With the 72nd overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected center AJ Spellacy.
AJ Spellacy, C
6-3, 201
DOB: Feb. 24, 2006
Shoots: Right
2023-24 Team: Windsor (OHL)
Ranked #90 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #64 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #72 by THN/FERRARI
Ranked #72 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #186 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #69 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #72 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #86 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #73 by SMAHT SCOUTING
From Steven Ellis (Daily Faceoff — No. 69 overall): “Spellacy is one of the best skaters in this draft, with his athleticism being evident all year long, too. He reminds me a bit of a younger Miles Wood – someone who can clearly shoot the puck and with a high level of physicality. That makes sense, given he almost went to play Division I NCAA football, but he made the move to stick in hockey and I think he made the right call. He’s not going to be a high-end producer, but he’ll be a decent depth scorer who brings energy and skill.“
From Dobber Prospects: “Massive, speedy forward who lives for net drives and hard back-checks. Projects better as a winger. Needs to work on his delay game, reads and habits, but has middle-six upside as a power forward.“
From The Hockey News: “Spellacy’s biggest strength in his game is his explosive speed. With the puck, he can separate himself from defenders in a flash and brings a ton of value on the penalty kill and to a team that likes to attack off the rush. Without the puck, he uses that speed and motor to catch opponents and not allow any easy ice out there.“