This Chicago Blackhawks decision at 2025 NHL draft is turning heads

The Chicago Blackhawks made a bold decision to trade up and draft Mason West 29th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.

West is a multi-sport athlete, like another Blackhawks prospect, AJ Spellacy, who also played football, and both could have the option to continue down that path.

But for Mason West, that is an ever-present threat to the Blackhawks front office, according to The Athletic's Scott Powers.

The reason? West is 6-foot-6 and has experience being a high school quarterback. His skills of being able to utilize his vision to make plays translate on the football field and on the ice.

As an excellent skater, he's a shoo-in for an offensive threat on the ice, but the former Edina High School Quarterback still has suitors in the realm of football.

According to Scott Powers, who spoke with his former High School football coach, Jason Potts, as college football programs are still making inquiries into his availability even after the NHL draft.

It speaks volumes about how confident they are that they can pry him away from his NHL dreams. Fortunately for Blackhawks fans, they shouldn't worry, as according to Potts, he hasn't been torn away from hockey by any major football programs and should continue his journey deeper into hockey.

West even shut down former Super Bowl-winning NFL coach, turned Barstool host, Jon Gruden, on a potential return to the sport of football.

In the meantime, he has one year of high school football left. Though one major obstacle remains, as many college football quarterbacks are making major money on NIL deals, which could put a stop to the pursuit of his NHL goals.

For now, they'll have to manage the situation in a fluid manner and hope the team itself is a selling point for West.