After the NHL Draft lottery results, the Chicago Blackhawks ended up with the 3rd overall pick, dropping one spot from their projected No. 2 position. While not ideal, the third pick still presents a major opportunity for the team to add another top-tier talent to their growing pool of young stars.
In recent drafts, Chicago has selected Kevin Korchinski (7th overall, 2022), Connor Bedard (1st overall, 2023), and Artyom Levshunov (2nd overall, 2024)—securing two high-end defensemen and a potential franchise center. This year, many believe the Blackhawks should use their pick on a forward, with James Hagens emerging as an ideal candidate.
Ranked third by NHL.com, Hagens could be available depending on how the top two picks unfold. If the Islanders take defenseman Matthew Schaefer and the Sharks opt for forward Michael Misa—who fits their needs better than Hagens—it would leave Hagens for Chicago at No. 3.
Hagens would give the Blackhawks a strong second-line center behind Bedard, offering a dynamic 1-2 punch similar to what McDavid and Draisaitl provide the Edmonton Oilers. That kind of depth down the middle could set the Blackhawks up for long-term success.
Even if Hagens isn’t available and they end up with Misa, the team would still gain a highly skilled forward to bolster their lineup. Either way, Chicago has a golden chance to add another cornerstone piece at the 2025 NHL Draft, and all eyes are on how the top selections will play out.
