Ep. 132: TSN’s Craig Button breaks down Blackhawks’ options at No. 3 overall

On the latest edition of the Hawks Talk Podcast, TSN analyst Craig Button joins Pat Boyle to discuss the pool of players that could be available for the Blackhawks at No. 3 overall and who may have the highest ceiling. Button also weighs in on which player could be the most NHL ready after Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko.

Slavko Bekovic and Charlie Roumeliotis join Pat in the second segment to react to Button’s analysis. Could the Blackhawks actually look to draft a defenseman? Who’s the best center available? The guys also discuss which player stands out among the crop.

0:45 – Is there a dropoff after Hughes and Kakko?

1:45 – Is Podkolzin NHL ready?

3:15 – Could Podkolzin get the Artemi Panarin treatment?

5:15 – Which center is the best available after Hughes?

7:40 – Scouting report on Byram

10:30 – Which prospect is the most NHL ready after Hughes and Kakko?

11:45 – Could the Devils or Rangers trade out of No. 1 or 2?

12:30 – Is there anything Kakko can do to jump Hughes for No. 1?

14:00 – Takeaways from Button’s interview

16:30 – Could the Blackhawks actually take a defenseman?

24:50 – Trevor Zegras earns high praise

27:45 – Don’t count out a trade?

33:00 – Dylan Cozens stands out on tape

36:30 – Patrick Kane to captain Team USA at Worlds