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Good news for the Chicago Blackhawks in the re-doing of the 2022 NHL draft
Photo credit: Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP
The 2022 NHL Draft class had some firepower, which GM Kyle Davidson selected Frank Nazar, instead of someone else like Simon Nemec, or Cutter Gauthier, and here's how we would've drafted the first ten picks.
The 2022 NHL Draft had some heavy hitters, including the Chicago Blackhawks' own Frank Nazar, whom GM Kyle Davidson selected 13th overall.
We'll take a look at a different top ten after seeing these players reach various ranks in the NHL and AHL.
10. Denton Mateychuk
Denton Mateychuk was originally selected 12th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mateychuk. The Winnipeg native, spent 47 games playing in the NHL this season and was a key role player in the Blue Jackets season end push for a playoff spot.
Albeit they came out shy, he added 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) on the team's 2nd pairing.
Mintyukov has now played two seasons on a rebuilding Anaheim Ducks team, serving on the second pairing with shutdown defenseman Jacob Trouba. He's increased his production, scoring 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) in 68 games with the team this year. He's a great two-way defenseman who can not only offer offense, but isn't afraid of being physical either.
8. Simon Nemec
Nemec was unable to take a major leap forward despite playing in his first NHL season as a Devils defenseman. Originally selected 2nd overall, like his counterpart Juraj Slafkovsky, the development may take longer than expected.
Poitras has the makings of a great, skilled center. Despite his small size, he can work his passing abilities to make them pay for their mistakes, and isn't afraid of getting physical. The only curse he suffers from is being a member of the Bruins organization, which undervalues him.
6. Marco Kasper
Kasper has found himself a key piece in the Red Wings' offensive unit. This season, he's scored a total of 37 points in 77 games with the Wings, as a 2nd-line center. Kasper is now playing in the IIHF World Championships with Austria.
5. Jiri Kulich
Kulich at 5 might be a controversial take. Given that he was selected by one of the worst teams in the NHL and has since taken the reins at the top-line center in Buffalo, he deserves it. He's put up 24 points (15 goals, 9 assists) in his rookie year in 62 games with a terrible Sabres squad. Just imagine if he played for a good team?
4. Logan Cooley
Logan Cooley has shown he is a skilled forward with the ability to make amazing plays. He's scored a total of 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists) with the Utah Mammoth this season.
This Chicago Blackhawks defenseman played almost an entire year of NHL hockey after he arrived from the Seattle Thunderbirds. He'd score a total of 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 76 games with the Blackhawks. He's currently cooking in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, but has the makings of a top defenseman in the NHL.
2. Lane Hutson
What is there to say with his name? A Calder Trophy favorite who was originally selected 62nd overall. Now, a 66-point (6 goals, 60 assists) defenseman in the NHL with the Habs.
1. Frank Nazar
Originally selected 13th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Nazar has found himself as an electric forward in the Blackhawks' lineup after only a short stint in the AHL. As a skilled forward and part of the team's youth movement, the only way he can continue to develop is up. In 53 games this year, he scored 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists).
| POLL | ||
MAI 10 | 157 ANSWERS Good news for the Chicago Blackhawks in the re-doing of the 2022 NHL draft If you were GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks, would you have picked Frank Nazar earlier than 13th overall? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 54.1 % |
| No | 72 | 45.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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