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2025 NHL Draft: What Will the Blackhawks Do With the Third Overall Pick?

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By Steve Kwiatkowski | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 3:19 PM ET

The 2025 NHL Draft is less than a week away, and I haven't seen public opinions shift about who the Chicago Blackhawks should draft so quickly since 2019 and the Kirby Dach selection. When it comes to hockey prospects, I'll admit that it isn't my area of expertise. I tend to focus more on the X's and O's, player acquisitions, and occasionally dabble in the dark arts of capology.

As we enter the week before the draft, let's recap the major storylines surrounding the Blackhawks’ third overall pick.

Will the Blackhawks make a big trade?

Kyle Davidson keeps his cards close to his chest and feeds the media very little. One thing that the beat writers have made clear is that Davidson won't make a reckless addition via free agency. But trades are still very much an option.

On Tap Sports Net's Ron Luce predicts a trade to occur before the draft, and he probably wasn't predicting it to be the Joe Velano trade.

Potential trade targets include Jason Robertson and JJ Pertka. Before Hawks fans dream of Robertson in an Indian-head sweater, the Dallas Stars are trying desperately to make something work. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has said that he doesn't believe a trade would happen until August, which puts the Blackhawks' third overall pick out of play. The Stars also don't need draft picks; they need good players who can make an impact now.

That leaves JJ Peterka as an option. The Blackhawks would have to include their pick as part of a larger package. A package that would also require a player who could impact the Buffalo Sabres roster now.

There's also the option of trading up in the draft. If the New York Islanders are content with taking James Hagens, a native of Long Island, New York, the Blackhawks could trade up to number one overall, secure Michael Misa, and leave Matthew Schaffer, the consensus number one overall defenseman, for the San Jose Sharks.

But what would it take to make the trade happen? A lot more than the Blackhawks' two first-round picks.

Does Michael Misa fall to third overall?

One of the more surprising rumors circulating is that the Sharks have apparent interest in Anton Frondell. Chris Peters, NHL Draft Analyst, has Michael Misa falling to third overall in his latest mock draft. Peters also noted that it's not just the Sharks who value Frondell over Misa; multiple teams do. Some teams see a more complete game from Frondell, particularly defensively.

Do the Sharks want to select another two-way center and pass up an offensive talent like Misa? I don't know if this increases my intrigue in Frondell or lowers my perceptions of Misa. The forwards in this year's class aren't viewed as strong, making the idea of including the pick in a larger trade deal that much more enticing.

Porter Martone, Anton Frondell, or Caleb Desnoyers?

When I first started looking at the top prospects in the upcoming draft class, Porter Martone was my top pick after Misa. Now, I'm not so sure. Martone's weakness in skating doesn't convince me, and even though I like everything else about his skill set, I don't think Davidson will stray from his pattern of drafting the best skaters in the class.

Caleb Desnoyer is a two-way center who possesses speed and the potential to be a No. 1 center. One of the biggest drawbacks is that Desnoyer has played in the weakest of the three CHL leagues, the QMJHL. However, his skill and talent are undeniable, despite the weaker competition. Some fans point out his lack of production in the playoffs; however, Desnoyer was playing through two injured wrists.

There's also Anton Frondell, whom draft analysts believe is almost a sure pick at third overall.

What's On Tap Next?

The 2025 NHL Draft is June 27 at 6 p.m. CT. This one is exciting because no one knows what will happen.

Could there be a massive trade that sees the third overall pick be part of a deal? Could Michael Misa somehow fall to the third overall? Do the Blackhawks take Frondell, Desnoyers, or Martone?

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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