Looking back at the Chicago Blackhawks' draft history, 2015 stands out as an especially regrettable year. Despite a talent-rich NHL draft that produced numerous stars, the Blackhawks' seven picks have only managed a combined 48 NHL games eight years later - all credited to Dennis Gilbert.
One of the missed opportunities that year was Finnish forward Roope Hintz, who has since proven his value with his speed, physicality, and scoring ability. The missed chance to draft Hintz still haunts Chicago, especially given the draft class's overall success.
The 2015 NHL Draft serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of effective scouting and selection decisions. The Blackhawks' performance that year offers a stark contrast to the success of other teams and is considered one of their poorest draft performances in recent history. The hope is that lessons have been learned to avoid such mishaps in future drafts.
