Draft day drama: Blackhawks' bold bid for top pick thwarted by Canadiens
Photo credit: WGN Radio
Blackhawks miss out in high-stakes draft maneuver.
In a move that could have reshaped their future, the Chicago Blackhawks made an audacious attempt to climb up the draft ladder at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
General Manager Kyle Davidson, poised to secure a top prospect, had his sights set on making a significant trade if Ivan Demidov wasn't available by the 5th overall pick.
Unfortunately for Davidson and the Blackhawks, both Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom were off the board before they could act, leaving Chicago to reassess its strategy.
The drama unfolded behind the scenes, as detailed by hockey insider Pierre LeBrun. He revealed a tantalizing scenario that was brewing before the draft picks were announced:
«It could have been a fireworks show at the start of the 2024 draft. I'm told the Blackhawks offered their first pick next year, unprotected, plus another pick, in exchange for the fourth overall pick.
I think it was pretty close, but the Blue Jackets turned it down. They really like Cayden Lindstrom .»
- Pierre LeBrun
I think it was pretty close, but the Blue Jackets turned it down. They really like Cayden Lindstrom .»
- Pierre LeBrun
The Blackhawks, undeterred, extended the same trade offer to both the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Despite the allure of potentially acquiring a top pick in the 2025 draft, given Chicago's recent struggles and likely low standings finish, both teams declined.
The Canadiens, in particular, chose to stick with their plan and drafted Ivan Demidov, while the Blue Jackets held firm in their conviction and selected Lindstrom.
Davidson's strategy at the draft highlights a desperate attempt to inject elite talent into the Blackhawks' lineup but ended with the team empty-handed in terms of moving up in the draft order.
This outcome leaves the Blackhawks in a precarious position, as their offered pick for the next year carries the risk of turning into a top selection, which could haunt them if their performance does not improve.
The Canadiens, on the other hand, quietly celebrated their new acquisition, hinting at their decision without revealing the specifics of the offers received. Their official Twitter hinted at the behind-the-scenes drama.
As the dust settles on what might have been a transformative moment for the Blackhawks, the team and its fans are left to wonder what the next steps are in rebuilding a once formidable lineup.
Davidson's gamble at the draft could have brought the house down but instead, adds another chapter to what is becoming a tense and uncertain offseason.
| POLL | ||
24 AOUT | 16 ANSWERS Draft day drama: Blackhawks' bold bid for top pick thwarted by Canadiens Do you think Kyle Davidson offered too much for the Canadiens pick? | ||
| Yes | 9 | 56.3 % |
| No | 7 | 43.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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