The Art of Drafting: A Skill Few Teams Master
Drafting in the NHL is a precarious and often misunderstood art. It’s a high-stakes game where the most successful organizations often excel, but even they can’t hit on every pick. Some teams have the luxury of a multitude of draft picks, increasing their chances of finding a gem, while others must make the most of later selections. The Chicago Blackhawks, however, defied the odds in the 2020 draft by hitting on seven out of eight players, a staggering 87.5% success rate. This draft class, comprising six players who have already made their mark in the NHL, deserves more recognition for its potential and achievements. The Blackhawks had all their draft picks, along with an extra third-round pick, and they used them wisely, selecting a mix of forwards, defensemen, and a goalie. The fact that these players have combined for 350 NHL games and all have played for the Blackhawks this season is a testament to the team’s drafting acumen.
Lukas Reichel: A Promising Forward
Lukas Reichel, selected in the first round, has become a staple in the Blackhawks’ bottom-6 lineup this season. Despite playing between veterans like Pat Maroon and Craig Smith, Reichel has shown flashes of potential. He has tallied five goals and 16 points in 48 games while averaging slightly more than 12 minutes of ice time per game, a decrease from previous seasons. Reichel’s career totals include 17 goals and 48 points over 147 games in four seasons with Chicago. While he hasn’t fully met the expectations of a first-round pick, Reichel is still young and has time to develop. His adaptability and consistency on the ice suggest that he could grow into a more significant role with the team, especially if given opportunities to play alongside more dynamic forwards.
Drew Commesso: The Rising Goaltender
Drew Commesso, a second-round pick, isn’t the top goaltending prospect in the Blackhawks’ system, but he has been thrust into the NHL due to injuries. This season, he started one game and appeared in another, posting a .846 save percentage (SV%) in the NHL, a drop from his .916 SV% in the AHL last year. Despite the dip, Commesso’s performance in the AHL this season has been solid, and his brief NHL stint has provided valuable experience. Goaltending is a position where development often takes longer, and Commesso’s early exposure to the NHL, though challenging, is a positive step in his career. The Blackhawks are patient with their young talent, and Commesso has plenty of time to refine his skills and establish himself as a reliable netminder.
Landon Slaggert: Proving His Worth
Landon Slaggert, a third-round pick, has been a pleasant surprise for the Blackhawks. After a promising debut last season, where he played in 16 games and recorded one goal and four points, Slaggert was recently recalled from the AHL. In his brief return to the NHL this season, he has already scored two goals in six games, playing an average of two more minutes per game compared to last year. Slaggert’s improved performance and increased ice time indicate that he is well on his way to becoming a solid bottom-6 NHLer. His ability to adapt and contribute at the professional level is a testament to the Blackhawks’ scouting and development system.
Wyatt Kaiser: The Defensive Prospect
Wyatt Kaiser, another third-round pick, is currently playing in the AHL, but his trajectory suggests an imminent NHL call-up. Kaiser has 76 games of professional experience, a respectable number for a defenseman who was selected in the third round. This season, he has already set a career high in games played, with 35 appearances so far. The Blackhawks value his defensive responsibility and see him as a player who can bring a different strength to their young defensive corps. Kaiser is likely to get a shot in the NHL around the trade deadline, and his potential to contribute on both ends of the ice makes him a valuable asset for the team.
Isaak Phillips: A Versatile Defender
Isaak Phillips, drafted in the fifth round, has made a name for himself by playing in the NHL across four seasons. Despite being traded to the Winnipeg Jets this season due to a lack of roster space, Phillips has demonstrated the ability to be a reliable defenseman. He has two goals and 12 points in 56 career NHL games. Phillips’s journey from a late-round pick to an NHL player is a testament to his skill and the Blackhawks’ ability to identify and develop talent. While he may need a bit more seasoning, Phillips’s proactive and versatile playstyle shows promise, and the Blackhawks are confident in his potential to return and contribute to the team in the future.
Louis Crevier: The Seventh-Round Miracle
Louis Crevier, a seventh-round pick, is perhaps the biggest success story from the 2020 draft class. Drafted 188th overall, Crevier has taken significant strides in his NHL career. In his second season, he is one game away from tying his career high and has already set new records with three goals and four points in just 23 games. His improved performance, better plus/minus rating, increased ice time, and more hits show that he has not only adapted but thrived at the professional level. Crevier’s journey from a late-round pick to an NHL regular is a rare and inspiring tale, and the Blackhawks’ decision to draft him is a testament to their exceptional scouting ability. While Crevier may have a slight edge over Phillips in terms of sticking power, both players are proof of the Blackhawks’ knack for finding hidden gems in the later rounds.
Looking Forward: The Future is Bright
The Blackhawks have been fortunate to have a wealth of draft picks over the past few years, and their 2020 draft class is a shining example of their success. The team’s ability to identify and develop talent, even from later rounds, is a crucial factor in their long-term planning. Players like Reichel, Commesso, Slaggert, Kaiser, Phillips, and Crevier are not only contributing to the team’s present but are also laying the groundwork for a successful future. The Blackhawks’ drafting strategy, characterized by a blend of high-ceiling prospects and reliable contributors, positions them well to weather the ups and downs of the NHL. As these players continue to grow and develop, the Blackhawks’ future looks bright indeed. For the latest news, game day coverage, and player features, visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site.
