For the better part of the last few months, people weren't sure what the Chicago Blackhawks wanted to do. They hold the 3rd overall pick in the upcoming 2025 draft. On the one hand, they can use it to continue stacking young talent in their already deep farm system, hoping to build the foundation of a contender. On the other hand, they haven't made the playoffs in years. Some wonder if they'd prefer dangling the pick to another team that can offer them an established veteran who can help win immediately.
The running rumor for quite some time has been the Blackhawks having eyes for Buffalo Sabres winger J.J. Peterka. He is coming off the best season of his career, scoring 27 goals with 41 assists, including six power-play goals. There is no doubt he'd be a great linemate with Connor Bedard. Unfortunately, it sounds like Buffalo isn't eager to trade him for future assets. Hockey insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff revealed the widespread belief ahead of Friday is that the Hawks will stay put and pick the best player on their board.
The Chicago Blackhawks are taking the sensible approach.
Sure, it'd be great if they could snag an All-Star in his prime with the #3 pick. Sadly, the market just isn't favorable to that sort of outcome. Rather than try forcing the issue, GM Kyle Davidson believes the best course of action is to take a talented young player who can hopefully help the team long term. Right now, various rumblings indicate that selection comes down to three names: Michael Misa, Anton Frondell, and Porter Martone. Misa is the least likely, with everybody believing he'll go #2 to San Jose. That leaves Martone and Frondell. Martone is the more dangerous offensive threat, while Frondell has the more complete game. It will likely come down to who the Chicago Blackhawks feel is the better fit alongside Bedard.
