The Chicago Blackhawks are witnessing their third overall pick in the 2025 NHL entry Draft turn into something of a hot potato. The more they hold on to it and weigh their options, the higher the temperature gets. Nailing their selection will be pivotal for Connor Bedard and company to take a significant step forward.
The 2025 NHL Draft will differ from its recent predecessors in several ways. For starters, teams and prospects won’t gather at a specific venue, as the league has opted to decentralize this year’s edition. More importantly, the 2025 draft class is considered weaker than those of 2023 and 2024, for example.
There is consensus around the first two selections—but that’s about it. From that point on, every team and its draft board are on their own. What one organization sees as a franchise player might be viewed as a sure bust by another. Most analysts agree on one thing: the real fun begins with the third overall pick. And guess what pick Bedard’s Blackhawks own?
As expected, Chicago has yet to make up its mind about their third overall selection—trading down in the board is not out of the possibilities, either. However, recent reports suggest the pick is now being disputed between two prospects.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks observes the playing of the national anthem prior to the game against the Vegas Golden Knights at the United Center on October 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
Two solid choices
“It sounded like Chicago was zeroed in on either Moncton Wildcats center Caleb Desnoyers or Brampton Steelheads winger Porter Martone,” ESPN insider Kristen Shilton stated.
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“Chicago already has one exemplary young center in Connor Bedard,” Shilton added. “While it’s tempting to add another potential standout at the position, the draw of Martone might just be too much to pass up.“
Keep an eye open
With the first overall selection in the 2025 NHL entry Draft, the New York Islanders will most probably select Matthew Schaefer. The San Jose Sharks would follow suit by taking Michael Misa off the board with the second pick. That is pretty much set in stone, but Chicago faces a much tougher decision.
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In addition to the reports around Martone and Desnoyers, others indicate center Anton Frondell is still in play to become a Blackhawk. Everything remains up in the air, and whichever route the Hawks choose on Friday night, Connor Bedard and company will surely hope it leads to a better destination than the ones taken in recent seasons.
