Draft Prospect Profile:
ALEX HUANG - RD
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
DOB: 07-30-07 Age: 18

2024-25 CHICOUTIMI QMJHL 64-7-33-40 (PO: 11-3-2-5) PPG: 0.63 PIM: 16
2025-26 CHICOUTIMI QMJHL

Saw Huang in a couple of games this year, he seemed very active and agile. Scouting reports mention his puck handling, control and elusiveness, but also sometimes getting caught too deep in the offensive zone. Some good defensive play but also will need to add strength without losing speed or quickness. Draft ranking varies somewhat, but looks as if he will go in round 3-4. 2023-24 stats are very similar to the current year so teams will have to decide if he can improve enough to make the jumps to higher leagues. Does fit the CHI theme of playing fast and getting the puck up quickly into the offensive zone.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 77 (NA)
Wiz: 123

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect.../player/689875/alex-huang
"Huang’s deception, passing, and agility combine to make him a highly effective puck-mover. Handling the puck at his hip, in a multi-threat position, he fakes opponents, uses teammates, changes direction, and explodes out of his moves, leaving the opposition behind and creating a high volume of controlled offensive zone entries."

The Hockey Writers: https://thehockeywriters....l-draft-prospect-profile/
Alex Huang has eye-catching talent. He explosively separates from opponents with cutbacks on the breakouts and pulls off some high-end edge work plays from the point. Though his production didn’t impress this season, his defensive game did. He is one of the Canadian Hockey League’s best at defending the middle of the rink by angling rushes and getting inside lanes. He had four assists and a plus-3 rating, helping Team Canada win the 2025 U18 World Championships.
Huang is a solid, puck-moving defender. His puck handling is outstanding, and he can get downhill fast with momentum. He is a great straight-line skater with quick agility who holds through when he has the puck. He sees through traffic well and excels at finding teammates in dangerous areas. He’s able to navigate all areas of the ice rather quickly, and his backward skating ability allows him to control gaps effectively through the neutral zone.
Overall, his defense has some rough edges. Huang tends to get so far up ice that he’s left behind, often forcing a forward to backcheck for him. He struggles with getting chased out of position and engaging physically."

Frondell and Prokhorov, a 6'5" 209 lb Russian RW (or 6'6"/218 lbs if going by Elite Prospects), scored 20 goals in 43 games last year in the MHL.

Daniil Prokhorov plays the game like he’s trying to leave a mark — literally. There is no player as violent and eager to throw huge hits. He sprints at opponents, seeing red the whole time, and looks to level them. His offence comes from fighting, battling off defenders behind the net to work his way around to the netfront.

He's #72 and this video does not make him look all that good:

https://www.bing.com/vide...BE3F6AB86A16&&FORM=VRDGAR
- Chunk

There are 3 current mocks on the site: Pronman’s, Wheeler’s, and one where the two of them are joined by Bultman and they each alternate selecting players. That one had Desnoyers at 3 Spence at 25. Would not be upset with that scenario. Have KD trade our 2nd for the rights Isaac Howard and I would be over the moon.

Sharp was 2C with Kane. Bufgylien hated playing wing because Q wanted him parked in front of the opposing net and he was getting beat up.
- rpeters01

Yeh sure- was not questioning the Buff part. Just mentioning that Q also had a guy more comfortable at wing as a centre as well.

I really don't believe they are going to trade that 3rd OA pick. Toronto's 1st, 2nd maybe a prospect should be good enough. Gotta see if that cyst he had removed is going to continue to be an issue in his foot.
- BetweenTheDots

Whoever trades for him is going to have to give him a bid extension, all those picks and that much glorious cap space gone is too much.

I would take him even though he isn't the model player for the system they are building, but he has one thing they don't have, the ability to score.

Him and Hagens with the first 3 picks seems like a good first two rounds to me.

Well it was fun while it lasted

Back to the draft..the hockey model guy that Blackhawks fans were making fun of on twitter/x for saying Nazar could be a bust according to his model has Frondell listed as the best player in this draft. Now it looks like some Hocks fans like his hockey model
- captainserious

A GM using that model won't be a GM very long. I listened to that, and before reading any of the comments, i was like, get this guy out of here.

