The Chicago Blackhawks have made significant strides in the 2024 NHL Draft, selecting eight promising young players who are poised to help shape the future of the franchise. With three first round picks, the Blackhawks’ draft picks bring a blend of skill, speed, and potential to the team. In this blog post, we’ll delve into detailed scouting reports for each draftee, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and how they can contribute to the Blackhawks’ success. Let’s explore the next generation of talent ready to make their mark in the Windy City.
Artyom Levshunov
Scouting Report: Artyom Levshunov is a modern defenseman known for his high-level skating and offensive capabilities. He stands out with his smooth, agile skating and ability to jump into plays and lead rushes. His offensive instincts make him a threat from the point, especially on the power play. However, his defensive game needs refinement, as he occasionally struggles with positioning and decision-making. With continued development, Levshunov has the potential to become a top-four defenseman, adding significant offensive firepower to the Blackhawks’ blue line.
Strengths:
- Excellent skating with deceptive speed and agility.
- Strong offensive skills, capable of leading rushes and power plays.
- Physical presence and solid defensive coverage due to his size and strength.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent defensive positioning and decision-making.
- Overly offensive-minded at times, leading to defensive lapses.
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Levshunov can be a dynamic offensive defenseman, potentially running the power play. His skating and offensive capabilities can add a new dimension to the Blackhawks’ blue line.
Playstyle:
- Modern, offensive defenseman with a focus on puck movement and jumping into plays. Comparable to Brent Burns in style, though still developing defensively.
Sacha Boisvert
Scouting Report: Sacha Boisvert is a prolific goal scorer with a knack for finding the back of the net from all areas of the ice. He possesses a deceptive wrist shot and a powerful one-timer, complemented by excellent passing skills, particularly off the rush. Boisvert also brings physicality to his game, using his size effectively in battles. While he needs to improve his discipline, his scoring ability and playmaking make him a valuable asset for the Blackhawks, capable of contributing on both scoring and grinding lines.
Strengths:
- Strong goal-scoring ability with a deceptive wrister and powerful one-timer.
- Effective passer, especially on the rush.
- Uses size well and is not afraid of physical play.
Weaknesses:
- Can improve puck-handling and skating.
- Low offensive-ceiling, not the dynamic offensive player that really jumps out.
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Boisvert’s scoring touch and physical play can make him a valuable asset in both scoring and grinding lines. His passing and goal-scoring can bolster the team’s offensive depth. Likely middle six center.
Playstyle:
- Pure goal scorer with a strong physical presence. Effective both from a distance and in close quarters around the net.
Marek Vanacker
Scouting Report: Marek Vanacker is a smart, two-way forward who excels in all situations on the ice. His high hockey IQ allows him to make effective plays both offensively and defensively. Vanacker is a strong penalty killer and power play contributor, using his height and reach to his advantage. While he needs to bulk up and improve his skating further, his well-rounded game and versatility make him a promising prospect for the Blackhawks, likely to become a reliable middle-six forward.
Strengths:
- High hockey IQ with strong defensive and offensive awareness.
- Effective penalty killer and power play contributor.
- Good speed and playmaking abilities.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to bulk up physically.
- Skating and in-tight puck handling require further development.
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Vanacker’s all-around game and special teams’ contributions can make him a versatile forward for the Blackhawks. His high IQ and playmaking abilities can add depth to the roster.
Playstyle:
- Two-way forward with strong defensive capabilities and offensive instincts. Uses his height and reach effectively at both ends of the ice.
John Mustard
Scouting Report: John Mustard is an energetic forward known for his speed and competitive nature. He has a quick burst and powerful shot, making him a threat in the offensive zone. Mustard’s athleticism and determination allow him to drive plays and create scoring opportunities. Committed to Providence College, he projects as a high-energy forward with goal-scoring potential. Consistency will be key for Mustard as he transitions to higher levels of play.
Strengths:
- High-speed play with excellent burst and agility.
- Strong shot with goal-scoring potential.
- Competitive and athletic, making him a great play driver.
Weaknesses:
- Needs consistency in scoring and overall game.
- Still very raw.
- Lacks playmaking right now.
