The 2024 NHL Scouting Combine is in the rearview mirror, which means we’re now kinda-sorta transitioning our non-playoff eyes to the 2024 NHL Draft. I say kinda-sorta because Russian prospects who weren’t able to attend the Combine will work out in Florida next week, which could say the direction of some/many mock draft folks out there.
I updated my two-round 2024 NHL Mock Draft on Tuesday with some changes because of how things played out at/around the Combine.
Let’s get into a few new mock draft scenarios.
NHL.com — Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale
The guys at NHL.com took part in a full first-round mock draft in which they both made picks for every team. So we have two brains working on each pick, and explaining their rationale. They agree on who the Blackhawks will take at No. 2, but had differing opinions at No. 18.
2.Artyom Levshunov, RHD
Kimelman Comments: “After selecting a franchise-altering center in Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks now can focus on finding a game-changer on defense. After Celebrini, Levshunov might be the most NHL-ready player in the 2024 draft with the size (6-2, 205) and skill set that helped him have 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games as a college freshman.”
Morreale Comments:“The Belarus-born right-handed shot was the third-youngest player in men’s college hockey and ranked second among NCAA freshman defensem*n and tied for 10th among all defensem*n in scoring. The Blackhawks need a future pillar on defense and Levshunov fits that bill.“
18. (Kimelman) Sacha Boisvert, C
Kimelman Comments: “Scouts like the way the 18-year-old improved his skating as the season went on, further improving his 200-foot game. With Bedard, Oliver Moore (2023, No. 19) and Frank Nazar (2022, No. 13) the Blackhawks have stockpiled high-skill centers. Boisvert (6-2, 183) brings a bit more size and a 200-foot game to go along with the skill that saw him total 68 points (36 goals, 32 assists) in 61 games this season.“
18. (Morreale) Igor Chernyshov, LW
Morreale Comments: “Chernyshov (6-2, 192) had four points (three goals, one assist) in 34 KHL games, and 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 22 games with Dynamo in Russia’s junior league. The 18-year-old right-handed shot, who thrives on his off wing, has the look of a playmaking wing or center with power-forward potential at the next level.“
The Athletic (Staff)
On Wednesday morning, The Athletic published their second staff mock draft in which Scott Powers handled the picks for the Blackhawks. One familiar name, and one that many fans around here have liked from the get-go.
2.Artyom Levshunov, RHD
Powers Comments: “I believe the Blackhawks are largely deciding between Levshunov and Ivan Demidov. This could change in the next month, but as of today, I think they’d select Levshunov. Since taking over as general manager, Kyle Davidson has prioritized building a defense. It’s what crumbled first under the last regime and held the Blackhawks back from extending their Cup window. Although the Blackhawks have a lot of promising defensem*n in the pipeline, what Levshunov brings would likely bolster and complete the group. Davidson could then turn his focus to bolstering the offense around Connor Bedard.“
18. Michael Hage, C
Powers Comments: “The Blackhawks moved up two spots in the first round with their recent trade with the Islanders, so you would think that means they envision having a better shot at a player they’re targeting being at 18 rather than 20. There haven’t many surprises in the previous picks, and Hage feels like one of the few players still on the board who could go at any point now and might be worth that type of aggressive trade if you’re really sold on his potential. He certainly looked as if he had a huge ceiling with the way he played late in the USHL season. He was dominant and carried the Steel into a playoff spot over the last month or so. He had 12 goals and 19 assists over his final 16 games. He has a lot of attributes the Blackhawks have liked in their draft picks the last few years, plus a bit more size. Just like Frank Nazar, the Blackhawks can let Hage develop at Michigan and in college hockey for a few years and then add him to their growing list of young NHL players.“
Sportsnet — Sam Cosentino
We got a full first round mock draft from Cosentino following the Combine as well. Another one of the two names most prominently linked to the Blackhawks at No. 2, and another new name at 18.
2.Ivan Demidov, RW
Cosentino Comments: “Chicago’s prospect pool is fairly balanced (including goalies), so that allows GM Kyle Davidson to lean towards the next best player, and that’s Demidov. There’s still one year left on his deal in the KHL, but that timing is fine as this rebuild has just started to take shape.“
18. Stian Solberg, LHD
Cosentino Comments: “The latest of the fast risers, Solberg goes off the board earlier than anyone else expected. Plays a mature, physical game where offence is present. The Hawks selected a forward with pick No. 2 and now address defence with this selection.“
theScore Staff
Kyle Cushman, Nick Faris, John Matisz, and Josh Wegman took part in projecting a full first round for theScore.
2.Artyom Levshunov, RHD
theScore Comments: “The Blackhawks face a big decision: Should they tap a dynamic forward to play with Bedard or strengthen the foundation of their blue line? Door No. 2 is the wise choice, and it nets them Levshunov, the best prospect Belarus has ever produced. He outmuscles puck carriers, eagerly jumps into the rush, and pairs good playmaking instincts with the ability to bury shots.“
18. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW
theScore Comments: “GM Kyle Davidson sought to maximize the value of Chicago’s picks by moving up from No. 20 in May. The trade’s timing was unusual, but by flipping the Islanders an additional second-rounder, the Blackhawks get to add a feisty, responsible, shoot-first winger out of Oslo. Brandsegg-Nygard scored three goals and five points at the men’s worlds.“
