Blackhawks to draft a forward who's better than Macklin Celebrini

With the highly coveted 2nd pick, the Blackhawks are poised to select Ivan Demidov, a standout winger from SKA St. Petersburg, who is already being touted as a potential generational player.

Scott Wheeler of The Athletic has highlighted Demidov's exceptional skills, projecting him as a future star in the league. "He is set to be one of the best wingers in the NHL, when he reaches his prime," Wheeler noted, underscoring the high expectations surrounding Demidov.

Demidov's potential was further evident in his recent season with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in the MHL, where he impressively scored 60 points (23 goals and 37 assists) in just 30 games.

This performance places him just below the caliber of the KHL, the second-best hockey league globally. His knack for scoring and playmaking was on display, reminiscent of his teammate Matvei Michkov, who was a top prospect in the previous year's draft.

The anticipation around Demidov is that unlike Michkov, who experienced a slight drop, Demidov will maintain his high draft status and be just as sought after.

The comparison with Michkov is inevitable as the duo played together during the 2021-2022 season, both demonstrating skills that could translate into NHL success.

As the Blackhawks gear up for the draft, the focus is undoubtedly on how these new additions will shape the future of the franchise.

The team's strategy reflects a commitment to building a robust lineup that can compete at the highest levels, with young talents like Demidov potentially leading the charge.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these moves translate into a successful rebuild for the storied Chicago franchise.