Sources: The Athletic, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Dobber Prospects, Elite Prospects, FC Hockey, Last Word on Sports, Lines, NBC Sports Chicago, Recruit Scouting, Scouching Report, Smaht Scouting, The Draft Analyst, The Hockey News, The Hockey Writers
Now that the 2022 NHL Draft is in the books, Alex DeBrincat was essentially traded for Kevin Korchinski, Paul Ludwinski, and a 2024 3rd round pick while Kirby Dach was exchanged for Frank Nazar and Gavin Hayes.
Day 2 of the draft maintained the same themes as Day 1 in terms of coveted traits including speed, relentlessness, and compete level. While the Blackhawks took a pair of blueliners in Round 1, none were selected in Rounds 2-7.
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Paul Ludwinski
2nd Round
Kingston (OHL), C
5'10" 172 lbs, Left-Handed
Projects to be a middle 6 center who has an endless motor, strong skating, and an aggressive compete level; he complements linemates well and is defensively dependable.
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Ryan Greene
2nd Round
Green Bay (USHL), C
6'1" 174 lbs, Right-Handed
Projects to be a high-risk/high-reward center if he can add strength and consistency to his very good set of offensive skills, skating ability, and hockey intelligence.
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Gavin Hayes
3rd Round
Flint (OHL), LW
6'1" 178 lbs, Right-Handed
Projects to be a middle 6 winger with excellent skating, relentless compete level, puck hound mentality, and sneaky creativity as a playmaker; consistency is key to growth.
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Samuel Savoie
3rd Round
Gatineau (QMJHL), C/W
5'10" 189 lbs, Left-Handed
Projects to be a versatile bottom sixer who can play pivot or either wing and deliver an abrasive brand of hockey backed up by his puck magnetism, tireless work ethic, and slick wheels.
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Aidan Thompson
3rd Round
Lincoln (USHL), C
5'11" 181 lbs, Left-Handed
Projects to be a potential 2nd line playmaker with sublime vision and sleek passing to go along with a keen capacity to manage the puck well; he's lightning quick like other draft classmates.
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Dominic James
6th Round
University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA), C
5'11" 165 lbs, Left-Handed
Projects to be a bottom 6 energy role player who fights for every inch of ice using his fearlessness to forecheck hard, attack the middle, and pounce on pucks; reliable in his own end, too.
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Nils Juntorp
6th Round
HV71 Jr (Sweden), LW/RW
6'1" 185 lbs, Right-Handed
Projects to be a 4th line forechecker who contests pucks up and down the ice with his blazing speed and intense hustle; he's limited offensively yet displays decent play reading.
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Riku Tohila
7th Round
JYP Jr (Finland), C
6'5" 190 lbs, Right-Handed
Projects to be a long-term project who has raw talent and traits that may or may not result in any productivity or impact in the North American pro game.
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Liam Gorman
The Blackhawks traded one of their 2022 6th round picks to the Penguins for the rights to 2018 6th rounder Liam Gorman. Unless he's a diamond in the rough, a cursory glance at his stats depicts a career minor leaguer. It's a head scratcher why draft capital was used to obtain his rights.
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Duncan Keith
It was rumored earlier in the week that Duncan Keith was pondering retirement. That rumor is now reality as he officially hangs up the skates. Even though there is a recapture penalty for the next two seasons, the impact on the Blackhawks salary cap should be minimal.
Why is that? There's salary likely exiting if the DeBrincat trade forces the hand of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and/or Seth Jones to leave Chicago sooner rather than later. Some salary has already left with DeBrincat and Dach. Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalik are sure to follow.
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