If a player has an injury, ever, he cannot be a star

Desnoyers and Spence
- Revco38

To me Desnoyers is a safe pick just like last year with artie. In the end I think it comes down to martone and frondell.

To me Desnoyers is a safe pick just like last year with artie. In the end I think it comes down to martone and frondell.
- Scott1977

Frondell and Desnoyers sound to be very similar players. I expect one of them to be selected.

In today's Athletic staff mock draft Frondell is the Hawk pick again at 3 and they take Ryabkin at 25.


The Blackhawks will likely be torn between Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers if the first two picks play out this way (Schaefer and Misa). Part of the Blackhawks' draft equation is projecting both players, but also gauging their own current forward pool. As of now, they envision Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar to be their future top-two centers. Drafting Desnoyers means likely shifting Bedard or Nazar to wing. With Frondell, he probably projects easier to wing, and with his size and all-around game, he could be the ideal complementary linemate to Bedard or Nazar. — Scott Powers


It wouldn't be surprising if the Blackhawks tried to use this pick in a trade. If they do keep it, they might as well take a chance on someone like Ryabkin. He's already been over to North America from Russia. He's shown the potential in Russia to be an elite player. He has a lot of traits that project well if he's put in the right development environment and an organization is willing to be patient with him. The Blackhawks could also use more players with his type of edge. Maybe he hits, maybe he doesn't. With as many first-round picks the Blackhawks have had in recent years, they can take some risks. — Powers

You're right hope isn't a strategy, but being desperate isn't either.

Again they have the best and most 18, 19, 20 and soon to be 21 year olds in their system.

Are you the kind of guy who starts hanging the pictures on the wall before the paint dries? Cause that's what you're doing if you give up the 3rd OA pick.

Did you see that little thing posted by tnt of the top 4 picks playing in this year's SC final? Ekblad, Reinhart, Draisaitl and Bennett?

Calgary and Buffalo lost patience with 2 of those players
- BetweenTheDots

Where is the desperation? The Hawks NEED to add salary. If there is a young (25 or younger) established high performer that is available for the price of some draft picks in a weak draft, and a guy who's had chances with three different head coaches and still can't get it through his skull, is that really a high price to pay (or desperate)? And this is just me being hyperbolic on what it would take to trade for a guy like that. KD might be able to get him for less.

Reinhart and Bennett were acquired via trade, and you literally just said that the Hawks have the most and best 18, 19, 20 and 21 year olds already. Adding two more to that when they have immediate needs on the ice this year is just kicking the can down the road. How many new forwards are they going to be able to ice in each of the next five years? There isn't room on the roster for them all.

Draft Prospect Profile:
ALEX HUANG - RD
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
DOB: 07-30-07 Age: 18

2024-25 CHICOUTIMI QMJHL 64-7-33-40 (PO: 11-3-2-5) PPG: 0.63 PIM: 16
2025-26 CHICOUTIMI QMJHL

Saw Huang in a couple of games this year, he seemed very active and agile. Scouting reports mention his puck handling, control and elusiveness, but also sometimes getting caught too deep in the offensive zone. Some good defensive play but also will need to add strength without losing speed or quickness. Draft ranking varies somewhat, but looks as if he will go in round 3-4. 2023-24 stats are very similar to the current year so teams will have to decide if he can improve enough to make the jumps to higher leagues. Does fit the CHI theme of playing fast and getting the puck up quickly into the offensive zone.

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 77 (NA)
Wiz: 123

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospect.../player/689875/alex-huang
"Huang’s deception, passing, and agility combine to make him a highly effective puck-mover. Handling the puck at his hip, in a multi-threat position, he fakes opponents, uses teammates, changes direction, and explodes out of his moves, leaving the opposition behind and creating a high volume of controlled offensive zone entries."

