(670 The Score) The Blackhawks didn't move up into either of the top two spots in the NHL Draft lottery Tuesday evening and will therefore convey the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming draft to the Blue Jackets.
Chicago owed Columbus a first-round pick as part of the trade in which it acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Blue Jackets last July. The Blackhawks' first-round pick in this 2022 draft was top-two protected in the deal, so had they moved up to No. 1 or No. 2 overall, they would've kept the pick and instead owed the Blue Jackets a 2023 first-rounder.
The 2023 draft class is considered stronger than this 2022 class. Viewed through that prism, it was perhaps beneficial for the rebuilding Blackhawks to convey the first-round pick now. The Blackhawks currently own eight picks in the draft, including five in the first three rounds. Chicago owns its second-round pick and also a Minnesota second-round pick. The latter selection could turn into a first-rounder if the Wild advance to the Western Conference Finals. Minnesota is currently tied 2-2 with St. Louis in its first-round series.
"Now we know where we stand as we prepare for the upcoming draft," general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. "We won't have our own first-round pick, but with eight other picks — including five in the first three rounds — I have faith in our amateur scouting department's ability to make the most out of our selections this summer."
After finishing with the sixth-fewest points in the NHL, the Blackhawks entered the evening with a 7.5% chance to land the No. 1 pick. The Canadiens landed the No. 1 pick, while the Devils grabbed the No. 2 slot.
The NHL Draft will begin on July 7.
