Rumors persist that the Chicago Blackhawks are dangling the 3rd overall pick on the trade market, hoping to land a difference-making star they can add to their young roster. Some names are floating out there, like JJ Peterka and Isaac Howard. Nothing has materialized yet. As things stand, the odds still favor the Blackhawks staying put and picking the best prospect on their board. What nobody knows for certain is who that player will be. NHL experts believe the #1 and #2 picks are likely set in stone with Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa.
From there, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski of ESPN believe the Blackhawks have narrowed the list down to two names. While both are possible, one appears to be the favorite.
When the scouting combine in Buffalo was wrapping up, it sounded like Chicago was zeroed in on either Moncton Wildcats center Caleb Desnoyers or Brampton Steelheads winger Porter Martone.
Martone's stock has risen even further since the start of June, and while it may have been the Blackhawks' inclination to go center, could they pass on Martone at this point? He's 6-3 and 207 pounds, brings a physical edge, creative playmaking, a great shot and terrific hands. Martone collected 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games last season as the Steelheads' captain, and scouts rave about his overall ability and potential to excel in the NHL.
Chicago already has one exemplary young center in Connor Bedard. While it's tempting to add another potential standout at the position, the draw of what Martone could bring might just be too much on which to pass.
Martone is a specimen.
He has everything you could want from a prospect: size, strength, offensive firepower, puckhandling, and leadership. Experts compare him most often to Corey Perry. The four-time All-Star helped Anaheim win the Stanley Cup in 2007 and won an MVP in 2011. He scored 448 career goals. If the Blackhawks get anything close to that with Martone, it's a no-brainer.
The Chicago Blackhawks remain focused on one thing.
That is helping Connor Bedard. The former #1 overall pick improved slightly across the board last season. Unfortunately, it wasn't the big step many hoped for. Part of the problem is the belief that he still doesn't have a line partner who complements him. Jonathan Toews became a star once he paired with Patrick Kane. Jeremy Roenick didn't reach true stardom until Tony Amonte arrived in the early 1990s. Bedard needs a winger who can match him in talent and skill. Martone is exactly the sort of offensive presence the Chicago Blackhawks need. His ability to score and pass equally matches what Bedard can do. Having that kind of versatility makes it so difficult to defend. If this is what Chicago wants to do, it is hard to argue with their logic.
