Chicago Blackhawks Select Mason West with the 29th Pick in the 2025 NHL Draft

With the 29th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Hawks selected forward Mason West from Edina High School in Minnesota. West played some games with the Fargo Force of the USHL, but spent majority of the season playing for his local high school. 

Although the pedigree of high school may confuse fans, West had an incredible season at the high school level and Edina is one of the top high school programs in the country. In just 31 high school games, West totaled 49 points (27 goals, 22 assists) and in 10 USHL games, he totaled nine points (one goal, eight assists) after making a jump to play with the Fargo Force. 

West has such an interesting background coming out of high school. He says he is committed to hockey moving forward, but will play his senior high school football season. West is a quarterback and at 6-foot-5, and is garnering college attention at that position as well. In addition, he's committed to Michigan State University to play hockey. West will join one of the best programs in the NCAA after his senior season of high school. 

West's Elite Prospects page is intriguing. Here's what they have to say about Mason West: 

Beyond his imposing frame, West is a fluid skater with effortless extension, and the reach and skill combination to make high-level plays. A natural shooter, he loads his shots from the hip, using upper-body torque and frame transfer to generate power. -EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide

West has the skating, the shot, and the playmaking ability to become a real star on the ice. Although a pick with no certain future, he's the type of wild card that can launch organizations to another level if he pans out. He'll need a few college seasons, but he could be a huge win for this organization a few seasons down the road. 

By trading up for the pick, the Blackhawks now have picks 66, 98, 107, 162, 194, and 197 on Saturday.