2023 Draft Recap - Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago made seven selections in the 2023 draft. I had specific skaters that I was hoping would be available at different draft slots but also attempted to identify skaters with value. I am extremely pleased with how the draft played out bolstering the Hawks prospects.
#22 - Samuel Honzek - Left Wing - 6'4" - At this point I was hoping for a highly ranked skater to slide. No one really slid, so I went with Honzek who was a skater that I was hoping would be available. He seems to be rising and could be taken as early as the mid first round. A big, great skating, highly skilled forward that was over a point per game in his first year in the dub with Vancouver.
#35 - Etienne Morin - Defense - 6'0" - I had identified Morin as an offensively skilled dman prior to the CHL playoffs where he led Moncton in scoring. With decent size and good skating, I have high hopes for Morin. I reached a bit for Morin and there were very good skaters available, but I wanted Morin as a prospect.
#57 - Nico Myatovic - Left Wing - 6'2" - I had the opportunity to watch the Thunderbirds clinch the WHL and came away very impressed with Myatovic. Good size, with a decent handle and a good shot, he was pushed down the lineup as Seattle built their team of top prospects. With many moving on to pro hockey I'm hopeful Myatovic becomes a top line player with Seattle.
#78 - Carey Terrance - Center - 6'1" - I wasn't initially familiar with Terrance, but as I read more, he seems to be someone who is under the radar playing for Erie in the OHL. A good overall skater with decent skill, Terrance will be interesting to monitor as top OHL prospects join the Otters.
#80 - Denver Barkey - Center - 5'9" - With Cheese snatching up all the mini skaters, I selected Barkey as a good value pick. Ranked as high as early 50s, Denver is a highly skilled forward with the NHL factory in London. If he was four inches taller I suspect he would be viewed as a late first rounder. Instead he could be a Cam Atkinson like contributor.
#100 - Artuu Karki - Defense - 6'2" - A guy I had my eye on with good tools. Had him rated much higher and was pleased when he was still available in the 4th round. Interested to see where he lands in the NHL draft as Karki has a lot of upside but will need time and a good development system.
#106 - Gavin McCarthy - Defense - 6'2" - Another pick looking for value for my last selection. McCarthy has all the tools to be a NHL dman, but needs development time that he will hopefully have at Boston U.
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