Chicago Blackhawks Make "Power" Moves at the draft.
Aug 25, 2021 7:24:13 GMT -5
Philadelphia Flyers, Randy Zamaria, and 7 more like this
Post by Chicago Blackhawks on Aug 25, 2021 7:24:13 GMT -5
Chicago Blackhawks Make "Power" Move at the draft.
Chicago's 1st pick in the 2021 Draft, 1st round, 1st overall
The Chicago Blackhawks struck a deal mere hours before the draft started to acquire the first overall pick, and they paid a kings ransom to do so. That tells you how high they are on Owen Power. The guy should become a cornerstone name in the VHL in a few years, and quite possibly for two decades.
“Power is an excellent skater in all directions for a defender of any size. The fact that he’s 6-foot-5 adds additional problems to opponents trying to knock him off the puck, but the truth is that Power can be both graceful and nimble while motoring up ice at top speed. His movements are fluid and pivots are effortless, and Power’s first step in any direction seems to catch opponent’s by surprise. What shouldn’t come as a shock is his exceptional balance, as Power can lug the puck up ice with a body or two draped over his back. The puck is on his stick a lot during a given game but intense pressure or a physical forecheck never seem to faze him. Power can put the perfect touch on any pass over any distance in any situation.” – Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
Pick Grade: A+
Pick Thoughts: Power was the unanimous #1 pick going into the draft. No surprises here. The biggest concern here is Power's consistency, something another year in the NCAA should help.
Chicago's 2nd pick in the 2021 draft, 1st round, 7th overall
In the days leading up to the draft, the Blackhawks traded a top prospect in Rodion Amirov and (3) 2nd rounders for pick #8. And what a trade that turned out to be for the Blackhawks. They then flipped #8 plus a late round pick to Tampa to move up to #7.
With their 2nd pick in the top 8, the draft board couldn't of worked out better for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks went back to the University of Michigan to select Matty Beniers. Beniers might be considered as the second safest pick of the 2021 draft. While his ceiling may not be as high as some of the others selected before him, he should be a very good two-way centerman in the mold of a Jonathan Toews. (Here's hoping.)
"While he doesn’t have the hands or feel that a [Kent] Johnson has, nor the finishing touch of a Chaz Lucius or a Cole Sillinger, nor the heaviness of a Mason McTavish, he’s got enough skill across the board to take pucks to the net, facilitate to his linemates off the cycle, and finish in tight. And though his offensive numbers may not pop at his ceiling, he’s going to drive a line, lead exits and entries, get pucks to whoever he’s playing with, and pull his team into the fight. Beniers is the best two-way player in the draft." - Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
Pick Grade: A+
Pick Thoughts: Beniers should of been a no-brainer for the top 5. Falling to the Blackhawks at #7, this was a no-brainer pick.
Chicago's 3rd pick in the 2021 draft, Round 1, 15th Overall
Selecting again with their 3rd pick in the first 15, it was confirmed that when the Blackhawks acquired the #15 pick, they were hoping for Sebastian Cossa or Lukas Wallsted, but with both gone that left some highly skilled players on the board.
With their 3rd pick in the first round, at 15 overall the Blackhawks were thrilled to get Matthew Coronato. He's a guy with top end speed and also a strong two-way game. Something evident the Blackhawks have been focusing on in this draft.
“Coronato is one of the hardest workers at getting the puck, keeping the puck, and shooting the puck. Always moving in a zillion directions, the Long Island native and Harvard recruit scored a USHL-best 48 goals but is versatile and creative enough to dominate as a center or wing.”-Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
Pick Grade: B+
Pick Thoughts: While we were hoping to address the gaping hole in goal, the Blackhawks did get a very solid player here at #15 and a guy who should be able to play center or wing at the next level.
Chicago's 4th pick in the 2021 draft, Round 1, 29th Overall
Moving up in the draft once again, the Blackhawks acquired pick #29 and pick #60 for Marat Khnustidinov and a 2022 2nd round pick. Its clear that the brass in Chicago were high on somebody.
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With the 29th overall pick, GM Sullivan selected Zach Dean of Mount Pearl, NL. Dean is yet another guy we targeting going into the draft. Maybe we were a little biased on the Newfoundland native, but we are thrilled to add him to the mix here in Chicago.
