Thirty years of NHL drafts have produced a Blackhawks first-round selection in every year except 1996. The Hawks netted two first-round selections in 1980 (Denis Savard and Jerome Dupont) and 1997 (Daniel Cleary and Ty Jones). By contrast, Los Angeles and St. Louis have made first-round selections in only 14 and 15 drafts, respectively, over 30 years.
BOOMERANG
Jeremy Roenick, in all likelihood, won’t be back in Phoenix next season. A return to the Blackhawks would not be without precedent for this former first-round draft pick. Four former first-rounders have rejoined the team, three this season: Ed Olczyk, Dave Manson and Dean McAmmond. Denis Savard returned in 1995.
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Late-round draft picks that produce solid NHL prospects are rare and require intuition, timing and luck. The Blackhawks have had their share of players that fall into this category including two team captains (Darryl Sutter and Terry Ruskowski). This group of overachievers includes:
Overall
Selection Player Draft Year Position
226 Steve Dubinsky 1990 Center
207 Dominik Hasek 1983 Goalie
179 Darryl Sutter 1978 Left Wing
120 Steve Larmer 1980 Right Wing
115 Ted Bulley 1975 Left Wing
112 Doug Crossman 1979 Defense
94 Jack O’Callahan 1977 Defense
90 Eric Daze 1993 Left Wing
70 Terry Ruskowski 1974 Center
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HIGH ROLLERS
The Blackhawks have never selected higher than third overall in the NHL draft but have featured one No. 1 overall pick and two No. 2 overall picks in their lineup. Joe Murphy (1st overall 1986) became a Blackhawk in a trade with Edmonton for Igor Kravchuk and Dean McAmmond on Feb. 24, 1993. Tom Lysiak (2nd overall 1973) arrived in Chicago from Atlanta with Greg Fox, Harold Phillipoff, Pat Ribble and Miles Zaharko for Ivan Boldirev, Darcy Rota and Phil Russell on March 13, 1979. Dale Tallon, (2nd overall 1970) was acquired from Vancouver for Jerry Korab and Gary Smith on May 14, 1973. %%
