Blackhawks Trying to Acquire a 2022 First-Round Draft Pick

Earlier this week, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson indicated that he’d like to try and acquire a first-round pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Knowing that the team is going through some major changes, being able to make a high pick this year is on his list of priorities, even though he’s not completely sure he’ll be able to manage it.

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The Blackhawks don’t have a first-round pick this year thanks to a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets that saw them use it (among other assets) to acquire defenseman Seth Jones. Davidson told NBC Sports Chicago’s Charlie Roumeliotis that trying to get a first-round back for the organization is “something I’m definitely interested in”. He did say however, “Whether that’s a possibility is a different question…”

The GM did a good job of landing picks in later years, moving forward Brandon Hagel for two first-rounders ahead of this year’s NHL Trade Deadline. And, in drafts that are considered to be deeper than the 2022 draft, that’s not a bad thing. That said, not having a top pick in 2022 stings a bit, especially as Chicago undergoes what looks to be an aggressive rebuild. First-round picks are essential to that rebuilding process and not having one this year simply forces the club to wait even longer for their top prospects to make an impact.

Davidson said, “Being where we’re at in our trajectory, that’s where the talent is found. That’s where we need to bring players in at.”

The question becomes, what do they trade? The biggest asset Chicago has available to deal that other teams might want is Alex DeBrincat. Beyond that, it’s Patrick Kane. There is no guarantee that either will be moved and if Chicago wants to stay aggressive in their rebuilding plans, it might not be wise to move either.

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