Blackhawks Pipeline: Top 10 Prospects Following Trade Deadline
While the Blackhawks current season has been filled with disappointment and struggles, the teams future is still very bright. Despite not picking above 29 the last three seasons, Stan Bowman and his scouting department have filled the pipline with some very exciting young pieces.
The rankings have changed a lot since the start of the season, with players like Alex Debrincat, John Hayden and Carl Dahlstrom getting their NHL chances, and defenseman Ville Pokka being traded to the Ottawa Senators.
After the trade deadline, here is out list for the Blackhawks top 10 prospects:
- Henri Jokiharju, D — Portland (WHL)
The first defenseman taken in the first round by the Blackhawks since Dylan Olsen, Jokiharju is exceeding his 29th pick potential. Playing for Portland last season, Jokiharju posted 39 assists and 48 points in his first North American season. This year, he has already exceeded both of those numbers, with 48 assists and 56 points through just 49 games.
Jokiharju was described as one of the best defenseman for Finland in the 2018 World Juniors, which featured 4 other defneseman who were picked ahead of him in the 2017 draft. While he may not become a true number 1 defenseman in the NHL, Jokiharju is showing he has the ability to be a top paring defenseman and power play QB.
He will only be 19 at the start of next season, so the team may opt to keep him away from the NHL another season, but with a need for offense on the blueline and a power play QB, the Finnish defenseman may force the Hawks to sign him for next season.
2. Dylan Sikura, C — Northeastern (NCAA)
Going into the 2016–17 season, Sikura was a fringe prospect. The 2014 6th round pick broke out, posting 21 goals and 36assists, doubling his point total from his sophomore year. Despite efforts to sign him, Sikura opted to return for his senior year. Sikura looks to be on pace with his outstanding junior year, currently sitting with 15 goals and 30 assists.
The biggest question for Sikura will be his future. Available to sign with the Blackhawks once his college season ends, Sikura may choose to wait until August 15, when he would become a UFA and be free to sign anywhere.
The Blackhawks will do everything in their power to sign him, and likely would add him to their lineup this year, especially with the playoffs out of reach. Sikura would add an immediate scoring threat to the hawks lineup, with the potential to make a NickSchmaltz and Debrincat impact right away.
3. Ian Mitchell, D — Denver (NCAA)
Selected with the 57 pick in the 2017 draft, Mitchell has fastly become one of the NCAA’s best defenseman. Only a freshman, he has been one of the teams top offensive weapons, serving as the QB on their power play.
In his first season on the Denver blue line, Mitchell has racked up 20 assists for 22 total points in just 30 games. His 20 assits ranks 5th in the NCAA among defenseman.
Just 18 years old, its likely Mitchell will return to Denver’s blue line for next season, but another year like this one could force the Hawks to add the skilled defenseman earlier than anticipated.
4. Luc Snuggerud, D — Rockford (AHL)
Possibly the most NHL ready on this list is Luc Snuggerud. After an injury during training camp, Snuggerud has spent the season in Rockford. Injuries have sent him out of he lineup a couple times, which has forced him to be looked over for multiple call ups.
Snuggerud is a able to skate smoothly and move the puck up the ice, as well as create offense in his own zone. He’s said to have modeled his game around Nick Leddy, who he watched growing up.
Injuries have kept him from getting a call up, but he is on the cusp. Don’t be surprised to see him get a shot next year.
5. Tim Soderlund, C — Skellefteå AIK (SHL)
The 5’9 Swedish defenseman has been looking like a steal since being picked in the 4th round of last years draft.
Soderland is a smooth and quick skater, with some people have compared him to Nashville Predators forward Victor Arvidsson, someone the Blackhawks have seen very often.
The hawks have been perfectly fine with small forwards in the past, including Vinnie Hinostroza and Alex Debrincat this year.
6. Chad Krys, D — Boston University (NCAA)
Krys honestly had bust written all over him when the Blackhawks. His defensive play is nothing to write home about. Maybe a little worse.
That being said, the way he’s played this season offensively makes it not matter much. He has 22 points in 28 games, and plays with puck skills that not many defenseman posses.
While there is high risk involved, if his defensive game can improve just a tad, he has just as high of potential on anyone this list.
7. Lucas Carlsson, D — Brynäs IF (SHL)
Carlsson has stayed quiet the last couple seasons, as he’s spent his first two years after the draft playing in Sweden.
He has set career highs in goals and points so far, and his ability to bring the puck up the ice as greatly improved. While his defensive game is nothing special, he has shown improvement while also showing more confidence and and maturity.
He has not signed his entry level contract yet, but it should not be too hard to get him signed. With so many openings on the hawks blue line Carlsson may get a look but will likely end up spending a year in Rockford.
8. Andrei Altybarmakyan, RW — St. Petersburg (MHL)
Altybarmakyan was picked in the third round after the hawks traded back in the first round of 2017, and has made Blackhawks scouts look great.
Not really known, he skates fast and shifty. His offensive skills do not stand out as very special, but he plays solid on both ends of the ice.
Whenever he gets to Chicago, he’ll likely be able to secure a bottom six role for a long time.
9. Victor Ejdsell C — HV71 (SHL)
Acquired as an additional piece in the Ryan Hartman deal, there is a lot to be excited about Ejdsell.
Standing at 6’5, the 22 year old center was the MVP and top forward of the Swedish second league, where he posted 57 points. Joining the SHL this season, Ejdsell has had no issue scoring, as he has 17 goals in 30 games this season.
Despite his massive size, Ejdsell plays with the skill of a smaller forward. But he knows when to use his size, or his skill in different situations. While a move to the NHL in the coming seasons could effect his production, Ejdsell looks like a good bet to become a very solid 3rd like center.
Stan Bowman said the team was very interested in adding the young center this past offseason, when he signed an entry level contract with the Predators.
10. Ivan Nalimov, G — Unsigned (KHL)
It has been an interesting ride for the young hawks goalie. The 6th round pick has played okay in the KHL for the past 3 seasons, but has taken his game up a level this season.
Unfortunately, Nalimov was released a couple weeks ago due to financial restrictions from his team. It’s unknown if he will sign to play for the rest of the year, but will likely return next year.
Nalimov is likely still a year or two away, and at 23 he looks like he will be a late bloomer if he makes it to the NHL. But as the only real goaltender in the Blackhawks pipeline, they need him to make It.
Do you agree with our rankings? Did we miss someone you feel should be higher? Which prospect are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
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