No stone unturned for Blackhawks with No. 8 pick in NHL Draft

With just nine days left until the NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks are exploring all options. Lots of discussion has been around what prospect best fits the organization at pick No. 8, but is a trade best?

Speculation is king when it comes to the draft process, and the NHL Draft is no different. After a rough 2017-18 season, the Chicago Blackhawks sit with the eighth pick in the first round, somewhere that could find them a breakout player or something less satisfying.

Most mock drafts suggest Oliver Wahlstrom, a really talented right wing prospect, will be that selection. Wahlstrom is a dominant prospect, standing six-foot-one, 205 pounds with a lot of promise, especially in one-on-one situations. Ring any bells? Playing for the development team, Wahlstrom put up big time numbers and could be the perfect fit for the Hawks.

Scott Powers reported that with the “right situation” the Blackhawks would be willing to give up that pick. In a season that saw the Blackhawks struggling defensively and in net, minus Scott Foster’s stunning appearance, that’s a big need right now.

Would a trade make sense? Actually it would. Defensively the Blackhawks need a more rounded out lineup. You’re tied to the Seabrook and Keith contracts but finding the right pairings could make all the difference and help those two find better form in the 2018-19 campaign.

After signing Henri Jokiharju to a three-year contract, there’s youth as there’s been, but a lot of opportunity.

Justin Faulk has been on the radar for the Blackhawks but would Carolina be willing to separate from Faulk and at what cost? Faulk is coming off somewhat of a down year but still is a player that could help bolster the Blackhawks defensive unit and not only make for a nice pairing but be a big help for young players looking to find roles like Jokiharju.

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The one thing the Blackhawks can’t afford is to lose too much depth on the forward side. Powers has said that one team has at least spoken with the Blackhawks about the pick. Do they make the move?