NEWSLETTER
During the Blackhawks’ bye week before the All-Star Game, we’re spending a little time looking ahead to the 2024 NHL Draft. And it’s hard not to; the Blackhawks are in position to have the best odds to win the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery at this point.
Yesterday we looked at the differences between recent mid-term draft rankings from TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Scott Wheeler at The Athletic and I offered a reminder of the picks the Blackhawks own in the 2024 NHL Draft. If the Blackhawks are near/at the top of the draft, the elite prospects in the draft will be available. But what about later in the draft? What about the second round?
As another reminder, the Blackhawks currently have three picks in the second round: their own (right now No. 34), the Kings’ pick (via Philadelphia in a pick swap during last year’s draft) and the Canucks’ pick (from the deal that brought Jason Dickinson to Chicago).
Here are eight prospects I have circled right now as options for the Blackhawks to consider with their three selections in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Dean Letourneau, C
6-6, 210
DOB: Feb. 21, 2006
Shoots: Right
2023-24 Team: St. Andrew’s College (High-On)
No. 20 North American Skater
A Boston College commit, I think the height/weight gives you an idea of why I’m at least intrigued by Letourneau. The fact that he plans on skating at a powerhouse NCAA program next year tells us there’s plenty of game there, and his production is eye-popping. If he makes it out of the first round, I would love his size up front eventually. And the Blackhawks like prospects heading to college.
Cole Beaudoin, C
6-2, 210
DOB: April 24, 2006
Shoots: Left
2023-24 Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
No. 31 North American Skater
Another center with size, Beaudoin showed well at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game with a physical game. He’s a defensively responsible player who’s known for having a lot of energy on the ice, and he’s a point-per-game player in the OHL. Beaudoin and Letourneau were ranked around the end of the first round/early second by both McKenzie and Wheeler, so they might be options for Chicago with their pick near the top of the second round.
Adam Jecho, RW
6-5, 201
DOB: March 24, 2006
Shoots: Right
2023-24 Team: Edmonton (WHL)
No. 13 North American Skater
Jecho has the size you would love to see added to the Blackhawks’ pipeline, and he’s nearly a point-per-game player in the WHL this season. NHL Central Scouting has him all the way up at No. 13 among their North American Skaters but he’s ranked in the late-40s by McKenzie and Wheeler, so he might be in play for Chicago when LA’s pick comes around.
Matvei Gridin, RW
6-1, 182
DOB: March 1, 2006
Shoots: Left
2023-24 Team: Muskegon (USHL)
No. 30 North American Skater
A Michigan commit, Gridin was born in Russia but came over to join Muskegon in the USHL last season. He has good size and is a very good skater. McKenzie ranked him No. 29 overall in his mid-season update. Michigan is cranking out good NHL players every year so, again, this would be a good player going to a known program.
Colton Roberts, RHD
6-4, 192
DOB: June 8, 2006
Shoots: Right
2023-24 Team: Vancouver Giants (WHL)
No. 24 North American Skater
Roberts impressed with two assists in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. His size is good, his skating and puck handling was solid and he would add depth to the organization on the right side of the blue line. Add to that the fact that he’s getting coached by Brent Seabrook right now and the Hawks could make an easy phone call to get a scouting report.
Dominik Badinka, RHD
6-3, 183
DOB: Nov. 27, 2005
Shoots: Right
2023-24 Team: Malmö (SHL)
No. 12 International Skater
The only international skater on my list — which makes sense when you consider the Blackhawks have only used two of 17 picks before the sixth round of the last two drafts on European players — Badinka is a nice right-handed defenseman with good size. He’s a solid skater who’s defensively responsible. He played for Czechia at the World Juniors this year.
Javon Moore, LW
6-3, 190
DOB: Dec. 7, 2005
Shoots: Right
2023-24 Team: Minnetonka High School
No. 47 North American Skater
A Minnesota commit coming out of the high school ranks, Moore has good size and is a solid skater. The Blackhawks currently have two prospects playing for the Gophers, so they clearly trust the program. Potentially having a third on their roster next year would make keeping track of them easy for the front office. But there’s plenty to like about Moore’s game beyond his matriculation plans.
Tomas Lavoie, RHD
6-4, 215
DOB: March 31, 2006
Shoots: Right
2023-24 Team: Cape Breton (QMJHL)
No. 50 North American Skater
Again, a big, right-handed defenseman. Lavoie showed good defensive awareness and willingness to block shots while also getting run on the power play during the CHL/NHL Prospect Game last week. He’s a guy who might even be around early in the third round for the Blackhawks but could certainly be in play with Vancouver’s pick late in the round.
