The Blackhawks leaped up nine spots to the No. 3 spot in the NHL draft during last month’s draft lottery. The shift from No. 12 to No. 3 gave the Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman and his scouting staff added incentive to attend the under-18 World Championship for an up close look at draft-eligible players.
The Devils and Rangers are projected to select American forward Jack Hughes and Finnish winger Kappo Kakko, respectively, with top two picks in the NHL draft June 22 in Vancouver. The Blackhawks pick at No.