The Hockey Writers: https://thehockeywriters....l-draft-prospect-profile/
Alex Huang has eye-catching talent. He explosively separates from opponents with cutbacks on the breakouts and pulls off some high-end edge work plays from the point. Though his production didn’t impress this season, his defensive game did. He is one of the Canadian Hockey League’s best at defending the middle of the rink by angling rushes and getting inside lanes. He had four assists and a plus-3 rating, helping Team Canada win the 2025 U18 World Championships.
Huang is a solid, puck-moving defender. His puck handling is outstanding, and he can get downhill fast with momentum. He is a great straight-line skater with quick agility who holds through when he has the puck. He sees through traffic well and excels at finding teammates in dangerous areas. He’s able to navigate all areas of the ice rather quickly, and his backward skating ability allows him to control gaps effectively through the neutral zone.
Overall, his defense has some rough edges. Huang tends to get so far up ice that he’s left behind, often forcing a forward to backcheck for him. He struggles with getting chased out of position and engaging physically."

- totem

This reads kinda similar to Ian Mitchell.

Thanks again for the info on some of the more obscure prospects Totem!

Where is the desperation? The Hawks NEED to add salary. If there is a young (25 or younger) established high performer that is available for the price of some draft picks in a weak draft, and a guy who's had chances with three different head coaches and still can't get it through his skull, is that really a high price to pay (or desperate)? And this is just me being hyperbolic on what it would take to trade for a guy like that. KD might be able to get him for less.

Reinhart and Bennett were acquired via trade, and you literally just said that the Hawks have the most and best 18, 19, 20 and 21 year olds already. Adding two more to that when they have immediate needs on the ice this year is just kicking the can down the road. How many new forwards are they going to be able to ice in each of the next five years? There isn't room on the roster for them all.
- Chunk

Maybe I'm confused but the way i understood what you posted was you are willing to give up the 3rd OA for Robertson? If you didn't then I'm fine with making a trade for him, 3rd OA isn't kicking the can down the road its the chance to get a true difference maker in the NHL that you won't have to face in the future of he does become that.

The 2006-10 Hawk team did the build the opposite of how it’s going now. They had a boatload of “support” players, Buff, Bolland, Brouwer, Fraser and defensemen Seabrook, Keith and Hjalmarsson then they made a few trades at the same time as they drafted Toews and Kane. Basically the team was just developing.

This time they drafted the star player the beginning of a defence and are adding the depth players. I think trading for an established NHL player is tough because they really have no trade chips, unless they trade with a team looking at re-tooling or re-building. Signing the right UFA at a reasonable contract and term can be done but it’s unlikely they get a star player. Maybe an RFA signing?

You’re right, the Hawks need one or two established NHL players. Hopefully they can get it done but I don’t think trading the number three pick this year is a great idea unless they’re getting a younger player who’s proven he is a solid NHL player.
- paulr

Didn't mean to trade #3, if it came out that way then my fault.
I meant use some other picks,prospects,players to get a solid player. Or as you or someone else mentioned RFA or UFA - doesn't matter which way,just try and get someone.

Just read Powers new article,actually it isn't an article just a mock from the athletic writers..here's his tweet:

For @TheAthleticNHL's mock draft, I made the Blackhawks' two first-round picks. I'm relatively confident with the first one. Who knows on the second one? I'm not convinced they'll even make that pick.

Frondell at #3
Ryabkin at #26
is who he picked. He's pretty well connected with the Hocks,so I wouldn't doubt Frondell is their pick at 3.

In today's Athletic staff mock draft Frondell is the Hawk pick again at 3 and they take Ryabkin at 25.

It wouldn't be surprising if the Blackhawks tried to use this pick in a trade. If they do keep it, they might as well take a chance on someone like Ryabkin. He's already been over to North America from Russia. He's shown the potential in Russia to be an elite player. He has a lot of traits that project well if he's put in the right development environment and an organization is willing to be patient with him. The Blackhawks could also use more players with his type of edge. Maybe he hits, maybe he doesn't. With as many first-round picks the Blackhawks have had in recent years, they can take some risks. — Powers
- HawkintheD

Yes and Ryabkin is a true scorer. Something this group is sorely missing more of

Didn't mean to trade #3, if it came out that way then my fault.
I meant use some other picks,prospects,players to get a solid player. Or as you or someone else mentioned RFA or UFA - doesn't matter which way,just try and get someone.

