It’s still mock draft season, Blackhawks fans. And we’re still wandering around the interwebs on your behalf to find reputable mocks that give us something to think about with the Blackhawks’ picks in the 2024 NHL Draft.
We’ve got three more mock drafts for you to consider this week. While the No. 2 overall pick continues to at least appear to be one of two players, there are a couple more names we haven’t discussed previously coming off the board to the Blackhawks at No. 20 in a couple of these write-ups.
— Corey Pronman
Pronman dropped a full first-round mock on May 14, which I always love to see because the Blackhawks have two selections. He’s on the 2-horse race wagon at the second overall pick, but we have a new name to consider at No. 20 overall.
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Pronman’s Comments: “Our colleague Scott Powers believes it’s down to Levshunov or SKA winger Ivan Demidov for Chicago. Both are great prospects, but history has shown if it’s close the NHL team often will lean to the big defenseman over the smaller winger.”
20. , RW
Pronman’s Comments: “Teams have Chernyshov rated a bit higher than this on talent but because he is Russian, I could see him get to around the 20 spot. His size, speed, skill and compete could be highly intriguing to Chicago.”
— Lyle Richardson
Richardson also did us a solid and cranked out a full first round, so there are two picks for us to consider — though I have doubts the Blackhawks will consider one of the two players he selected for Chicago in this mock draft.
2. , RW
Richardson’s Thoughts: “Ranked No. 2 among International skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Demidov missed 24 games earlier this season due to an injury. However, he returned to finish second in Russia’s Junior League (MHL) with 60 points in 30 games. The young Russian could fill Chicago’s need for a scoring right winger among their top prospects.”
20. , LW
Richardson’s Thoughts: “We have Chicago selecting right wing Ivan Demidov with the second-overall pick. They could add depth at left wing. Connelly has some personal baggage that could threaten his placement in the draft. On the ice, however, he finished second among USHL scorers with 78 points in 52 games. NHL Central Scouting ranked him sixth among North American skaters.”
— Ryan Kennedy
Kennedy only completed the lottery portion of the 2024 NHL Draft in his mock draft, so only one selection for the Blackhawks. And it’s a familiar name.
2. Ivan Demidov, RW
Kennedy’s Thoughts: “I know some Hawks fans want a D-man here (and I see the argument), but Demidov would be an incredible future linemate for Connor Bedard. Demidov is a wicked offensive force with smarts and great hands, creating offensive chances on every shift. You wouldn’t even have to wait that long; his contract ends in the spring of 2025.”
