spellacy not only excels on the ice but also made his mark playing football as a free safety and wide receiver. At the NHL Combine, Spellacy showcased his athleticism with top-10 finishes in six tests, including a remarkable 119.3” Horizontal. At just 18 years old, Spellacy had a breakout season with the Windsor Spitfires in 2023-24, setting career highs with 21 goals and 17 assists, totaling 38 points.
Round 3, Pick 92 – Jack Pridham, RW
At the prep level Jack Pridham was very good however since moving over to the BCHL in 2023 he has been showing signs of struggling and he did not have the offensive production many expected. Keep in mind he still posted 49 points in 54 games which is not bad but not as good as 72 points in 49 games at St. Andrews College. Aside from his struggles in making the transition, Pridham’s strongest asset is his skating and playmaking ability. His major weak point is his compete level and effort which at times can be questioned. Pridham has committed to Boston University for his collegiate career.
Round 5, Pick 138 – Joel Svensson, C
Svensson, 19, is in his second year of draft eligibility. Standing at 6’1″ and 185 pounds, he adds some size to the Blackhawks’ picks. This past year, he played 25 games for the Vaxjo Lakers HC (J20 Nationell), tallying 24 goals and 9 assists. His 24 goals ranked seventh in the league, and his overall points total was sixth among Vaxjo skaters. He also contributed eight points (5G, 3A) in 10 games with Kristianstads IK (HockeyEttan) and added one assist in seven SHL games.
Round 6, Pick 163 – Ty Henry – D
With their eighth and final pick in the sixth round, the Blackhawks selected another defenseman, Ty Henry. Henry brings size at 6’4″ and 197 pounds, and a left-handed shot to the team. The 17-year-old played a career-high 54 games for the OHL’s Erie Otters in 2023-24, recording seven assists. He also appeared in six postseason games and is expected to stay with the Otters for the next few seasons.
Off-Season Recap
Kyle Davidson is taking a cautious approach with his young prospects this year. Instead of the expected influx of fresh talent, the Blackhawks have taken a different route. As soon as free agency hit, they went on a signing spree, bringing in six new players and adding two more via trade. With eight new faces on the roster, it’s hard to see where budding prospects like Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore will fit in. However, Davidson might be playing it safe because last year’s roster was decimated by injuries, which likely influenced his decision to bring in more veteran players.
Incoming
Main roster: Illya Mikheyev (RW), Sam Lafferty (C/LW), Tyler Bertuzzi (LW), Teuvo Teravainen (LW/RW), Patrick Maroon (RW), TJ Brodie (D), Alec Martinez (D), Craig Smith (C/RW), Laurent Brossoit (G)
System: Artyom Levshunov (D), Sacha Boisvert, Oliver Moore (C), Frank Nazar (C/RW ), Sam Rinzel (D), Marek Vanacker (LW); Nick Lardis (LW)
New Signings that provide impact
Tyler Bertuzzi (LW) and Teuvo Teravainen (LW/RW)
Connor Bedard has found a reliable linemate to dish him the puck. While Teravainen may not be the same player he was in his Chicago or Carolina days, he remains a consistent top-6 forward who performs at an elite level and adds valuable experience to the locker room. Bertuzzi, meanwhile, is an ideal fit for the Blackhawks. He’s a defensively responsible forward who can play up and down the lineup, always bringing grit to his game.
Patrick Maroon – RW
Patrick “Big Rig” Maroon was brought on to create some ease in the locker room and on the ice. He won’t be putting up any type of significant numbers but he is primarily there to add that veteran presence of a three-time Stanley Cup winner and to protect Connor Bedard or anyone else who wants to step up to the Blackhawks.
Alec Martinez (D)
I think this signing is a winner. He is Stanley Cup champ, a reliable option when on the ice when healthy and can average over 19 minutes a night. That’s a big boost for guys like Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic, who have been carrying most of Chicago’s workload. Plus, he brings valuable veteran presence, which will benefit Kevin Korchinski, who struggled to adjust in his first NHL season.
Laurent Brossoit – G
Laurent Brossoit fills a crucial gap and buys much-needed time for Söderblom and Comesso. Last season, Arvid Söderblom had to step up unexpectedly when Mrazek got injured, but it was a rough ride for the rookie. With Brossoit now in the mix, he and Mrazek will handle the 1A and 1B roles in Chicago. This setup gives Söderblom and Comesso more time in the AHL to hone their skills and build confidence, so they’ll be ready when called up.
Outgoing
Nikita Zaitsev (D), Mackenzie Entwistle (C/RW), Collin Blackwell (C/W), Anthony Beauvillier(C/W), Boris Katchouk (LW), Taylor Raddysh (C/W), Reese Johnson (C/RW)
Re-signed
Lukas Reichel (4yr – $1.2M)
Alex Vlasic (5yr – $4.6M)
Petr Mrazek (3yr – $4.25)
Nick Foligno (2yr – $4.5M)
Jason Dickinson (3yr – $4.25M)
In next month’s 32-in-32 series we will do a deep dive into organizational depth charts to identify prospect risers, fallers and projected roles for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.
Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @Punters_hockey for more prospect content and fantasy hockey analysis.