Overview
- If the season ended today, Chicago would be in a playoff spot and out of the top 16, yet the Panthers’ first-rounder they own would still qualify for the lottery.
- Gavin McKenna’s uneven Penn State debut — 15 points in 14 games with a minus-seven — has raised scout concerns about effort, defense and physical engagement.
- North Dakota freshman Keaton Verhoeff, a 6-4, 212-pound defenseman, has adjusted smoothly to college hockey and is drawing strong interest from NHL teams.
- The Blackhawks’ amateur scouts are maintaining routine evaluations and expect to hold off on specific draft planning until spring.
- USHL center Tynan Lawrence is viewed as a two-way prospect to watch once healthy, and Chicago has organizational ties connected to his program.