Ep. 74: NHL Draft Preview with Blackhawks VP of scouting Mark Kelley

On the latest Hawks Talk Podcast, it’s all about the 2018 NHL Draft. Pat Boyle is joined by NBC Sports Chicago’s Charlie Roumeliotis and Slavko Bekovic. The trio discusses whether the Blackhawks will hold on to the eighth and 27th overall picks in next week’s draft?

They run down the prospects that could be available at the top of the first round, such as defensemen Noah Dobson, Evan Bouchard, Adam Boqvist and Quinn Hughes. They also weigh in on forwards Brady Tkachuk, Filip Zadina, Oliver Wahlstrom and Jesperi Kotkaniemi and which would be the best fit for the Blackhawks.

The guys also discuss the rumors about the Blackhawks possibly trading for Justin Faulk, and the chances of going after Jacob Trouba or Erik Karlsson. Plus, Blackhawks vice president of amateur scouting Mark Kelley rates this year’s draft prospects. Do the Blackhawks need to land an NHL-ready player with the No. 8 overall pick?

Kelley also weighs in on Henri Jokiharju’s chances of playing in the NHL next season.