NHL Mock Draft Roundup: Four New Post-Combine Blackhawks Projections to Consider

The 2024 NHL recruiting class is in the rearview mirror, which means we are now somewhat transitioning our non-playoff eyes to the 2024 NHL Draft. I say somewhat sort of because the Russian prospects who weren’t able to attend the Combine will be training in Florida next week, which could point the direction of some/many mock draft players.

I updated my two-round 2024 NHL Mock Draft on Tuesday with some changes due to how things went at/around the Combine.

Simulation Project #1 Summary

Simulation Project #2 Summary

Simulation Project Summary #3

Simulation Project Summary #4

Simulation Project Summary #5

Simulation Project Summary #6

Let’s move on to some new simulation scenarios.

NHL.com — Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale

The guys from NHL.com participated in a full first-round mock draft in which they both made picks for each team. So we have two minds working on each choice and explaining their rationale. They agree on who the Blackhawks will take at number 2, but had differing opinions at number 18.

2. Artyom Levshunov, RHD

Kimelman comments: “After selecting a franchise-changing center in Connor Bédard with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks can now focus on finding a game-changing player on defense. After Celebrini, Levshunov might be the most NHL-ready player in the 2024 draft with his size (6-2, 205) and skills helping him tally 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games as a college recruit..”

Comments from Morréale: “The Belarusian-born right-hander was the third-youngest player in men’s college hockey and ranked second among NCAA freshman defensemen and tied for 10th among all defensemen in scoring. The Blackhawks need a future pillar on defense and Levshunov fits that bill.“

18. (Kimelman) Sacha Boisvert, C.

Kimelman comments: “Scouts like how the 18-year-old has improved his skating as the season has gone on, further improving his 200-foot game. With Bédard, Oliver Moore (2023, No. 19) and Frank Nazar (2022, No. 13), the Blackhawks have built highly skilled centers. Boisvert (6-2, 183) brings a little more size and a 200-foot game to go along with the skill that allowed him to total 68 points (36 goals, 32 assists) in 61 games this season.“

My minds: Sign me up for a 6-2 center heading to North Dakota in the fall! He scored 36 goals in 61 regular season games for Muskegon in the USHL, where he was an assistant captain (leadership: failure). He probably projects as a true center. Corey Pronman at Athleticism compared him to Josh Norris.

18. (Morreale) Igor Chernyshov, AG

Comments from Morréale: “Chernyshov (6-2, 192) had four points (three goals, one assist) in 34 games in the KHL and 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 22 games with Dynamo in the Russian junior league. The 18-year-old right-hander, who thrives on his outside wing, has the looks of a winger or center with power forward potential at the next level.“

My minds: We’ve heard this name before and I’m always intrigued by its size. Of the two players named by the guys at NHL.com, I think I would prefer Boisvert.

Athletics (Staff)

Wednesday morning, Athleticism released its second mock team draft that featured Scott Powers handling picks for the Blackhawks. A familiar name and one that many fans here liked from the start.

2. Artyom Levshunov, RHD

Comments on powers: “I believe the Blackhawks are largely deciding between Levshunov and Ivan Demidov. This might change next month, but as of today I think they would pick Levshunov. Since taking over as general manager, Kyle Davidson has prioritized building a defense. This is what collapsed first under the previous regime and prevented the Blackhawks from extending their Cup window. Although the Blackhawks have plenty of promising defensemen in the pipeline, what Levshunov would bring would likely strengthen and round out the group. Davidson could then focus on strengthening the offense Connor Bedard.“

18. Michael Hage, C.

Comments on powers: “The Blackhawks moved up two spots in the first round thanks to their recent trade with the Islanders, so you’d think that means they’re considering having a better chance at a player they’re targeting at 18 rather than 20 years. There aren’t many surprises. in previous picks, and Hage feels like one of the few players still on the board who could go at any time now and could be worth this type of aggressive trade if you’re truly sold on his potential. He certainly looked like he had a huge ceiling with the way he played late in the season in the USHL. He dominated and carried the Steel to the playoffs over the past month. He has 12 goals and 19 assists in his last 16 games. He has many of the attributes the Blackhawks have valued in their draft picks over the past few years, as well as a little more size. Just like Frank Nazarthe Blackhawks can let Hage develop at Michigan and in college hockey for a few years, then add him to their growing roster of young NHL players.“

My minds: I didn’t see Hage going to the Blackhawks in many of my mock drafts simply because he was off the board before them (usually before the Islanders trade) or, at 18, another player had as much meaning to me. Powers traded forwards Jett Luchanko, Liam Greentree, Boisvert and Chernyshov as well as defenseman EJ Emery to select Hage. It’s all good if Hage becomes a future Blackhawk in a few weeks – in fact, I’d love that. Bring all the men of Michigan to Chicago!

Sportsnet — Sam Cosentino

We also received a full mock of Cosentino’s first round after the Combine. Another of the two names most linked to the Blackhawks at number 2, and another new name at 18th.

2. Ivan Demidov, AD

Cosentino comments: “Chicago’s prospect pool is fairly balanced (including goaltenders), which allows general manager Kyle Davidson to turn to the next best player in Demidov. There is still one year left on his KHL contract, but this is a good time since this rebuild has only just started to take shape.“

18. Stian Solberg, LHD

Cosentino comments: “The latest rapid climber, Solberg leaves the plateau earlier than expected. Plays a physical and mature game where the offense is present. The Hawks selected a forward with the No. 2 pick and now address defense with this selection.“

My minds: That’s an interesting name to have in Chicago. Solberg is indeed one of the hottest names in the draft right now; I had him taken off the board before the Blackhawks were even on the clock in my last mock draft, and it’s a possibility. He’s a very good defender who is 6-2, 201 and… left-handed, which is why I have doubts about the necessity/suitability. Cosentino counts Boisvert, Michael Hage and Liam Greentree among the players still present in 18th place. I would strongly consider one of these forwards or RHD EJ Emery.

the Score team

Kyle Cushman, Nick Faris, John Matisz and Josh Wegman helped screen a full first round for theScore.

2. Artyom Levshunov, RHD

Comments on theScore: “The Blackhawks face a big decision: should they bring in a dynamic forward to play alongside Bédard or strengthen the foundation of their blue line? Gate #2 is a smart choice, and it gets them Levshunov, the best prospect Belarus has ever produced. He outplays puck carriers, eagerly rushes into the rush, and combines good playmaking instincts with the ability to bury shots.“

18. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, R.W.

Comments on theScore: “General manager Kyle Davidson sought to maximize the value of Chicago’s picks by moving up from 20th overall in May. The timing of the trade was unusual, but by giving the Islanders an extra second-rounder, the Blackhawks can add a feisty, responsible, shoot-first winger out of Oslo. Brandsegg-Nygard scored three goals and five points at the men’s worlds.“

My minds: Same two guys I had in my last mock draft. I can’t argue here!