Just read Powers new article,actually it isn't an article just a mock from the athletic writers..here's his tweet:

For @TheAthleticNHL's mock draft, I made the Blackhawks' two first-round picks. I'm relatively confident with the first one. Who knows on the second one? I'm not convinced they'll even make that pick.

Frondell at #3
Ryabkin at #26
is who he picked. He's pretty well connected with the Hocks,so I wouldn't doubt Frondell is their pick at 3.
- captainserious

I think and hope either of Frondell or Desnoyers is picked at 3. I’m hoping KD finds a way to draft Malcolm Spence at 25.

If Robertson can be acquired in a reasonable trade I’d like to see that even though his skating doesn’t fit in with what KD prefers. Nick Robertson, Jason’s brother is on the trading block. He can can score a bit.

Maybe I'm confused but the way i understood what you posted was you are willing to give up the 3rd OA for Robertson? If you didn't then I'm fine with making a trade for him, 3rd OA isn't kicking the can down the road its the chance to get a true difference maker in the NHL that you won't have to face in the future of he does become that.
- BetweenTheDots

I personally am willing to give up the 3OA for Robertson. I have no idea if KD is, but I would doubt it.

Robertson already is a true difference maker in the NHL who is about to turn 26 years old. Whoever you draft has to prove that he will be and that won't be for likely a few years. None of the guys outside of maybe Misa and Hagens are projecting to be PPG players are they? Robertson already has four seasons of that and plays Blashill's "winning hockey" (i.e. he doesn't cheat for offense).

Again, they NEED to add salary regardless. Why not make it high-end useful money instead of poopty filler like the last 3-4 years. Whoopie, they pushed it up to 29th instead of 31st in the league

What is your mid-to-long term plan to get the team competitive? Let all these draft picks percolate up the NHL and then try to figure out which ones to keep? Only after that add from the outside? Enjoy the Chicago Sabres.

What is your mid-to-long term plan to get the team competitive? Let all these draft picks percolate up the NHL and then try to figure out which ones to keep? Only after that add from the outside? Enjoy the Chicago Sabres.
- Chunk

You're singing a different tune lately and I like it!

Sharp was 2C with Kane. Bufgylien hated playing wing because Q wanted him parked in front of the opposing net and he was getting beat up.
- rpeters01

That year in the playoffs Kane was on Toews wing and Byfuglien was on the other. I don't think Buf had an issue with battling in front of the net. It's exactly what he did as a D man too, just the other end. He didn't get any more beat up at F than he did at D.

Wasn't Sharp playing a lot of C that season, as well?
- SC116

Yep. In that playoffs he was mostly with Hossa and I think Troy Brouwer,

Ladd Bolland and Versteeg I think. Then Madden was playing with the 4th liners Burish and Eager.

Yep. In that playoffs he was mostly with Hossa and I think Troy Brouwer,

Ladd Bolland and Versteeg I think. Then Madden was playing with the 4th liners Burish and Eager.
- breadbag

Burish would chirp and Eager would do a fly by and clean someone's clock while Madden would dominate the dot. Was a really tough agitator/energy line to go up against

I personally am willing to give up the 3OA for Robertson. I have no idea if KD is, but I would doubt it.

Robertson already is a true difference maker in the NHL who is about to turn 26 years old. Whoever you draft has to prove that he will be and that won't be for likely a few years. None of the guys outside of maybe Misa and Hagens are projecting to be PPG players are they? Robertson already has four seasons of that and plays Blashill's "winning hockey" (i.e. he doesn't cheat for offense).

Again, they NEED to add salary regardless. Why not make it high-end useful money instead of poopty filler like the last 3-4 years. Whoopie, they pushed it up to 29th instead of 31st in the league

What is your mid-to-long term plan to get the team competitive? Let all these draft picks percolate up the NHL and then try to figure out which ones to keep? Only after that add from the outside? Enjoy the Chicago Sabres.
- Chunk

The problem is that trading for Robertson probably means the Hawks include either Bedard or Nazar in the deal or Dallas says no. Not much else we have gets it done IMO. Another team will offer closer to what Dallas wants because they have top 6 forwards of similar caliber.

