Chicago Blackhawks: Top 2012 Draft Needs, Targeted Prospects and Predictions

Two consecutive first round playoff exits since their Stanley Cup championship in 2010 have hockey fans in Chicago getting frustrated over their Blackhawks.

Poor goaltending was an issue for the team this season, especially in the playoffs against the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round.

In addition to the need for more goaltending, the Blackhawks also need to add some defensive depth to their organization.

Chicago's defense didn't play to the level expected throughout the year, especially during the team's long losing streak after the All-Star break.

Let's look at a draft preview for the Blackhawks as they enter a very important offseason.

Biggest Needs

The Blackhawks don't have a lot of goaltending talent at any level of the organization, so drafting a goalie should be a priority for them this year.

Adding a defenseman should also be a strategy for Chicago in the first few rounds, but right wing is the second biggest need after goaltending. The Blackhawks need more goal-scoring right wingers for the future.

Since this draft has a lot of depth on defense, expect the Blackhawks to take a blueliner in the first or second round.

Departing Players

The Blackhawks don't have any major free agents this summer, but a number of depth players have expiring deals.

Player	Position	UFA/RFA	2011-12 Salary Cap Hit	Age
Andrew Brunette	LW	UFA	$2 million	38
Brendan Morrison	C	UFA	$1.25 million	36
Sean O'Donnell	D	UFA	$850k	40

Most of the Blackhawks' free agents this summer are veteran players well past their prime. None of them are too expensive, but I expect few of them to return.

Chicago would be wise to find a winger in free agency that can provide goal scoring, such as Ray Whitney, Dustin Penner or Brian Rolston.

Bryan Allen would be a good defensive pickup for Chicago in free agency.

Draft Analysis

Malcolm Subban of the Belleville Bulls in the OHL would be a fantastic first round pick for the Blackhawks. If they don't take him with their selection, expect teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Philadelphia Flyers to think about taking him.

In 39 games for the Bulls this season, Subban was 25-14 with a 2.50 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He will be NHL-ready very soon which is good for the Blackhawks, and is part of the talented Subban family which includes Malcolm's brother P.K. who plays defense for the Montreal Canadiens.

Derrick Pouliot of the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL would be a good pick for the Blackhawks because of his offensive abilities.

Pouliot scored 11 goals and dished out 48 assists for 59 points this year, and projects to be a solid NHL blueliner for many years.

Best Fit

Subban is the best fit for the Blackhawks but Pouliot is also a fine choice. The choice may come down to what the Blackhawks decide to do in the free agent and trade markets.

The free agent class isn't very deep with goaltending, so unless Chicago wants to trade a big-name forward for a goaltender, drafting one is the way to go.

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