NHL Draft 2012: What Does Draft Mean for Chicago Blackhawks?

The Chicago Blackhawks came into the draft with two obvious needs: Goaltending and Defense. So with the 18th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected a right wing? 

Not many people saw that coming, so just how did they end up there? There are a few factors that lead to the taking of Teuvo Teravainen with the 18th pick.

First of all, the Hawks did not see Teuvo falling to that spot. Most mock drafts had him going much higher, so when a talent like Tervainen fell down to No. 18, Chicago had to snatch him up. Teuvo rose quickly in pre-draft rankings, but fell quickly on draft day, mainly because of his size, or lack thereof. Standing just 5'10" and weighing a measly 169 pounds, he's a target for opposing players to rough up, and can be taken out of the game easily. In addition, Teuvo has the option of playing in the KHL, as he was taken in the first round of the league's draft, so he may never even see the ice in a Blackhawks uniform. 

However, aside from those two setbacks, it is all uphill for Teuvo and the Blackhawks from here. Teuvo is a player who is quick, and uses that speed to dart down the ice and score goals, which is something that the Blackhawks could use a little more of.

Another reason that Teuvo ended up with Chicago is that they were able to get what they needed with the other picks that they had. All in all, the Hawks ended up selecting four forwards, two defensemen, and two goalies. Brandon Whitney, selected by the Hawks in the final round, was a steal to get in the final round. Most teams had him going somewhere between the late third to early fourth round. Getting him in the 7th and final round was a value pick for Chicago.

The word for the Hawks in this draft was gamble. The team took a gamble in drafting a right wing with their fist pick and waiting until the second round to draft a defenseman. Also, the team took an even bigger gamble in waiting until the 7th round to pick a goalie, ultimately placing all of their trust in current starter Corey Crawford. Most Hawks fans were upset and wanted Crawford's head after the season that he had, which included a collapse in the postseason against the Phoenix Coyotes. However, only time will tell whether this gamble proves to be a bust that could cost many Hawks front office members their jobs, or one that leads the team to another Stanley Cup.