2018 NHL Draft: Blackhawks Are Crazy About Brady Tkachuk

The NHL Draft is just a few weeks away and the Blackhawks are starting to put some names on their Big Board. The newest name to grace the Blackhawks' wish list is none other than top draft prospect, Brady Tkachuk.

"He's a complete package who can be impactful in every situation."#NHLDraft-eligible prospect Brady Tkachuk has an @NHL pedigree and a bright future ahead of him. https://t.co/b9Igcv1IZ2

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 5, 2018

Tkachuk? You are probably thinking, "I've heard this name before somewhere." That is because you probably have. Hockey runs through the Tkachuk family's veins. His father is Keith Tkachuk, who played in the NHL from 1991-2010 and was a regular on the U.S. Olympic team during his career. Brady's brother is Matthew Tkachuk, who was drafted 6th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2016 NHL Draft. Brady Tkachuk is drawing high praise from scouts throughout the NHL, and also, from the Director of NHL Central Scouting, Dan Marr. Marr said this about the youngest Tkachuk,

"HE'S A COMPLETE PACKAGE WHO CAN BE IMPACTFUL IN EVERY SITUATION, WITH AND WITHOUT THE PUCK. IF YOU NEED A GOAL, HE'LL GO GET A SCORING CHANCE. IF YOU'RE PROTECTING A LEAD, HE'LL BE RESPONSIBLE DEFENSIVELY. IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO GO IN THERE AND THROW THEIR WEIGHT AROUND A LITTLE BIT, HE'S A GUY WHO STEPS UP. HE SEEMS TO RISE TO THOSE OCCASIONS."

That sounds like somebody I want on my team and the Blackhawks could use a player like this. Someone who can adjust their game based on the current situation and embraces physical contact when necessary.

Brady Tkachuk's Resume

Brady Tkachuk currently plays for Boston University. He already has a big body too. Tkachuk is 6'3" and weighs 196 pounds as an 18-year-old. Prospects in the NHL Draft usually need some time to grow into their bodies, but that is not the case with Brady Tkachuk. Brady also plays a great two-way game and uses his body to his advantage. Plus, he is not afraid to get into those dirty areas around the net. You can see his poise and determination on this goal.

Brady Tkachuk pulled to 🇺🇸@usahockey 🇺🇸to within two for his third of the tournament, but it wasn't enough, as 🇸🇪@Trekronorse 🇸🇪 holds on for the 4⃣-2⃣ victory to advance to the #WorldJuniors gold🥇game. pic.twitter.com/23Br7963z2

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 4, 2018

Brady Tkachuk also has experience in international play. He played for Team USA on a few occasions. Tkachuk absolutely lit it up in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, New York. He has a knack for making the competition look bad on both ends of the ice. Check out number 7 in the good ol' Red, White, and Blue as he showcases his scoring ability, superior instincts, great hands, and strength. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duc4vffiM0g Just think, he is only 18 years old and he can do the type of things that grown men are doing in the NHL. Here are some numbers to supplement Brady Tkachuk's impressive highlight reel. Tkachuk might have to work on his shot blocking a bit. In the following clip, he deployed a "play dead" defense on a shot block attempt and I am totally laughing my ass off.

Brady Tkachuk with the classic play dead defense pic.twitter.com/T0TNABBnnW

— The Morning Skate (@Morning_Skate) December 29, 2017

Tkachuk's Plans After the 2018 NHL Draft

Brady Tkachuk has confirmed that he will wait until after the draft to determine what his plan of action will be. He said,

"I HAVE NOT MADE A DECISION. I'M GOING TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE DRAFT AND [SEE] WHAT TEAM PICKS ME AND WHAT THEY WANT ME TO DO. i'M DEFINITELY GOING TO WAIT AND TALK TO MY FAMILY AND STUFF AND MAKE A DECISION THAT'S BEST FOR ME TOO."

Although Brady said he wants to wait until after the draft, he will not hesitate to join his future team's professional affiliate team. There is no lack of confidence in this guy and he seems like a natural born leader on and off the ice. You know Tkachuk is going to improve as he matures. That's a scary thought and makes me hope the Blackhawks luck into this young stud even more. It is easy to see why the Blackhawks are crazy about Brady. After watching highlights and checking out stats, I can see why. I think it is safe to say that I am about to hop on this crazy train too. Speaking of Crazy Train, it seems like Tkachuk is also a fan of "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne. Now, that is something I can get down with.

Brady Tkachuk is pretty jacked to hear Crazy Train pic.twitter.com/3UJ4qencda

— Born Salty (@cjzero) December 29, 2017

Many scouts think Brady Tkachuk will be there at Number 8 when the Blackhawks draft, so let's see if Stan can get his man on June 22nd.

Brady Tkachuk is out here just looking for people to prove wrong. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/WexEc9WxDH

— Tony Gianares (@Certified_TonyG) June 6, 2018