Chicago Blackhawks select winger Marek Vanacker with No. 27 overall pick in NHL Draft

The Chicago Blackhawks sought to add some middle-six scoring at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by selecting winger Marek Vanacker of the OHL Brantford Bulldogs with the No. 27 pick.

A native of Delhi, an Ontario farm town just north of Lake Erie, Vanacker would not have expected to hear his name called so early in the draft last season. In fact, he probably wouldn’t have expected to hear it at all.

The 18-year-old lefty managed just four goals and 16 points over 55 games during the 2022-23 campaign, uninspired totals that did not herald his impending offensive eruption.

In 2023-24, Vanacker led the Bulldogs in goals (36) and points (82), ahead of drafted teammates Florian Xhekaj (Montreal) and Nick Lardis (Chicago). He used his speed, tenacity, and underrated strength (6’, 174 lbs) to create chances for himself and his teammates at the net.

Though Vanacker probably lacks any one skill that could make him an NHL star, his motor and determination coupled with good skating make him an ideal complimentary player at the next level.

The physical fitness, toughness, and intangibles that drew attention to Vanacker throughout the season were made all the more impressive when he revealed at the combine that he tore his labrum in November before going on to lead the Bulldogs in scoring and games played (68).

The injury will delay the beginning of his 2024-25 campaign in Brantford, but that sort of commitment and grit always seems to cost a premium when the playoffs roll around.

If Vanacker can use his straightforward game to consistently add 40-50 points to his winning attitude, he’ll become a favorite of fans and teammates in Chicago before long.