NHL Draft 2013: Latest Expert Predictions for Chicago Blackhawks 1st-Round Pick

The Chicago Blackhawks are back to business less than a week after they won the Stanley Cup—the 2013 NHL draft is here.

Now's the time for the Blackhawks to invest in future players, even if their first pick is 30th in the draft. Winning a Stanley Cup doesn't guarantee future success; picking great prospects does.

The following players were selected as the Blackhawks' first-round pick by experts around the league.

William Carrier

Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: William Carrier

Age:	18	Nationality:	Canadian
Position:	Left Wing/Center	Shoots:	Left
Height:	6'1.5"	Weight:	196 lbs

William Carrier only played 34 games for Cape Breton of the QMJHL this season due to an ankle injury. Even with the injury, however, the forward scored 16 goals and tallied 26 assists.

Carrier is a big player at 6'1.5" and 196 pounds—he's the kind of player the Blackhawks could use to stand in front of the net and fish for offensive rebounds. The Quebec native is a two-way forward, a unique quality already valued on the defensive-minded Blackhawks team.

Shea Theodore

Allan Muir of SI.com: Shea Theodore

Age:	17	Nationality:	Canadian
Position:	Defenseman	Shoots:	Left
Height:	6'2"	Weight:	178 lbs

Shea Theodore is a risky pick for the Blackhawks. But with high risk comes high reward. The defenseman is highly offensive and scored 19 goals and had 31 assists in 71 games played with Seattle in the WHL last season.

His two-way ability is great except he had a minus-24 rating during the season. One of Theodore's problems is that he will sacrifice his defensive game to go on offense. If he can refine his reads, Theodore could end up being a steal for the Blackhawks.

Joshua Morrissey

Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Joshua Morrissey

Age:	18	Nationality:	Canadian
Position:	Defenseman	Shoots:	Left
Height:	5'11.75"	Weight:	186 lbs

Joshua Morrissey is a defenseman who, like the Stanley Cup champions, loves the transition game. With 47 points in 70 games played for Prince Albert of the WHL, Morrissey can run the offense from the blue line. He was an assistant captain for Team Canada's U-18 team in the World Junior Championship.

The Calgary native even trains with Duncan Keith and could be the perfect fit for the Blackhawks. If Chicago is lucky, he'll still be around for the 30th pick.