One of the toughest parts of building a franchise is correctly judging how much hidden value a prospect has on draft day—finding players much later than they “should” still be on the board. That rule applies across every pro sport, and the clubs that consistently spot those bargains usually wind up with the biggest on‑field (or on‑ice) payoff.
Few organizations understand this better than the Chicago Blackhawks: their modern dynasty might never have happened without snagging Duncan Keith, Corey Crawford, and Brandon Saad in the second round. Yes, first‑round selections matter, but it’s the later rounds that often determine a team’s ceiling.
With three first‑round picks this year, general manager Kyle Davidson swung big on several raw, high‑upside players. Doing so meant he also needed to mine value on Day 2—and it looks as though he did. Many around the NHL believe Chicago scored one of the draft’s greatest bargains when they scooped up WHL standout Nathan Behm in Round 3. Elite Prospects had pegged Behm to go roughly 30 spots earlier.
Behm’s breakout 2023‑24 season saw him tally 31 goals and 35 assists in just 59 games, torturing opponents with slick hands, relentless attack mentality, and top‑tier vision.
So why did he tumble? Scouts cited streaky production late in the year plus concerns about his habits, motor, and defensive commitment. Yet at 18, he has plenty of runway to iron those flaws out—and the Blackhawks can afford to be patient.
Elite Prospects ranked him 36th overall and praised his ability to weave through defenders with reach, deft handling, and quick angle changes before unloading one‑timers or clever passes. On a Kamloops Blazers team where only Red Wings prospect Emmitt Finnie scored more, Behm still posted 66 points.
If he sharpens his consistency, work rate, and defensive play over the next few seasons, Chicago might look back on this pick as one of the biggest steals the franchise has made in years.
