For a second straight season the draft is expected to take a turn when the Chicago Blackhawks pick. Last season, the team deviated from the court of public opinion, taking Artyom Levshunov instead of Ivan Demidov. Whether or not the Blackhawks made the right decision is yet to be decided. There was not necessarily a clear number two behind Macklin Celebrini.

This season, the draft has a clear top two, with the Hawks picking third. With Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa expected to be the top two picks, the Blackhawks will have an interesting decision before them with the third pick. Let’s take a look at who the Blackhawks might have to choose between.

James Hagens

An early season favourite to go first overall, the Boston College centre comes with high end pedigree. Though his production was stellar as a freshman, it was not quite as eye popping as some might have hoped. Still, Hagens played at a higher level of competition than many projected first-rounders and was clearly an effective player.

Though some of the lustre dwindled throughout the season, Hagens is still a prospect worth getting excited about. He is a skilled playmaker, though comparisons to Logan Cooley or Jack Hughes might undervalue his defensive abilities.

Despite being under six foot and playing a more skilled style, Hagens already displays maturity and competitiveness. Size and strength are in vogue these days, but Hagens is not a one dimensional player. Still, with other qualified options to consider, style might become a big part of the equation for teams picking high in the draft.

The Blackhawks have a lot of quality young players on the roster and in the pipeline, but Hagens might be too similar to many of the existing prospects. Prospective centres Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore all share some stylistic traits with Hagens. Naturally, a player of Hagens’ quality would bolster the group. If the Hawks select Hagens, it will be because his talent puts him far ahead of the other options. If the rankings are closer, the Hawks could prioritize a player that adds more dimension to their core.

Anton Frondell

Playing in the Allsvenskan, Frondell is the most polarizing prospect in the top 10 of the draft. After a sluggish and injury riddled start to the season, Frondell exploded in the second half of the season. His shot, especially his one timer, is a salient asset in his skillset. With a good frame there is hope that he will be able to provide a lot of other qualities as well.

With a late birthday, one of the younger prospects in the draft, and 25 points in 29 Allsvenskan games this season, ahead of the draft year performances for many star NHLers like William Nylander, David Pastrnak, and Filip Forsberg, there are a lot of measurables within Frondell’s favour. Those who are higher on Frondell envision a high level of defensive ability as a centre. His competitiveness and attention to detail supports this, and with his size he should be able to win physical battles in tough ice. He is comfortable driving the middle of the ice, and shows some promising puck protection through traffic.

Those who are lower on him often cite his skating, a lack of explosiveness that limits his ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone. His harshest critics will suggest that he is unlikely to generate or drive offence as an NHLer – instead relying on his linemates to carry play. Fellow 2025 draft eligible linemate Victor Eklund was fantastic as well, and might be seen as more of the lead for the duo’s success.

However the Hawks feel about Frondell’s upside, he does provide their current forward group with more dimension. All three of Bedard, Nazar, and Moore would seem to complement Frondell in some way. Between his production, talents, and positional versatility, Frondell would seem a fantastic selection for the Hawks. Some might feel he is the third best prospect in the draft outright, but his stylistic profile should be particularly appealing to the Hawks.

Porter Martone

Simply put, Porter Martone is a rare package. A huge winger, Martone plays more of a skill game. Martone was the second highest CHL producer in this draft class, behind only Michael Misa. With more than an assist per game, Martone shows a lot of promise as a playmaker. He got several key votes of confidence from Hockey Canada, representing his country at the U20 World Juniors as well as the Men’s World Championship.

Martone is an incredible stickhandler, and is able to use his frame to protect the puck as well. His vision and processing is evident, making his abilities as a playmaker undeniable. He does have a good enough shot to score from the slot, but will find a lot of his goals from in tight. Again, Martone’s size is key here, helping him to win at the net front. His willingness to play in tight is vital to NHL success, as Martone has described Corey Perry and Matthew Tkachuk among the players he models his game after.

There are, of course, some blemishes or concerns. Much of these surround the nature of Martone’s star status in the OHL – at times trying to use his skill too much instead of making simple plays. Despite his size he is not always the most physical or aggressive. Though his skating is not a standout skill, most of these concerns should wane with maturity. The good news is that between his experiences with team Canada and his being named captain of his OHL team, Martone appears to have the dedication and work ethic to keep improving.

As many teams prioritize centres, Martone might fall a bit in the draft. The Blackhawks might feel that their centre position is adequately accounted for, that they can afford to take a winger. Martone would add dimension to the roster, giving some much needed size to the young core.

Caleb Desnoyers

While not the most dynamic offensive player in the draft, Desnoyers has a winning aura. His details and competitiveness, his physicality and processing, Desnoyers seems to have strong leadership qualities as well. He’s able to contribute in all phases of the game. Desnoyers has all the makings of a player that is greatly appreciated by coaches.

There is obvious skill as well, Desnoyers leading his QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats in scoring by healthy margins in both the regular season and the playoffs. Desnoyers is not as skilled a playmaker as Hagens or Martone, and not as strong a shooter as Frondell, but he does bring a bit in each area. Altogether, Desnoyers will make one NHL fan base quite happy on draft night.

That said, the Hawks selecting Desnoyers would be seen as a reach. The gamble would be that Desnoyers is such a complete leader and competitor that he outperforms more skilled players in tough moments. Perhaps the team feels that Desnoyers brings an element that the rest of the young core is needing more of.

Brady Martin

As the NHL gets deeper into its scouting process, there are often late risers. Most of the time these players provide a level of physicality that NHL teams seem to value more than most public scouts. This season it is centre Brady Martin who is making waves. Throughout the season Martin has been in conversations to be selected around the middle of the first round, and there has been a lot to like based off of production alone.

From a distance it might seem that Martin brings a well rounded game. However, Martin has an uncanny ability to hit. His intensity and determination are obvious, but Martin is tactical with his physicality. With the hockey sense to read and anticipate play, as well as the speed to make it to his spots, Martin can change the tempo of the game with his hits.

In short, Martin is something of a menace on the ice. With Sam Bennett being so in vogue right now, Martin’s stock might be primed to soar. The Blackhawks at third overall might be as high as possible for Martin, but rumours that the Utah Mammoth are interested at fourth overall already exist.

While Frondell and Martone might diversify the skill sets of the young core, and Hagens might increase the skill level, Martin joins Desnoyers as more of a character shifting opportunity. Frondell, Desnoyers, and to an extent Hagens project as capable defenders. Desnoyers brings some physicality, but Martin offers an uncanny intensity. Of course, players of a similar disposition might be available deeper in the draft, but Martin has legitimate potential for second line skills as well.

Conclusion

With a young blueline coming into form and two fairly promising young goalies, the Blackhawks focus will undoubtedly be on building up the forward group. Already with a lot of high end skill to work with, bailing this pick will pivotal to the trajectory of the team.

The fact that there are several legitimate options is exciting. For fans with specific opinions on the prospects it can also be nerve wracking. Each might have their own favourite, as personal preference will be huge for the decision. By most counts Frondell is the betting favourite, and he would seem to check the most boxes of the group.