Chicago Blackhawks: A Closer Look at Their First-Round Draft Pick

The 2011 NHL Draft was held just a little over a week ago and the Blackhawks made some picks that should really help them out in the future.  With their first pick in the draft, in the first round at number 18, Chicago selected forward Mark McNeil of the Prince Albert Raiders (a member of the Western Hockey League).  McNeil hails from Edmonton Alberta and has had a solid early career in hockey and the Blackhawks will be looking forward to his further development.

Some of the positive things about McNeil include his ability to carry a team with his scoring talent and to make plays when they are needed. 

McNeil came into the draft ranked as the 22nd prospect for the NHL Draft and impressed NHL scouts all across the country with his play and production.

He comes in standing 6'1" and weighs 204 pounds, giving him the size that you would want at the forward position.  He can play as hard as anyone when he has to, but also has the finer points of the game figured out.  He can pass the puck well and get it to guys with seeming ease.  McNeil is also  pretty tough, plays an aggressive game when he has to and he’s not afraid to mix it up a little with opposing players.

Scouts also seemed to appreciate the fact that McNeil is a right-handed player. 

McNeil may be willing to throw down his gloves and fight every now and then, but he also remains calm and collected in certain situations and acts like a true professional on the ice at all times.  He also comes with a lot of maturity and is a true leader.

Like every player that is drafted, McNeil does have some issues that he will have to work on in order to find success in the NHL.  His main issues are that he has to improve on his ability to play offense and he needs to work on his change of direction and agility. 

There isn’t a lot wrong McNeil.

He won’t be ready for the big time right away, so the Blackhawks will sit and let him develop a bit before bringing him up to play in the NHL.  He’s close to being a player that could participate in the league in short order and possibly become a star in the future.