"It’s impossible to dislike the way Dean plays hockey. He works his tail off, he’s always applying pressure without the puck defensively, he’s always in motion with or without the puck offensively, he plays on the inside of the ice, and he can be trusted in all situations. That’s his foundation. Then on top of that, he’s got fast hands, he’s one of the better puck transporters through the neutral zone in the draft, he’s a fluid skater, and he likes to drive a line. I’m not sure how high his ceiling is but he makes things happen and there are a lot of people in the sport who think he’s going to be a good NHLer." - Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
Pick Grade: A-
Pick Thoughts: Chicago has done a wonderful job in selecting reliable, two-way players, that should help them in the years to come in the VHL. This pick is no different, a great skater and a two-way player. At worst Chicago has selected players in every position that should help them at some level.
Chicago's 5th pick in the 2021 draft, Round 2, 35th Overall
The Chicago Blackhawks definitely knew that this pick would select some controversy due to the players personal past but as their 5th pick in the draft, and knowing the player would be coached in the OHL by the famous Hunter's in London, long term the Blackhawks believe there could be some value in this pick.
The Blackhawks knew to well that this pick would create some social media backlash. But with their 5th pick in the draft, they selected Logan Mailloux anyways.
“One of the first things you notice about Logan Mailloux would be his size. At 6’3, 214 pounds and still growing, Mailloux is an absolute unit, who has the size that NHL teams always love. Mailloux plays a physical game and can stand his own against other big players. One aspect of his game that is quite noticeable would be his confidence. Mailloux is not afraid to make tough moves and attempt complicated plays that others would not dare to try. Mailloux is an offensive-defensemen, who possesses a high hockey-IQ. He sees the ice very well and knows where to be to break up a play or create offensive chances.” – David Ciss (The Puck Authority)
Pick Grade: D+
Pick Thoughts: Whats not to say. The guy has loads of potential to be a 2nd pairing defenseman, and has great size. The reason for the poor grade? Thats easy, the off-ice issues cant be ignored and he will need to show plenty of personal growth to become a true pro.
Chicago's 6th pick in the 2021 draft, Round 2, 60th Overall
If their was a need that the Blackhawks had to address going into the draft it was goaltending. And after pick 15, their were none available in the range of picks they had, until now.
The Blackhawks used pick 60 wisely. Considering he was the 2nd rated North American goalie, we feel like that Benjamin Gaudreau at pick #60 was great one.
"His style and composure in net remind me of Carey Price. While this is by no means saying Gaudreau will turn out like Price because that is impossible to predict, he has a lot of similarities to him. The team that gets the goaltender will be getting a guy that definitely has the chance to be a future NHL starting goalie." Mathieu Sheridan – THW
Pick Grade: B+
Pick Thoughts: The Blackhawks need more depth in net, but this pick is definitely one that at least gives them a solid prospect between the crease. Time will tell if this works out for them.
Chicago's 1st pick in the 2021 Draft, 1st round, 1st overall
The Chicago Blackhawks struck a deal mere hours before the draft started to acquire the first overall pick, and they paid a kings ransom to do so. That tells you how high they are on Owen Power. The guy should become a cornerstone name in the VHL in a few years, and quite possibly for two decades.
“Power is an excellent skater in all directions for a defender of any size. The fact that he’s 6-foot-5 adds additional problems to opponents trying to knock him off the puck, but the truth is that Power can be both graceful and nimble while motoring up ice at top speed. His movements are fluid and pivots are effortless, and Power’s first step in any direction seems to catch opponent’s by surprise. What shouldn’t come as a shock is his exceptional balance, as Power can lug the puck up ice with a body or two draped over his back. The puck is on his stick a lot during a given game but intense pressure or a physical forecheck never seem to faze him. Power can put the perfect touch on any pass over any distance in any situation.” – Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
Pick Grade: A+
Pick Thoughts: Power was the unanimous #1 pick going into the draft. No surprises here. The biggest concern here is Power's consistency, something another year in the NCAA should help.
Chicago's 2nd pick in the 2021 draft, 1st round, 7th overall
In the days leading up to the draft, the Blackhawks traded a top prospect in Rodion Amirov and (3) 2nd rounders for pick #8. And what a trade that turned out to be for the Blackhawks. They then flipped #8 plus a late round pick to Tampa to move up to #7.
With their 2nd pick in the top 8, the draft board couldn't of worked out better for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks went back to the University of Michigan to select Matty Beniers. Beniers might be considered as the second safest pick of the 2021 draft. While his ceiling may not be as high as some of the others selected before him, he should be a very good two-way centerman in the mold of a Jonathan Toews. (Here's hoping.)
"While he doesn’t have the hands or feel that a [Kent] Johnson has, nor the finishing touch of a Chaz Lucius or a Cole Sillinger, nor the heaviness of a Mason McTavish, he’s got enough skill across the board to take pucks to the net, facilitate to his linemates off the cycle, and finish in tight. And though his offensive numbers may not pop at his ceiling, he’s going to drive a line, lead exits and entries, get pucks to whoever he’s playing with, and pull his team into the fight. Beniers is the best two-way player in the draft." - Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
Pick Grade: A+
Pick Thoughts: Beniers should of been a no-brainer for the top 5. Falling to the Blackhawks at #7, this was a no-brainer pick.
