The Chicago Blackhawks will have the 8th overall pick in the 2018 NHL draft to be hosted in Dallas, Texas. The draft lottery didn’t help the Blackhawks out much dropping them from 7th to 8th, nevertheless, the Blackhawks will be picking in the top 10.
With two picks in the first round, the Blackhawks have a good chance to add some quality prospects.
It’s no secret that the Blackhawks are in need of defense and lucky for them the 2018 draft is full of elite caliber defensive prospects. Other areas the Blackhawks could look to improve at are Center and Left-wing.
With the 8th draft pick the Blackhawks have a real chance at drafting one of these players:
- Evan Bouchard (D)
- Noah Dobson (D)
- Quinn Hughes (D)
- Oliver Whalstrom (C/RW)
Evan Bouchard
6-ffot-2, 192-lbs.
Bouchard is the most complete defenseman on the board this year. His hockey sense is off the charts both offensively and defensively. Passing and positioning are a strong part of his game. As captain of the London Knights, he has shown incredible poise and true leadership qualities.
Bouchard might be out of the Blackhawks reach as his draft stock is always rising. If the Blackhawks were to trade up this is the guy they should trade up for.
Ranked #6 by ISS Hockey
Noah Dobson
6-foot-3, 179-pounds
Dobson is an excellent defender that brings stability and consistency to the table. He isn’t flashy offensively but uses great positioning and an accurate shot to put up points.
If the Blackhawks choose to go the safe route this would be the best option. Consistency is something the Blackhawks need on the back end.
Ranked #8 by ISS Hockey
Quinn Hughes
5-foot-10, 174-pounds
Hughes is among the most gifted offensively minded defender in the draft. He has the ability to drive the offense and keep the opposing team on its heels. With or without the puck he is a threat on the ice.
I have a gut feeling the Blackhawks are going to end up with Hughes at the end of the day when it’s all said and done. He fits in well with the fast-paced style of play the NHL is transitioning to.
Ranked #7 by ISS Hockey
Oliver Wahlstrom
6-foot-1, 205-pounds
Wahlstrom is a confident goal scoring forward that uses his size and skill to open up weaknesses and create scoring chances out of nothing.
If somehow none of the defenders mentioned above are available, Wahlstrom would be a great pick for the Blackhawks to bolster the forward core.
Ranked #5 by ISS Hockey
The Blackhawks couldn’t have picked a better season to be bad. The 2018 NHL draft has all the signs of a deep draft and the Blackhawks have a chance to make the most of it with two first rounders.
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