Chicago Blackhawks select John Mustard No. 67 overall in 2024 NHL Draft

I guess you could say … John passed Mustard (throws on sunglasses). Wait, the phrase is “pass muster,” right? I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry, but I couldn’t resist. I will refrain from any condiment-related jokes here on out. 

Let’s get to what matters: Chicago got one helluva prospect with Mustard, a dynamic two-way player who led the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks in goals with 29 in 60 games, while also carving out a strong defensive game that lends itself to an NHL lineup. 

A long time ago, teams looked for physicality and fisticuffs in their bottom-six forward group, but now footspeed and hockey IQ are requirements. If he’s able to put on some weight and get stronger, it’s hard not to see Mustard carve out a long, successful career in the NHL as a defensively responsible forward who can chip in secondary offense. 

“Mustard isn’t flashy, but I could see his work ethic allowing him to get the job done in a team’s bottom six,” Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis wrote in his “Top 15 Centers” piece from May. “Once projected as a seventh-round pick to start the year, I think Mustard will go early on Day Two.”

Blackhawks fans will have to keep an eye on Mustard in the NCAA next season as the USHL’s top-scoring rookie committed to Providence, where head coach Nate Leaman has won a national championship (2015) and made two Frozen Four appearances (2015 and 2019).

“The coaching staff is the first one that had a lot of interest in me,” Mustard has said. “It’s a spot where I can learn a pro-style game.”