I know the Havlat trade has come up as something of an example of what the Hawks need to do, but that was trading for a severely injury prone guy. A guy who was talented but never had an injury free season and usually missed significant time. There were serious injury concerns about him when the Hawks traded for him. He managed to play about half of the next two seasons (91 games of 164 and then had his only 80+ season). He often missed half the seasons. My point is, the Hawks bought a talented guy who was at a low for value because of his injury history and status. They managed to get a bit out of him, but far from an ideal template for the Hawks to make a deal.

Burish would chirp and Eager would do a fly by and clean someone's clock while Madden would dominate the dot. Was a really tough agitator/energy line to go up against
- Assman22

They were good and protecting the puck and battling along the boards.

Didn't mean to trade #3, if it came out that way then my fault.
I meant use some other picks,prospects,players to get a solid player. Or as you or someone else mentioned RFA or UFA - doesn't matter which way,just try and get someone.

Just read Powers new article,actually it isn't an article just a mock from the athletic writers..here's his tweet:

For @TheAthleticNHL's mock draft, I made the Blackhawks' two first-round picks. I'm relatively confident with the first one. Who knows on the second one? I'm not convinced they'll even make that pick.

Frondell at #3
Ryabkin at #26
is who he picked. He's pretty well connected with the Hocks,so I wouldn't doubt Frondell is their pick at 3.
- captainserious

https://thehockeywriters....l-draft-prospect-profile/

CHI has a ton of picks and could take a chance on a guy like Ryabkin who is talented but might not pan out.

I am wondering if they might take others at #25 and #34, and see if Ryabkin would fall into the mid to late 2nd, or even all the way to #62. Could be a value like Saad or Debrincat.

I personally am willing to give up the 3OA for Robertson. I have no idea if KD is, but I would doubt it.

Robertson already is a true difference maker in the NHL who is about to turn 26 years old. Whoever you draft has to prove that he will be and that won't be for likely a few years. None of the guys outside of maybe Misa and Hagens are projecting to be PPG players are they? Robertson already has four seasons of that and plays Blashill's "winning hockey" (i.e. he doesn't cheat for offense).

Again, they NEED to add salary regardless. Why not make it high-end useful money instead of poopty filler like the last 3-4 years. Whoopie, they pushed it up to 29th instead of 31st in the league

What is your mid-to-long term plan to get the team competitive? Let all these draft picks percolate up the NHL and then try to figure out which ones to keep? Only after that add from the outside? Enjoy the Chicago Sabres.
- Chunk

See this is why what you propose is illogical, why would you trade for a 26 year old difference maker when you can have an even better 18 year old player. The point is your building something, to be fearful that the 3rd OA pick doesn't pan out is living in fear. You lose 8 years and what if this player is Barkovesque or Tkachuck like, Toewslike, or Kanesque?

KD would propose the 3rd OA for Robertson and Nill wouldn't even let him finish his sentence, SOLD!

Chicago Sabres, shiiiiiit

Not even close 8 first round picks in 5 year span, 6 2nd round picks in 4 year span, 8 3rd round picks in a 10 year span

Chicago 8, 5, 8 in a 3 year span


If you don't believe you can build a team through the draft then you won't.

And are we going to start that same crap with not being able to ice all these forwards like we are with the defenseman?

Which is it are we going to have all this talent that we aren't going to find room for them on the roster or we need to get established players because all these players aren't going to pan out?

You're singing a different tune lately and I like it!
- Assman22

Really? I've been saying crap like this since the beginning of the season. To be fair, I can be a bit bipolar. I try to be as reasonable and amicable as possible, but then I read something that makes no sense to me and I lose my mind.

But seriously (for the entire group), how many prospects is enough? Especially considering the Hawks still have a ton more draft capital behind it?

Really? I've been saying crap like this since the beginning of the season. To be fair, I can be a bit bipolar. I try to be as reasonable and amicable as possible, but then I read something that makes no sense to me and I lose my mind.

But seriously (for the entire group), how many prospects is enough? Especially considering the Hawks still have a ton more draft capital behind it?
- Chunk

It's never enough until you accumulate the most talented players you can

As Theo said its a numbers game, so you accumulate as much young talent as you can because you know that the percentage of kids making it and being impactful players are very very low.