Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson makes the nineteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports

Blackhawks Reportedly Inquired on Top Pick in NHL Draft

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 5:26 PM ET

Although the Stanley Cup Final is off and running, including an incredible double-overtime game in Game 2, the Chicago Blackhawks are focused on the upcoming NHL Draft. For the fourth consecutive year, Kyle Davidson has a chance to shape the future of the franchise with a high draft pick. Kevin Korchinski, Frank Nazar, Sam Rinzel, Connor Bedard, Oliver Moore, Artyom Levshunov, and others are shaping the core of the future. Now, there is high likelihood that the first name called on June 27 becomes a part of that list.

According to reports from Elite Prospects' Cam Robinson , the Blackhawks have inquired about moving up in the NHL Draft at the end of June. Per Robinson, the Hawks are likely targeting Michael Misa and know he probably won't make it past the San Jose Sharks, who own the second overall pick.

“Chicago has made inquiries about moving up” https://t.co/4x5heHs27Q pic.twitter.com/UoX8P6TPFJ
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) June 7, 2025

This year's group of prospects is largely considered a weaker overall group, but Misa is surely a talented player at the top. Coming off a historic season in the OHL, which put Misa's name in the same conversations as Blackhawks great, Patrick Kane, the big forward would elevate the team's young core and ultimately the top-six forward group as soon as next season.

Misa posted 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in just 65 games with the Saginaw Spirit. If Kyle Davidson can pull off a massive trade, the Hawks could get their guy.

Now, what would it cost for the Hawks to move up? The Blackhawks have two first-round picks and two second-round picks this summer. In addition, the Hawks have two firsts again next year with three second-round selections in 2026. They could certainly deal straight picks for the top pick. Would it cost #3 and a first-round pick next year? Will the 25th pick also need to be included? These are important questions.

The New York Islanders, having won the lottery, are certainly in a spot where they could fall back to third overall and still upgrade their roster. In the end, I believe it will take at least the #3, and possibly #25 or a pick next year in the first round. A second-round pick may also be needed, even to move up just two spots.

There is still a fair amount of time before the NHL Draft and Kyle Davidson appears to be exploring every option he has. A trade up to the top pick would certainly make it known the Blackhawks mean business and are trying to add another key piece to their young crop of players.

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

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