Just when everyone thought the Chicago Blackhawks had wrapped up their night at the 2025 NHL Draft, General Manager Kyle Davidson pulled off a stunning late twist that no one saw coming.
The Blackhawks had already made two important picks. First, they grabbed forward Anton Frondell with the No. 3 overall selection—an elite talent expected to become a major part of their young core. Then, at No. 25, they went with size and strength by drafting Vaclav Nestrasil, a power forward out of the Czech Republic. Most observers believed that was it for Chicago.
But Davidson had other plans.
As the first round began to wind down, the Blackhawks executed a surprise trade with the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire the 29th overall pick. In return, Chicago sent over three selections: the 34th and 62nd picks in this year’s draft, plus a fifth-rounder in 2027. The move signaled that Davidson had his eyes on someone specific—someone worth jumping back into the first round for.
That someone was Mason West, a towering 6-foot-6 forward from Minnesota who’s widely viewed as the top high school prospect in the draft. West brings a unique mix of size, skill, and athleticism, with scouts raving about his elite stick-handling, precise passing, ice vision, and natural aggressiveness. What makes his awareness and timing even more impressive is his background as a high school quarterback—experience that has clearly sharpened his decision-making and spatial instincts on the ice.
Though some critics have already labeled the pick a “reach,” that same label was thrown around in 2022 when the Blackhawks selected Sam Rinzel—a move that now looks brilliant after Rinzel’s five-assist showing in just nine NHL games last season. History may be about to repeat itself.
West isn’t just a hockey player—he’s a high-level athlete. No fewer than 11 NCAA football programs have tried to recruit him as a quarterback. But his heart is with hockey, and he’s made it clear that’s where his future lies. He’ll return for his senior season of high school before making the leap to the pros, and the Blackhawks seem more than happy to let him develop at his own pace.
Despite playing a limited ten-game schedule this past season, West recorded one goal and eight assists, showcasing his natural talent as a facilitator. His ability to read the game and set up teammates is something the Blackhawks clearly value, especially as they continue building around a talented group of young forwards.
Chicago doesn’t need Mason West to contribute immediately. Their roster is already loaded with promising youth. But by swinging for the fences late in the first round, they’ve signaled just how much they believe in his long-term upside.
Whether it proves to be a stroke of genius or a gamble gone wrong remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain—Kyle Davidson is not afraid to bet big on the future.
