We’ve been tracking notable mock draft thoughts for the Blackhawks from around the interwebs since the offseason began. With today being a Monday after a holiday weekend, it’s a good time to look around and see what’s out there.
We finally got a local perspective on the first round! Let’s dig in!
— Ben Pope
You know what’s awesome? A local mock draft from one of the beat reporters at a major publication. So thank you, Ben, for putting one out there. Not a huge surprise with either pick — we’ve heard both names before — but I like his rationale.
2. , RHD
Pope’s Comments: “It’s a toss-up between Levshunov and Ivan Demidov, but the fact the Hawks have enjoyed much more access to Levshunov this season — including dining with him at the combine — makes him seem slightly more likely to be the choice.
In any case, he will be the highest-picked Belarus native of all time, surpassing former Ducks defenseman Ruslan Salei (who went ninth in 1996).“
18. , C
Pope’s Comments: “If the Hawks take Levshunov at No. 2, they could seek a forward at No. 18. They wouldn’t have to look far to find Hage, who played basically in their backyard this season.
The Michigan commit uses his skating to be elusive and dynamic in open ice. He was hampered last fall by a lingering shoulder injury but exploded in the season’s second half.“
