LAS VEGAS – With the NHL Draft festivities in full swing in Las Vegas, the Blackhawks have been tight-lipped about their plans for the No. 2 pick. General manager Kyle Davidson expressed confidence in their decision internally, hinting that a Belarusian defenseman Artyom Levshunov is the likely candidate, with Russian forward Ivan Demidov losing ground in the race.
The scorching heat of Las Vegas has deterred Davidson from strolling around incognito as in previous drafts. However, the odds seem to favor Levshunov, with bookmakers predicting an over 80% likelihood of him being picked second overall.
Davidson mentioned the excitement of meeting Demidov in person but acknowledged the extensive scouting and interactions with Levshunov over the past year as a significant factor in their decision-making process.
Looking beyond the second pick, the Blackhawks are gearing up for their six selections on Saturday, including two in the second round and two in the third round. Davidson highlighted the speculative nature of predicting player availability but underscored the thrill of the drafting process.
Trade talks are in the air as teams explore moving up or down the draft order. Davidson hinted at the Blackhawks’ potential interest in trading up if desired prospects start disappearing rapidly.
The recent trade with the Canucks involving forward Ilya Mikheyev was mentioned by Davidson, who sees the acquisition as an opportunity for Mikheyev to shine next season. The trade, which included 2027 picks, was a strategic move to diversify the Blackhawks’ draft picks for the future.
With possible forward additions on the horizon, Davidson remained elusive about potential top-six talent acquisitions. The focus is on exploring market opportunities without committing to long-term salary obligations, considering the potential for injury setbacks in the upcoming season.
As the NHL Draft unfolds in Las Vegas, the Blackhawks remain poised for a significant roster shakeup, with strategic draft picks, trade possibilities, and player acquisitions shaping the team’s future.