Chicago Blackhawks 2025 NHL Draft: Dark Horse Prospects & Potential Steals

Intriguing Forward Prospects

• 💡 Mason West, a 6'6" 218lb forward from Minnesota's high school system and the USHL's Fargo Force, is a big, athletic prospect with D1 football offers. He is choosing hockey and is projected to be available in the second round, fitting the Blackhawks' need for size up front.
• 🎯 His athleticism and potential for development make him an intriguing option, with his Elite Prospects ranking at 61st overall, potentially rising after a strong combine.

Physical Powerhouse with Skill

• 💥 Brady Martin, a physical defenseman from the Sue Greyhound, is described as a physical beast with significant skill, projected in the middle of the first round. He is noted as a uniquely heavy and frequent hitter.
• 🏒 Despite his physicality, Martin also possesses offensive capabilities, scoring 72 points in 57 games, making him a rare find in today's NHL.
• 🚀 If the Blackhawks are willing to trade up from their 25th pick, Martin could fill a role for the team, embodying traits often seen in successful playoff performers.

Defensive Defenseman Potential

• 🛡️ Payton Kettles, a 6'5" defenseman from the Swift Current Broncos, is a defensive defenseman with a "nasty" game, focusing on stopping opponents in transition and being hard to play against.
• ⛸️ Despite his size, Kettles possesses good mobility, comparable to other large defensemen like Alex Vlasic, and is seen as a potential third-pairing defenseman who could contribute on the penalty kill.
• 🧱 His game is characterized by physicality, laying hits, and being a punisher in front of the net, making him a potentially fun addition to the Blackhawks' system.