Chicago Hawks' Draft Dilemma: Bedard's Wings

On April 30th, Chicago Black Hawks are sitting pretty with the second worst record this season,

putting them in prime spot for the 2026.

NHL draft lottery.

They desperately need wings for Connor Bedard, and the top prizes are forwards, Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg.

Last year, the islanders jumped 9 spots to snag a gem, so anything can happen when those balls drop.

If the hawks slipped to third or fourth overall, scouts say they're high on center.

Caleb Mahotra

This 18-year-old lit up the Ontario Hockey League with the Bramford Bulldogs,

scoring 29 goals and 84 points in 67.

Gaines?

At 6'2 and 183 pounds, he brings size down the middle that Bedard and Frank Nizar lack,

though Chicago's already got.

Centres like Anton Frendel, pushing for top 6 minutes.

Fans and analysts are buzzing about the impact on Bedard's line since the hawks rebuilt around him,

but still need scoring punch.

Dropping in the lottery wouldn't take their future.

They've got prospect stacked, but it forces tough calls on building now versus later.

A smarter play might be drafting a defenseman, then flipping it in a trade.

Ship young blueliner, Ardium Lufshunov or Sam Renzell to Toronto for forward Matthew Nies,

who could slot right on Bedard's wing.

Both defenders have upside.

Lev Shunov was second overall in 2024.

Renzell flashed in the minors, but NHL rear guards need time and Toronto.

Craves youth to replace aging, Morgan Riley.

Then use that third pick on a promising blueliner like Keaton Verhoff, Chase Reed,

or Carson Carroll's to restock the pipeline.

This path gets Bedard help fast, less the young core gel,

and keep Chicago pushing toward playoffs without waiting years.

Lottery nights going to be wild either way.

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I'm Corey with the story.