Chicago's 3rd pick in the 2021 draft, Round 1, 15th Overall
Selecting again with their 3rd pick in the first 15, it was confirmed that when the Blackhawks acquired the #15 pick, they were hoping for Sebastian Cossa or Lukas Wallsted, but with both gone that left some highly skilled players on the board.
With their 3rd pick in the first round, at 15 overall the Blackhawks were thrilled to get Matthew Coronato. He's a guy with top end speed and also a strong two-way game. Something evident the Blackhawks have been focusing on in this draft.
“Coronato is one of the hardest workers at getting the puck, keeping the puck, and shooting the puck. Always moving in a zillion directions, the Long Island native and Harvard recruit scored a USHL-best 48 goals but is versatile and creative enough to dominate as a center or wing.”-Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
Pick Grade: B+
Pick Thoughts: While we were hoping to address the gaping hole in goal, the Blackhawks did get a very solid player here at #15 and a guy who should be able to play center or wing at the next level.
Chicago's 4th pick in the 2021 draft, Round 1, 29th Overall
Moving up in the draft once again, the Blackhawks acquired pick #29 and pick #60 for Marat Khnustidinov and a 2022 2nd round pick. Its clear that the brass in Chicago were high on somebody.
With the 29th overall pick, GM Sullivan selected Zach Dean of Mount Pearl, NL. Dean is yet another guy we targeting going into the draft. Maybe we were a little biased on the Newfoundland native, but we are thrilled to add him to the mix here in Chicago.
"It’s impossible to dislike the way Dean plays hockey. He works his tail off, he’s always applying pressure without the puck defensively, he’s always in motion with or without the puck offensively, he plays on the inside of the ice, and he can be trusted in all situations. That’s his foundation. Then on top of that, he’s got fast hands, he’s one of the better puck transporters through the neutral zone in the draft, he’s a fluid skater, and he likes to drive a line. I’m not sure how high his ceiling is but he makes things happen and there are a lot of people in the sport who think he’s going to be a good NHLer." - Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
Pick Grade: A-
Pick Thoughts: Chicago has done a wonderful job in selecting reliable, two-way players, that should help them in the years to come in the VHL. This pick is no different, a great skater and a two-way player. At worst Chicago has selected players in every position that should help them at some level.
Chicago's 5th pick in the 2021 draft, Round 2, 35th Overall
The Chicago Blackhawks definitely knew that this pick would select some controversy due to the players personal past but as their 5th pick in the draft, and knowing the player would be coached in the OHL by the famous Hunter's in London, long term the Blackhawks believe there could be some value in this pick.
The Blackhawks knew to well that this pick would create some social media backlash. But with their 5th pick in the draft, they selected Logan Mailloux anyways.
“One of the first things you notice about Logan Mailloux would be his size. At 6’3, 214 pounds and still growing, Mailloux is an absolute unit, who has the size that NHL teams always love. Mailloux plays a physical game and can stand his own against other big players. One aspect of his game that is quite noticeable would be his confidence. Mailloux is not afraid to make tough moves and attempt complicated plays that others would not dare to try. Mailloux is an offensive-defensemen, who possesses a high hockey-IQ. He sees the ice very well and knows where to be to break up a play or create offensive chances.” – David Ciss (The Puck Authority)
Pick Grade: D+
Pick Thoughts: Whats not to say. The guy has loads of potential to be a 2nd pairing defenseman, and has great size. The reason for the poor grade? Thats easy, the off-ice issues cant be ignored and he will need to show plenty of personal growth to become a true pro.
Chicago's 6th pick in the 2021 draft, Round 2, 60th Overall
If their was a need that the Blackhawks had to address going into the draft it was goaltending. And after pick 15, their were none available in the range of picks they had, until now.
The Blackhawks used pick 60 wisely. Considering he was the 2nd rated North American goalie, we feel like that Benjamin Gaudreau at pick #60 was great one.
"His style and composure in net remind me of Carey Price. While this is by no means saying Gaudreau will turn out like Price because that is impossible to predict, he has a lot of similarities to him. The team that gets the goaltender will be getting a guy that definitely has the chance to be a future NHL starting goalie." Mathieu Sheridan – THW
Pick Grade: B+
Pick Thoughts: The Blackhawks need more depth in net, but this pick is definitely one that at least gives them a solid prospect between the crease. Time will tell if this works out for them.
