2018 NHL mock draft: Western Conference teams

WORCESTER, MA - MARCH 25: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Michigan Wolverines skates the puck against the Boston University Terriers during the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Northeast Regional Championship Final at the DCU Center on March 25, 2018 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Wolverines won 6-3 and advanced to the Frozen Four in Minnesota. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Quinn Hughes /

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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: K’Andre Miller #19 of the USA Nationals turns up ice with the puck against the Czech Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. The Czech Republic defeated the USA Nationals 6-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** K’Andre Miller /

27. Chicago Blackhawks – K’Andre Miller

The Chicago Blackhawks are able to continue their rebuild on the fly with two first-round draft picks this year. After taking forward Oliver Wahlstrom earlier in the draft, it is time to address the blue line. The Blackhawks have the depth up front to make one last push for a Stanley Cup before their old core completely ages out. What they don’t have is the youth on their blue line to help carry them through a playoff run. Yes, the old veterans like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are still around, but everyone else is a bit of a question mark.

K’Andre Miller is more of a project prospect, not someone that you can place in your lineup right away. In fact, he is likely to be a two to three-year project. He has all of the raw talents to be an effective defenseman and make a difference in the NHL. The former forward was transitioned to defense and his career took off. Due to this switch, he is considered a late bloomer still learning the position. Miller will be moving to the University of Wisconsin next season. The NCAA will be the perfect stepping stone for Miller’s career. He can carve out a steady collegiate career and continue to hone his defensive skills.

He has plenty of offensive capabilities if he can improve those defensive skills he will be able to change a franchise. To compare him to a current Blackhawk the easy connection is Duncan Keith. Miller will never get to the same elite level but he will be able to lead an offense like him. He will be able to use his skating and vision to pick out smart passing and shot lanes. His skating ability will allow him to lead breakouts and carry play up the ice.

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