Blackhawks Trade Up in 1st Round of Upcoming 2024 NHL Draft

The Chicago Blackhawks are making moves ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft. This upcoming season is an important one for the Hawks, as they will need to start ascending on their trajectory as a contending franchise. Although playoffs might not be in the cards, a statistical improvement is necessary.

With free agency and the NHL Draft coming up in the heart of the summer, the Blackhawks decided to make a move before the Memorial Day weekend. Per the team, the Blackhawks have moved up from pick #20 in the first round to pick #18. They also moved up four picks (#54 to #50) in the second round by throwing in an additional pick in the second round.

By forfeiting the #61 pick, the Blackhawks move up two and four spots in the first and second rounds, respectively. This move likely signals that Kyle Davidson has specific players in mind to target during the draft. Also, this could be a move to improve their capital for potential trades for solidified players if the opportunity presents itself.

With the move, the Blackhawks will still have eight picks in the upcoming draft, with six of them being in the first three rounds. The improved draft position should allow the Blackhawks to add four top-50 players to their prospect cupboard. If they don't use the picks, they are worthy draft capital for teams looking to get younger or are willing to move on from established players.

The NHL Draft will be live from The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 28 and 29. The first round will be on the 28th, while the rest of the draft will occur on the 29th.

Related: Connor Bedard's IIHF Worlds Performance Should Force Blackhawks to Add Talent

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