Final 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Top Picks for the Blackhawks at Third Overall

Misa makes too much sense for the Blackhawks. He's an excellent skater with speed and boasts a high hockey IQ. He's creative offensively and responsible defensively. Misa also has a dangerous shot in his toolbox. 

Dominating the OHL with 134 points in 65 games (the most since Patrick Kane in 2007), Misa is ready to step into the NHL next season. The only thing holding him back is whether he wants to play in the NCAA, which is quickly becoming the top development league for aspiring NHLers. 

The young center is 6' 1" and 182 lbs; he has a frame to fill out. There are questions surrounding his defensive skill, which some scouts project him as being an NHL winger as opposed to being a center. If that's the case, he would make an excellent wing for Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar. 

Anton Frondell

If the Sharks take Misa at two, Anton Frondell is the favorable pick for the Blackhawks, according to insiders. Frondell excelled in Sweden's professional hockey league as a 17-year-old, a league whose average age is around 26. Although Frondell played mostly on the wing in his club, he is projected to be a center in the NHL. 

His ceiling is projected to be near Aleksander Barkov, an excellent addition to any NHL team. The Blackhawks have made it clear that Nazar and Bedard are their top two centers, which is why, despite Frondell's rising stock, Misa makes more sense. 

Even if the Blackhawks take Frondell, he's still a sizeable forward who gives the Blackhawks more flexibility down the middle. Frondell is not expected to go straight into the NHL like Misa is. 

Caleb Desnoyers

Although Caleb Desnoyers' ceiling isn't as high as Frondell's or Misa's, Desnoyers may be the safer pick when compared to Frondell. Standing at 6'2" and 178 lbs, Desnoyers has a lot of frame to fill out. He's competent on defense, an excellent playmaker, and his style of play suits the fast-paced hockey the Blackhawks hope to play one day. Desnoyers' perception was damaged due to battling through two injured wrists in the playoffs. 

Desnoyers is a safe pick because he is projected to be an NHL center, but scouts don't think he has the elite skillset worthy of a number-three overall pick. At the extreme, he could develop into a number one center, but the Blackhawks want Connor Bedard to be that. 

What's On Tap Next?

Porter Martone's weakness at skating makes him an unlikely pick for the Blackhawks. James Hagens might fall even further in the draft, according to Elliotte Friedman. The Blackhawks could still trade their pick, but Hawks insiders are saying that's unlikely, especially given that Misa may fall to third overall. Anything can happen at the draft. It could be an exciting trade-filled night or a quiet evening with zero drama.