Blackhawks Select Finnish Defenseman In First Round Of 2017 Draft

All day there were rumors that the Blackhawks would be making a trade to move up in the draft but they did the opposite. They moved down to #29 in a trade with the Dallas Stars and selected Henri Jokiharju and received a third round pick in this year's draft. Jokiharju is an 18 year old Finnish defenseman who stands at 6'0" and 170 lbs. He played last season in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks and had 48 points in 71 games. It is said that he can make plays under pressure and move the puck just like Coach Quenneville wants. In interviews this week he said, "I would love it if the Blackhawks would pick me." Jokiharju said the Blackhawks have been his favorite team since they won the Stanley Cup in 2010. The coincidental part of all of this is that he already looks good in a Blackhawks crest. The Portland Winterhawks wear almost an exact copy of the Blackhawks sweater. When he makes it up to the big club, hopefully his play fits just as well. Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for more Blackhawks news and musings.