Blackhawks Select Vaclav Nestrasil with the 25th Pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Nestrasil is a big winger, standing 6'6" but he only weighs 185 lbs. If he can fill out into his frame, the Blackhawks could not only get a scorer, but a big body that will be tough to move off the puck. Many analysts say his skating is his best tool, which certainly fits the profile of what Kyle Davidson likes in his forwards. 

Here's what Elite Prospects had to say about Nestrasil: 

There’s not much Nestrašil can’t do. Every night, he plays with the same high level of energy. A punishing player who seeks out big hits, skates hard after every puck, and knocks away pucks with well-timed swipes, he’s always noticeable without the puck. With possession, Nestrašil plays a high-skill, team-focused game. He works give-and-gos, drawing in the nearest defender first to give his teammate more space. With full-reach handling skill, he pulls pucks off the wall and gets to the slot in one motion, as well as carves through traffic off the rush. -EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide

Nestrasil's skill style almost feels similar to that of Anton Frondell. The hockey world just watched the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup for a second consecutive season, and they won with great two-way forwards, size, and speed. Both picks made by Kyle Davidson certainly lean toward that style. Frondell is physical and draws comparisons to Aleksander Barkov, and now Nestrasil compliments that with his style as well. 

In addition, the Blackhawks have selected a player from the Muskegon Lumberjacks for the second consecutive season. Last year's 18th overall pick, Sacha Boisvert, was also selected from Muskegon. 

The Blackhawks are now finished with their first round selections. The Blackhawks have picks 34, 62, 66, 98, 107, 162, 194, and 197 on Saturday.

UPDATE: The Blackhawks traded picks 34, 62, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes for pick 29.