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Mustard’s speed and energy can make him a valuable addition to the Blackhawks’ forward lines, providing an offensive spark and dynamic play. He’s a bit of a project but a project with a really enticing speed tool.
Playstyle:
- Energy forward with a focus on speed and goal-scoring. Effective in offensive rushes and hunting for space in the offensive zone.
AJ Spellacy
Scouting Report: AJ Spellacy is a speedy winger with a strong defensive game. He excels in separating from defenders and applying pressure with his proactive approach. Spellacy’s speed and effort make him an effective forechecker and defensive forward. While his offensive game needs more consistency, his defensive reliability and high energy can provide valuable depth to the Blackhawks’ lineup, particularly in a bottom-six role.
Strengths:
- Exceptional speed and ability to separate from defenders.
- Strong defensive play with a proactive approach.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to improve consistency in offensive contributions.
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Spellacy’s speed and defensive prowess can add depth to the Blackhawks’ bottom-six forwards, providing strong forechecking and defensive reliability. Potential as a penalty killer.
Playstyle:
- Fast, aggressive forward with a focus on defense and high-energy play.
Jack Pridham
Scouting Report: Jack Pridham is a smart, determined forward with excellent puck possession skills. He reads the game well and excels in generating plays both off the rush and in the offensive zone. Pridham’s speed and edge work, combined with his high-end motor, make him a versatile attacker. While he needs to develop physically, his intelligence and playmaking abilities can make him a reliable contributor for the Blackhawks, particularly in generating offensive opportunities.
Strengths:
- Smart, determined player with excellent puck possession skills.
- Strong playmaker with good speed and edge work.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to develop physical strength and consistency on offensive.
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Pridham’s intelligence and puck possession abilities can make him a reliable forward for the Blackhawks, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Playstyle:
- North-to-south attacker with strong skating and playmaking skills. Effective in generating plays and maintaining puck control.
Joel Svensson
Scouting Report: Joel Svensson is a forward known for his skating and offensive awareness. He excels at reading gaps and exploiting them, either by making quick passes or driving the net. Svensson’s ability to understand and utilize space effectively makes him a valuable offensive player. Though he needs to improve his consistency and in other areas. It may be a longshot that we ever see Svensson in the NHL.
Strengths:
- Excellent skater and offensive positioning, shot has become a weapon.
- Effective in reading gaps and exploiting them.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to develop consistency on offense.
- No standout physical traits
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Svensson’s skating and awareness can provide depth to the Blackhawks’ forward lines, particularly in creating offensive opportunities through smart plays.
Playstyle:
- Skater with strong spatial awareness, focusing on exploiting gaps and driving the net.
Ty Henry
Scouting Report: Ty Henry is a solid, reliable defenseman with good size and strength. He excels in defensive zone exits and gapping up on opponents. Henry’s skating is solid, particularly in straight lines, and he has good edges and pivots. While his offensive production is limited, he is capable of moving the puck and launching attacks. Henry’s defensive reliability and versatility make him a valuable prospect for the Blackhawks, with the potential to develop into a dependable two-way defenseman.
Strengths:
- Good size and strength with solid defensive skills.
- Effective skater with good straight-line speed and edges.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to improve quickness out of stops and overall assertiveness.
- Limited offensive production but capable with the puck.
Impact on Blackhawks:
- Henry’s defensive skills and versatility can make him a valuable addition to the Blackhawks’ defense corps, providing reliable coverage and the ability to contribute in various roles.
Playstyle:
- Defensive defenseman with potential to develop into a two-way player. Solid foundation with a focus on defensive responsibilities and occasional offensive contributions.
The Blackhawks draft has added a lot of size and speed to the organization but these prospects also bring some different strengths. Offensive defender in Levshunov, Scoring with Boisvert, Hockey IQ/playmaking with Vanacker, speed with Mustard, energy/defense with Spellacy, Puck Possession with Pridham, skating/awareness with Svensson and defense with Henry. Overall, a solid draft from GM Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks and another step forward in the rebuild. Davidson said in a press conference following the draft, that they got everyone they wanted, now they’ll have to see if they’re right.