The 2025 NHL Draft was a rousing success, and lots of NHL teams felt like they achieved their goals. The Chicago Blackhawks were no different as they made some selections within the 2025 NHL Draft.
Overall, the Blackhawks’ 2025 NHL Draft class saw them get greater and bolder. There have been loads of eyes on the Blackhawks’ prospects, and hockey experts in every single place examined whether or not they made the suitable picks. Moreover, the 2025 Blackhawks draft class featured a consistent collection of players of an analogous type throughout each round.
The goal in Chicago was to get big players who could skate. After getting thrown around by every NHL team possible, the Hawks sought to alter that. The organization has faced quite a few challenges, including one other last-place finish within the Central Division. Despite having over $22 million in cap space, the Hawks have struggled to draw big free agents. Now, they hope the rookie class can develop and turn out to be elite players.
How did the Blackhawks do within the 2025 NHL Draft, and was it enough to formulate a terrific future plan? Numerous decisions were made, and the Hawks made some curious moves. From their top pick to the following few rounds, it is time to have a look at the picks that Chicago made to fortify its future.
Anton Frondell goes third within the 2025 NHL Draft
With Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa off the board, the Hawks went with the next-best option and selected Anton Frondell. Nevertheless, there are concerns that the Hawks could have simply chosen an enormous player over the most effective available. Frondell was all the time one in all the possible options, however the Hawks had selections. Regardless, he still projects as a top-line forward who will deliver for the Hawks. But how much can he do and the way far will he go?
Frondell had 11 goals and 14 assists over 29 games last season in Sweden. Moreover, he tallied 15 goals and 30 assists over 41 games within the previous season. Frondell is a great and artistic playmaker who thrives on either side of the ice. His ability to locate the puck and find teammates is a invaluable skill that sets him aside from others. Notably, some hockey experts have compared his skillset to Elias Lindholm, Matty Beniers, Bo Horvat, and Anton Lundell.
Many consider Frondell generally is a top-six center with a high two-way upside. While latest teammate Connor Bedard is a flashy scorer, Frondell plays a special style. His most incredible quality is his ability to anchor a line and play all around the ice.
Frondell is calm under pressure, which is something the Hawks desperately need after quite a few seasons of futility. They hope Frondell can provide the soundness to eventually be a second-line center.
The Blackhawks add size
Despite drafting Bedard with the highest pick within the 2023 NHL Draft, the Hawks still haven’t changed into a playoff team. That will not be Bedard’s fault, as he has done his part. Yet, this team still has a plethora of holes, and the organization felt that size was amongst the most important issues. That appeared to be the first focus, because the Hawks focused on ensuring they’d raw power to enrich their skill. This 2025 Blackhawks draft class left a whole lot of questions, especially with their picks after Frondell.
Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West went way too early. They appear very untested straight away, and the Hawks appear to be taking a probability on that upside. The Blackhawks’ prospects taken before their draft class look promising, making it a worthwhile gamble to pursue these players. Still, taking each of those players with their final two first-round picks leaves many inquiries to be answered.
Of the brand new Blackhawks prospects, Nathan Behm and Julius Sumpf provide the most effective value at where they were drafted. Ultimately, one in all them could eventually turn out to be a component of this organization and make headway. For now, these draft picks aren’t a guarantee to assist the Hawks get out of the cellar.
Final Blackhawks draft grades
The Blackhawks made an excellent pick with Frondell, and appeared to get good value with their third and fourth-round picks. Nevertheless, the questions on their final two first-round picks will linger until they’ll get to the NHL and prove everyone flawed. The Hawks seemed determined to draft for a selected style, relatively than choosing players that is perhaps barely higher.
These Blackhawks prospects will all begin their journey within the AHL with the hope of constructing waves within the NHL. For now, the long run is unknown, and it’s unclear if any of them can be pretty much as good as Bedard.
Final Chicago Blackhawks draft grade: B-