Hawks 'Shock & Awe' the Hometown Faithful 2017-08-07 In a draft many prognosticated as being bereft of deep, high-end talent, there was certainly enough action at the early stages of the 2017 EHE Entry Draft to suggest many GM's felt differently. One of them was Chicago GM Thomas Gidlow. Gidlow, who moved much of his prospect pool and many draft selections to amass the roster heading into the draft, made two big splashes on Sunday with one of them heavily betting on a stronger than advertised talent pool. As draft day began, the phones at United Center were active. As the 30 other GM's and team personnel gathered on the floor of the host venue, Gidlow stayed in his office, communicating with his staff at their draft table via internal messenger. The Blackhawks made one move before the 1pm CDT start time, acquiring checking winger and soon-to-be 26 year old Marcus Foligno from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Matt Beleskey and Chicago's 6th round pick in this year's draft. Once the draft got underway, the Hawks stayed largely silent, waiting for their turn at number 88 of the third round. After a few picks, though, the host team had something for the 21,283 homers in attendance to cheer for. EHE commissioner Kevin Lacy took the stage to announce a trade had taken place. "I think you guys are going to like this," he quipped. And judging by the rise from the crowd, he was correct. The Blackhawks had acquired star winger Cam Atkinson from the St. Louis Blues, along with Ryan Murray and a second round pick in the 2018 draft for Jimmy Vesey, Zach Hyman, and Chicago's first and third round picks in 2018. Atkinson, 28, notched 36 goals last season and figures only to increase that total lining up alongside Steven Stamkos for the next two seasons. All seemed set in Chicagoland for a time, as the fans in the building settled down and waited patiently for the Hawks to make their first selection. Then, rumors began to fly that Chicago was possibly in on another deal. As the draft wound on, early in round three, the report came over the PA system: Shayne Gostisbehere was heading to Colorado. At first, fans weren't sure what to make of it. Then, the package coming back was announced. The Blackhawks were bringing in Adam Lowry, a hulking 6'4", 215-pound 24-year old centerman, along with the 79th, 97th, and 104th picks in the current draft. It took a few moments of contemplation, but after a short time, a modest applause came over the crowd. While true, the man affectionately nicknamed "Ghost" offered promise for the Hawks blueline, the depth at the position afforded Chicago to acquire a much-needed RFA-aged third line center, and, to re-stock the organization with players who can make impacts now and down the road. To that end, the Blackhawks selected Markus Nutivaara at #79, a 23-year old Finnish defenseman who figures to challenge for a pro roster spot at training camp. Chicago used their pick at #88 to choose another 'over-age' defenseman, Luc Snuggerud. The 21-year old son of former NHLer Dave Snuggerud decided to turn pro after three seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he totaled 65 points over 113 games. Snuggerud figures to play a prominent role in Rockford of the AHL in the upcoming season. Selection #97 was used on Tyler Moy, a 22-year old right winger who finished up his four years at Harvard University with a 22-goal, 45 point campaign over 36 games in 2016-17. After the 101st pick was announced on the floor, and with the unofficial first half of the draft completed, Gidlow quickly met with the media to describe the day to that point. He only offered a brief comment before leaving the draft floor, stating "we felt we accomplished what we set out to, and for the most part, everything went according to plan." Chicago came away with seven players on Sunday, moving four to acquire them along with draft selections being exchanged: Acquired: Marcus Foligno, Cam Atkinson, Ryan Murray, Adam Lowry, Markus Nutivaara, Luc Snuggerud, Tyler Moy Deleted: Matt Beleskey, Jimmy Vesey, Zach Hyman, Shayne Gostisbehere On balance, and on paper, at least, it seems the Blackhawks came away a winner from day one of the draft. Chip Whitley Blackhawks Beat Reporter