Chicago Blackhawks weigh McKenna and Stenberg for possible top NHL draft pick
Updated
Updated · Chicago Tribune · May 4
Chicago Blackhawks weigh McKenna and Stenberg for possible top NHL draft pick
9 articles · Updated · Chicago Tribune · May 4
Chicago enters Tuesday's lottery guaranteed a top-four selection, with 13.5% odds of No. 1, behind Vancouver's 25.5% and ahead of the Rangers and Flames.
Analysts say either forward could fit alongside Connor Bedard, but favour Sweden's Ivar Stenberg for his stronger two-way game, consistency against older competition and fit with Chicago's desired tougher identity.
Gavin McKenna remains an elite playmaker after 51 points at Penn State, though pending misdemeanour charges and defensive concerns have clouded his once-clear status as the consensus top prospect.
Should Chicago draft the pro-ready two-way forward or the electrifying scorer with off-ice baggage?
Does Chicago need another pure scorer, or is the grit of a complete two-way player the missing piece?