The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for the first of many crucial checkpoints of Jeff Blashill’s first year: the 2025 NHL entry Draft. The Blackhawks are in prime position to select a key teammate for Connor Bedard and company with the third overall pick. However, this year’s draft class is characterized by its unpredictability. Thus, Chicago might not be willing to roll the dice on their future.
Chicago may be entering the next phase of its rebuild, but the organization understands that a single misstep could cause a major setback. For Bedard’s Blackhawks, keeping their composure is crucial. That means holding back the urge to rush their growth process.
Fans in the Windy City have endured enough suffering already, but it might not be over just yet. The Blackhawks are entering the 2025 NHL entry Draft with the third overall selection—a clear reflection of last season’s rough sailing. However, while such a high pick could usually symbolize the arrival of a new star, this year that isn’t a gimme.
The upcoming draft class features plenty talents, many of which will most surely become NHL stars. But at the moment, not many have proven to be bona fide franchise-shifting players. And that’s exactly what Bedard and the Blackhawks would love to find right now: a sure thing. Faced with uncertainty in such a high-stakes draft position, Chicago may be weighing a drastic move.
“I do think they want to be really active in the trade market and I do think the 3rd overall pick is in play,” Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli said during the latest episode of the DFO Rundown.
Options galore
While the Blackhawks might not be fully bought into any of the prospects projected to be available with the third overall pick, that doesn’t mean they couldn’t blossom into great players.
As it stands, reports suggest the Blackhawks are weighing several options for the No. 3 pick, including Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, Porter Martone, and James Hagens. Still, Chicago could opt for a safer route—trading down in the draft and selecting the best available talent, rather than taking a leap of faith on a prospect.
Long time no see
Fans in Chicago are having mixed feelings ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Former captain Jonathan Toews is set to return to the league after a two-season absence due to medical reasons.
On the one hand, it’s great news as a beloved idol will be back on the ice. However, Toews isn’t expected to sign with Chicago, and instead is trending to join a divisional rival.
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According to insider Chris Johnston, Toews is drawing closer to a final verdict on his return. Johnston stated the former Blackhawks captain is deciding between the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche. It seems whichever path Toews chooses, Bedard and the Blackhawks will stand in the way.