NEWSLETTER
The day after the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery I did a quick wrap of some updated mock drafts from around the interwebs to see who folks were projecting the Blackhawks to select. We’ve had a few more drop recently, so let’s take another run at some potential Blackhawks picks in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The Athletic — Scott Wheeler
Wheeler dropped a full first-round mock draft, which means we get two Blackhawks’ picks to consider. Which is nice.
2. Ivan Demidov, RW
Wheeler’s Comments: “I believe this is a two-horse race between Demidov and Belarusian defenseman and Michigan State freshman standout Artyom Levshunov. The Blackhawks now have the next month and a half to figure out which one it’ll be. I’d expect them to meet with Demidov and his reps at Gold Star Hockey’s planned showcase in Florida the week before the draft and with Levshunov both at the combine and the Gold Star event. I’d give Demidov the pole position if everything goes well in his meeting and the Blackhawks feel comfortable with the practicalities of drafting a Russian. Either way, look for one of Dan Milstein’s star clients to become a Blackhawk. They don’t have to operate in silence, either, because they’ll get whoever they settle on. Demidov is probably the most purely individually skilled player in the draft and would complement Bedard well both at five-on-five and on the power play. He’s got the desired work ethic the Blackhawks covet as well. Sticking at No. 2 is a game-changer for them.”
20. Jett Luchanko, C
Wheeler’s Comments: “If the Blackhawks take Demidov, I could see more of an urge for them to take a defenseman here. If they take Levshunov, a forward like Luchanko fits with what they’ve prioritized in recent years (chief among them: skating). I’ve got them taking Luchanko here even after taking Demidov if only because this isn’t a range in which many teams will have a D at the top of their lists and Luchanko has pushed himself from the 30s conversation into the 20s conversation. He’s going to further solidify himself in this range in combine testing, too.”
ESPN.com — Rachel Doerrie
On Friday morning, Doerrie also completed a full first round mock, meaning we get two picks for the Blackhawks to consider. Again, love to see it.
2. Artyom Levshunov, RHD
Doerrie’s Comments: “Levshunov is a great talent, and the hulking right-handed defenseman has all the makings of an impactful defenceman at the NHL level.
The Blackhawks could use a high-end talent on the back end and right-handed defensemen who are excellent in transition are a rare commodity. Pairing him with Alex Vlasic or Kevin Korchinski for years to come must be a tantalizing proposition for GM Kyle Davidson.
Levshunov is capable of turning the game on its head through his physicality and his ability to drive offense. His ability to dictate the pace of the game from the back end is rare gift, and a hallmark of nearly all Cup contenders: Cale Makar, Luke Hughes, Victor Hedman and Adam Fox all come to mind as players of that ilk. While Levshunov doesn’t have the offensive gifts of Makar, his ability to be physical and impose a game from that perspective is enticing given the physicality of the Western Conference. Levshunov is an agile skater that defends well, wins puck battles and has a ton of untapped upside on both sides of the puck.
A top-four defense group that includes Vlasic, Korchinski and Levshunov will go a long way toward making Chicago a better defensive team. One thing to watch for: if the Blackhawks can get assurances that Ivan Demidov will come over from Russia, they may draft him to be Connor Bedard’s winger of the future.
20. Jett Luchanko, C
NHL.com — Adam Kimelman & Mike G. Morreale
The guys at NHL.com projected only the top 16 picks, so we only have Pick No. 2 to consider. And they’re united in their projection to the Blackhawks.
2. Artyom Levshunov, RHD
Kimelman’s Comments: ?After selecting a franchise-altering center in Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks now can focus on finding a game-changer on defense. After Celebrini, Levshunov might be the most NHL-ready player in the 2024 draft with the size (6-2, 208) and skill set that helped him have 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games as a college freshman.”
Morreale’s Comments: “The Belarus-born right-handed shot was the third-youngest player in NCAA hockey and was second among freshmen defensemen and tied for 10th among all defensemen in scoring. The Blackhawks need a future pillar on defense and Levshunov fits that bill.”
Elite Prospects — Cam Robinson
Robinson also only projected the first 16 picks after the lottery. Another mock, another familiar name.
2. Artyom Levshunov, RHD
Robinson’s Comments: “The Blackhawks miss out on the elite forward, so they take the best defender. Artyom Levshunov is a mobile, mature, two-way defender. The Belarusian has never met a play he didn’t want to jump into. His play at Michigan State as a true freshman improved hand-over-fist throughout the season. He’s very close to being ready.”
