2015 NHL Draft Guide for Chicago Blackhawks

The 2015 NHL draft is going to be an interesting couple of days for general manager Stan Bowman and for the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. The modern dynasty just captured its third title in six years, but the salary cap is going to force some major changes.

There are a number of ways Bowman and company can tackle the draft, and he would be wise to sell high on talent and recoup as many assets as possible. With that in mind, here is a look at some potential solid fits for the Hawks.

Projected Lineup and Depth Chart

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As of today, the Blackhawks have the following roster players signed to a contract, per General Fanager:

Forwards

• Centers: Jonathan Toews, Andrew Shaw and Teuvo Teravainen
• Left Wingers: Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg and Bryan Bickell
• Right Wingers: Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa

Defense

• Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Niklas Hjalmarsson

Goaltending

• Corey Crawford, Antti Raanta and Scott Darling

Projected Lineup

Brandon Saad—Jonathan Toews—Marian Hossa
[*Winger acquired in a Patrick Sharp trade]—Teuvo Teravainen—Patrick Kane
Artemi Panarin—Andrew Shaw—Ryan Hartman
Joakim Nordstrom—Marcus Kruger—Kyle Baun

Duncan Keith—Niklas Hjalmarsson
Trevor van Riemsdyk—Brent Seabrook
[UFA signing]—Ville Pokka

Corey Crawford
Scott Darling

*h/t NBC Chicago

Recent Draft History

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Top Players Drafted in Last Five Years

2013: Ryan Hartman, No. 30 Overall from Plymouth (OHL)

2012: Teuvo Teravainen, No. 18 Overall from Jokerit (Finland)

2011: Brandon Saad, No. 43 Overall from Saginaw (OHL)

2011: Andrew Shaw, No. 139 Overall from Owen Sound (OHL)

2010: Kevin Hayes, No. 24 Overall from Nobles (High-MA)

The Blackhawks have done a tremendous job drafting quality players over the last five seasons, and all are still with the franchise with the exception of Kevin Hayes. The Blackhawks' 2010 first-round pick signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers because the team didn't have any open spots for him to play.

Brandon Saad, Teuvo Teravainen and Andrew Shaw are the Blackhawks' last three successful picks, and all played a vital role in the team's most recent Stanley Cup victory. Ryan Hartman is a right winger who suited up for five games in Chicago this past season, and due to the team's cap crunch, there is a good chance he will spend the majority of the 2015-16 campaign at the NHL level.

Prospect Pool

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Ville Pokka

Top Prospects

1) Ville Pokka: Pokka came over to the Blackhawks in the deal that sent Nick Leddy to the New York Islanders, and he should be a member of the Chicago blue line for the 2015-16 NHL season. The 6'0", 196-pound defender made his North America debut with the Rockford IceHogs this past season, tallying 39 points in 68 games.

2) Artemi Panarin: Panarin signed with the Blackhawks as a free agent May 1. He led SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL in scoring with 62 points during the 2014-15 season. He is a dynamic offensive winger with upside and will have the potential to play on the second or third line in 2015-16.

3) Nick Schmaltz: The younger brother of St. Louis Blues prospect Jordan Schmaltz had a successful freshman season with the University of North Dakota. In 38 NCAA games, he tallied five goals and 21 assists, and his 26 points placed him fourth on the team in scoring. The 6'0", 172-pound center could spend another year or two in college, which would give him enough time to develop into a player who can make an impact at the NHL level when the Blackhawks need him.

Team Needs

Going into the draft, the Blackhawks have a couple of items on their shopping list, and they can address it by using or trading their draft picks. With that in mind, here are their biggest needs and potential fits based on the picks they have in their possession.

1) Cost-Controlled Forwards

The Blackhawks' salary-cap crunch has them in a position in which they will have to deal a number of players to become cap compliant. Therefore, it would make sense to receive some first- and second-round picks in exchange for a player such as Patrick Sharp, because it would allow the Blackhawks to acquire talented young players who can make it to the NHL in the next two to three seasons.

The Blackhawks' success in recent years has prevented them from scoring high draft picks, but the current predicament gives them a chance to start restocking the cupboard. The Blackhawks are not in a position of luxury, but they have a chance to make the most of a tricky situation.  

Potential Fits: Jeremy Bracco, Erik Foley and Graham Knott

2) Cost-Controlled Defenders

The Blackhawks are in the process of promoting a number of defensive prospects to the NHL for the 2015-16 season, and there will be some holes to fill. It would make perfect sense to draft some quality defenders to replace players such as Ville Pokka and Michael Paliotta once they are promoted. 

Potential Fits: Nicholas Boka, Rasmus Andersson and Ryan Pilon

General Outlook

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The Blackhawks have a second, third, fourth and fifth round pick, two sixth round picks and one seventh round pick in the upcoming draft, and it should be a priority to add an extra pick or two in the first three rounds. 

Chicago has a ton of wiggle room as a result of winning three Stanley Cups in six seasons after going multiple decades without one, but the franchise has a major opportunity in front of it. This is the perfect time to sell high on every moveable asset, because it will allow the Blackhawks to improve the farm system and avoid a ton of scrutiny for dealing popular players.

Things are certainly going to change in Chicago, but the team is in good hands with general manager Stan Bowman at the helm.

Draft pick history via Hockey-Reference.com. Stats via NHL.com and Elite Prospects. Roster and salary information via General Fanager unless otherwise noted.