Team: 2018-19 Chicago Blackhawks

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 10, 2019

Published: Apr. 10, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I think these are really the only 2 options the hawks should be looking for at 3OA.

The gap between Pod and Kakko is a lot smaller than people think. Maybe even smaller than between Kakko and Hughes. Podkolzin is the most complete player after the top 2 and has a serious 200ft motor, a beast on the puck and elite vision hands and shot. Plays excellent without the puck too, a huge sticking point for young players. Would look great on a line with cat and strome bringing that extra level of grit and helping run the o zone cycle. The question is just when is he NHL ready and can we pull him over to NA before his SKA contract ends. If hes ready by oct 2020 and you can get some confirmation he will come over here I think hes the best player available at pick 3. I see him as a Hossa type player who dominates all 3 zones simply by wanting it more and makes everyone around him better.

On the other hand Cozens would be a good choice too. He has top end speed, elite shot and is excellent in the dirty areas. His combination of quick hands and huge frame makes him a monster on the half wall and down low. Finally a big body shoot first center for kane to play with who could take over for Toews as 1C (and maybe captain with his leadership skills) one day. Hes the safer pick than Pod due to the Russian factor but doesnt have that same 5th gear compete level that Pod does where he can just turn it on a split the D for highlight reel goals. I see him as a Ryan Kesler type who can score in bunches and is an aboslute pain to play against in front of the net or in the corners, something the hawks severely lack.

Drafting Byram would be a huge mistake. He has elite 4 way skating and passing but thats really it. Average hockey IQ and likely wont be NHL ready before Boqvist or Beaudin. We have 4-5 eilte D prospects coming up within the next 2 years and no elite forward depth after cat and strome. Hawks need to draft to their organizational needs.

Dach is interesting but I see him as a strome type player, big, killer dangles, pass first, great vision but slow and lacks explosion and maybe some consistency. I think he'd be redundant on the hawks so if were gonna go for a center I'd rather get a fast shooter in Cozens.

Turcotte is my dark horse pick at 3. I havent watched enough of him yet but from what I've seen he might be the best pure skating center in the draft with excellent edges. Hes smaller than Dach and Cozens but plays a very complete 200 ft game. Can pass score and defend with great ice awareness. Would rather the hawks look at Pod or Cozens but I wouldnt be totally unhappy with Turcotte.

What are you thoughts?