Now, with the strategic rebuild having been set in motion following the massive Patrick Kane- and Jonathan Toews-led drought, a fresh-faced future beckons the Blackhawks . At the same time, this franchise continues to add elite prospects, such as Connor Bedard and Artyom Levshunov. A fun "what if" moment from the 2024 NHL draft recently resurfaced, which could have affected the organization's long-term direction with rising Russian star Ivan Demidov .
The trade of Ivan Demidov that almost altered the Chicago Blackhawks' draft strategy
The Blackhawks really had a great 2024 NHL Draft, which included, among other things, the second overall selection, Artyom Levshunov. However, there were really strong efforts going on behind the scenes to try to make an even bigger splash. According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun , general manager Kyle Davidson explored the idea of moving up again in the draft. His bold offer? Chicago's unprotected 2026 first-round pick in exchange for the Columbus Blues Jackets' fourth overall pick.
Of course, the object was Ivan Demidov, the promising offensive forward from Russia, known for his electrifying scoring and game-breaking ability. The intention was to get him on board with cornerstone center Connor Bedard, thrusting the rebuild into warp speed with two elite talents on the front lines. Although Columbus decided not to trade their pick and ended up drafting Cayden Lindstrom, that allowed Demidov to fall into the hands of the Montreal Canadiens at fifth overall.
Still, the lack of such a prospect could have been great for the Chicago franchise, which would have been initially disappointed because of the original inability to select with that high a pick but would then have rejoiced because, by that time, everyone would have expected that team to remain in or near the basement of the standings for the next few years: quite the astute decision to keep that as an unprotected pick, for it could easily find itself on a rather high spot in a class headlined by Gavin McKenna-another generational talent with family ties to Bedard.
Also Read: “I don't try to compare myself to anyone”: Ivan Demidov looks up to NHL stars Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov, not Alex Ovechkin
Immediate fireworks could come with Ivan Demidov, but perhaps the wiser choice will prove to be keeping future assets. Imagine the possibility of Gavin McKenna being drafted in 2026 and joining Connor Bedard King's unit. Now, that paints a nice picture for the future of the franchise. In regard to Kyle Davidson's long-range vision, it is patient and calculated—one that may ultimately shape the Blackhawks back into a powerhouse once again.
The trade of Ivan Demidov that almost altered the Chicago Blackhawks' draft strategy
The Blackhawks really had a great 2024 NHL Draft, which included, among other things, the second overall selection, Artyom Levshunov. However, there were really strong efforts going on behind the scenes to try to make an even bigger splash. According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun , general manager Kyle Davidson explored the idea of moving up again in the draft. His bold offer? Chicago's unprotected 2026 first-round pick in exchange for the Columbus Blues Jackets' fourth overall pick.
Thinking back to last June's draft: Chicago, which took Levshunov 2nd overall, offered its 2026 unprotected 1st Rd pick to CBJ for the 4th overall pick. The idea at the time being that the Blackhawks would have likely taken Demidov at 4.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 8, 2025
Habs fans happy that didn't materialize.
Of course, the object was Ivan Demidov, the promising offensive forward from Russia, known for his electrifying scoring and game-breaking ability. The intention was to get him on board with cornerstone center Connor Bedard, thrusting the rebuild into warp speed with two elite talents on the front lines. Although Columbus decided not to trade their pick and ended up drafting Cayden Lindstrom, that allowed Demidov to fall into the hands of the Montreal Canadiens at fifth overall.
Official. ✍️
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 8, 2025
Ivan Demidov signs with the Habs! pic.twitter.com/umkhyd8mjq
Still, the lack of such a prospect could have been great for the Chicago franchise, which would have been initially disappointed because of the original inability to select with that high a pick but would then have rejoiced because, by that time, everyone would have expected that team to remain in or near the basement of the standings for the next few years: quite the astute decision to keep that as an unprotected pick, for it could easily find itself on a rather high spot in a class headlined by Gavin McKenna-another generational talent with family ties to Bedard.
Also Read: “I don't try to compare myself to anyone”: Ivan Demidov looks up to NHL stars Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov, not Alex Ovechkin
Immediate fireworks could come with Ivan Demidov, but perhaps the wiser choice will prove to be keeping future assets. Imagine the possibility of Gavin McKenna being drafted in 2026 and joining Connor Bedard King's unit. Now, that paints a nice picture for the future of the franchise. In regard to Kyle Davidson's long-range vision, it is patient and calculated—one that may ultimately shape the Blackhawks back into a powerhouse once again.
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