Chicago Blackhawks lined up with golden opportunity to acquire Connor Bedard offensive support at 2025 draft

Currently sitting at 13.5% chance at securing the first overall pick, second to only the San Jose Sharks at 25.5%, the Blackhawks are in the running for another phenom like Connor Bedard at second overall.

All weight will be on Kyle Davidson's shoulders at the NHL draft and it will shape the future of the franchise, which looks to get back into playoff contention as fans are becoming impatient.

The draft lottery is set to take place on May 5th which will determine the Blackhawks' fate picking in the top three, or like 2023, when they made a large jump to the first overall selection and drafted Connor Bedard.

2025 draft classes are still unfoldings, but slated are an elite level group of players amongst the top including names like James Hagens, Porter Martone, Matthew Schaefer, and Michael Misa who's NHL comparable is Blackhawks legend Patrick Kane.

With Davidson's decision to pass up on Ivan Demidov and select Artyom Levshunov with their 2024 second-overall pick, it's evident he isn't looking to draft a defenseman with their highest first round selection this season.

According to NHL.com's draft rankings, the top 10 picks are currently projected to be the following players:

1. Matthew Schaefer (D)
2. Michael Misa (F)

3. James Hagens (F)
4. Jake O'Brien (F)

5. Radim Mrtka (D)
6. Porter Martone (F)

7. Caleb Desnoyers (F)
8. Roger McQueen (F)

9. Kashawn Aitcheson (D)
10. Carter Bear (F)

With Michael Misa Slated at #2 alongside a boatload of elite-skilled forwards, some are suggesting the Blackhawks would rather draft second overall, due to the fact that they are in need of a forward - which would leave Matthew Schaefer left as a gift for the next team.