NEWSLETTER
The Blackhawks have a type. If you haven’t been paying attention, there are elements in every one of these players’ games that are similar when you actually read the scouting reports. And they’re consistent with what the Blackhawks have drafted in the previous two years under general manager Kyle Davidson.
Here are snippets from what NHL Central Scouting said about the three players the Blackhawks selected in the first round:
On Artyom Levshunov:
“A smooth-skating defenseman with high-end puck skills. Uses his size, strength and reach as assets to effectively defend in the defensive zone and has a good grasp of positioning and coverage. Quick and agile skater who jumps up into plays and also has a strong backward stride to defend effectively against rushes. Composed style, reads the play quickly and makes good choices on when to apply pressure and when to stay back. Good shot control with a hard and accurate shot that makes him a legit scoring threat from the blue line. Good two-way game.“
On Sacha Boisvert:
“His shot and release make him a threat every time he has the puck in the offensive zone, combined with being a high-end skater which makes him difficult to defend. He plays the game at a pace few others can. Dangerous every time he has the puck. A high-end offensive talent who plays a two-way game that makes him one of the top prospects in the Draft.”
On Marek Vanacker:
“A 200-foot player that competes with pace both on the forecheck and backcheck. Consistently one of the hardest workers on the ice, he makes things happen and gets results. Capable of getting to full speed in a hurry, he is dangerous off the rush and can make plays in traffic and at speed. Good moves in traffic and good hands in tight with the ability to slip checks. Uses his smarts and vision to find teammates with the puck and also gets to the open spots to score with a quick release. A consistent offensive contributor who has taken his game to the next level.”
I put a few things in bold for those who might want to skip the full paragraphs in an attempt to make clear what the Blackhawks like in their prospects. Because it’s becoming very evident what Davidson and his staff want as elements in the profiles of the next wave of Chicago Blackhawks.
When we start asking why the Blackhawks passed on some prospects, considering the package the player presents is important. Do they check these boxes? Because these have been hallmarks of the players the Blackhawks have selected in the first three rounds of the drafts under Davidson’s watch.
