2024 Chicago Blackhawks Draft Recap

The Chicago Blackhawks entered the 2024 EHE draft with a total of eight picks and ultimately selected seven players as GM Doogan-Smith packaged two picks to move up in the second round. Let's have a look at the Chicago Blackhawks 2024 draft class:

Pick 1: Artyom Levshunov

Once the lottery took place and Chicago ultimately ended in fourth, the player the Blackhawks had their eye on was Levshunov. The question was whether he would be there by the time it was the team's turn to step up to the podium. It turned out to be the organization's lucky day as they got their guy.

This is the second time in two years the EHE Blackhawks have mirrored the NHL Blackhawks, with Bedard being selected last year.

Secondary target: Zeev Buium

Pick 2: Jett Luchanko

Luchanko was a favourite of GM Doogan-Smith's this spring and as much as he loved the prospect, he never imagined him going so high in the NHL draft. However, after being in SIM hockey for seven years now the GM has learned to go with gut instincts. A couple of weeks earlier the Blackhawks moved down in the draft from 14 to 15 and acquired pick 110 from the Canadiens feeling confident that Luchanko would be there at 15 and he was. 

As an added bonus this early in his tenure with the NHL Flyers, Luchanko has surpassed expectations and made the big club out of camp. The early returns look promising for the EHE Blackhawks.

Secondary target: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård

Pick 3: Cole Beaudoin

The freak-of-nature athlete Col Beaudoin somehow slipped into the second round and the Blackhawks were sure that if he made it to them they would be sprinting to the podium. Rated 31st on their list, the club was thrilled to get a first round talent with a second round selection.

Secondary target: Charlie Elick

Pick 4: Alfons Freij

Freij has a lot of tools that made him attractive to the Blackhawks. He was rated 32nd on their list and once he slid into the 40s, GM Doogan-Smith started working the phone. Originally not owning another second round pick, the Blackhawks found a dance partner in the Rangers and traded for pick 49 in exchange for picks 67 and 84 to select the Swede. With #3 upside, the hope is for Freij to spend one to two more years in Sweden before making his way to North America and adjust to the smaller ice.

Secondary target: There was none, hadn't planned to pick here prior to the draft

Pick 5: Nikita Tolopilo

Goaltending depth has been an issue that has plagued the Blackhawks since GM Doogan-Smith has taken over. By drafting Tolopilo as an overager, this was an attempt to solidify the AHL depth without having to enter free agency and having to overpay for a farm hand. 

The monsterous Belarussian had a very good first season in North America last year and with Silovs being promoted to the main club with the NHL Canucks, the hope is Tolopilo can take the reigns and become a bonafide starter this year in the AHL and continue to improve and increase his chances of being an NHL goalie one day.

Seconday target: Anthony Romani

Pick 6: Herman Traff

Only two picks after Tolopilo, Chicago was up again and selected the strong Swede. Having a man's body at 18 years old has it's perks and Traff has fully utilized his strength to date as he's modelled his game as an up tempo powerforwad. The Blackhawks are excited to see how he progresses in Sweden this year as he has already registered two points in the SHL over his first three games.

Secondary target: Noel Fransen

Pick 7: Marcus Gidlof

The goal of this pick was to obtain one more goalie prospect to continue to strengthen the goalie pipeline. Loved by public scouting, Gidlof ultimately fell to the sixth round in the NHL draft. If there is one thing you can't teach, it's size and Gidlof has that in spades as he stands 6'6" and 203lbs while just turning 19 last week. He's off to a terrific start in Sweden's junior league with Leksands IF Jr. racking up a 7-0-0 record and a 1.43GAA and 0.935SV%. The Blackhawks hope to see him cross the pond in about three years' time.

Secondary target: Kirill Zarubin

The Blackhawks strengthen their prospect pool in all areas while selecting three forwards, two defenders and two goalies with the geographical breakdown of three Swedes, two Canadians and two Belarussians. Overall, GM Doogan-Smith was thrilled with how the draft unfolded and feels the team mined fantastic value from the picks they made. The hope now is that some of these prospects come home to roost in a few years time as the Blackhawks climb out of the EHE cellar.