The Chicago Blackhawks will head into the 2025 NHL Draft with the third overall pick after the results of Monday night’s draft lottery placed them just outside the top two. Despite having the second-best odds at securing the top pick, fortune did not favor the Blackhawks this year as they were outpaced by the New York Islanders, who vaulted into the number one slot with only a 3.5% chance.
The outcome was unexpected by most analysts. The Islanders’ luck marked their fifth time securing the top selection in franchise history and their first since they drafted star forward John Tavares in 2009. Also surprising was the Utah Hockey Club’s meteoric rise from the 14th spot to the fourth pick. Formerly the Arizona Coyotes, the newly relocated team benefited from lottery rules allowing jumps of up to 10 positions, reshaping the top end of the draft order.
For the Blackhawks, the third pick remains a valuable asset. After picking first overall last year and second the year before, expectations remain high. The team is in the midst of a rebuild, and franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard—the first overall pick in 2024—has already made a noticeable impact. Adding another elite prospect in this year’s draft will further solidify their long-term strategy.
However, General Manager Kyle Davidson made it clear that the team’s primary concern isn’t just the draft. It’s filling the head coach vacancy that has loomed since December 2024, when the organization parted ways with Luke Richardson. Since then, Rockford IceHogs coach Anders Sörensen has stepped in as interim head coach, providing temporary leadership during a period of organizational transition.
“Ultimately, we want someone that’s excited about what’s going on in Chicago,” Davidson told reporters following the draft lottery. “Based on the reaction—and my phone every day—this is quite an appealing job. We feel that, and we know that. But we’ve got to find the right person that fits what we’re doing.”
Davidson’s comments reflect a deliberate approach to hiring, one that underscores the importance of alignment between coaching philosophy and the organization’s long-term development goals. The Blackhawks are building around a young core that includes Bedard, defenseman Kevin Korchinski, and other promising talents. The right coach will need to prioritize development, foster resilience, and have the capacity to grow alongside the roster.
Anders Sörensen, who had been leading Chicago’s AHL affiliate prior to his interim promotion, remains a possible candidate but isn’t a guaranteed lock. While Sörensen is respected internally for his developmental work with younger players, Davidson has signaled a thorough search, suggesting the team is willing to consider both external and internal candidates to ensure the best possible fit.
The coaching search is crucial not only because of the players currently on the roster but also due to the potential talent that could arrive via the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. Analysts expect several top-tier prospects to be available at that position, including Russian winger Ivan Demidov, towering Canadian center Cayden Lindstrom, and Belarusian defenseman Artyom Levshunov. Each of these players brings a different skill set, and the right coach will be integral in helping them transition effectively into the NHL.
Adding to the urgency is the NHL’s offseason schedule. The draft, scheduled for June 27-28, 2025, is fast approaching. With free agency and development camps closely following, the Blackhawks need to establish leadership to guide not just the draft selections, but also player evaluation, offseason training, and locker room culture.
Chicago fans have reason to be optimistic. While missing out on the top pick is disappointing, the team is still in a strong position. The organization has stockpiled assets through previous drafts and trades, and its salary cap flexibility allows for smart moves in the free agent and trade markets. In many ways, the coaching decision may prove to be more impactful than the exact draft slot.
The head coach will be tasked with managing expectations as well. With Bedard’s explosive entry into the NHL, the spotlight on Chicago is only growing. Balancing fan excitement with the patience required for a rebuild will require a steady and communicative hand at the helm.
In addition to player development, the next head coach will need to embody a new culture in Chicago—one rooted in competitiveness, accountability, and modern hockey tactics. The NHL has evolved rapidly, and successful coaches today are those who can adapt systems to maximize player strengths, manage younger rosters, and leverage analytics to stay ahead of the curve.
For Davidson and his front office, the next few weeks will be a defining period. Between finalizing draft evaluations, continuing their search for a coach, and potentially shaping the free agency strategy, the Blackhawks are entering a pivotal stage in their rebuild.
The team’s direction is clear: build for sustainable success. With the No. 3 pick, a budding superstar in Connor Bedard, and a front office committed to long-term planning, the foundation is in place. Now, it’s about making the right choices—especially behind the bench—to ensure that the Blackhawks can return to their championship pedigree.
Until then, Blackhawks fans wait with anticipation to see not only who will join the team as the next high-profile draft pick, but also who will lead them on the ice as the next head coach. One thing is certain: Chicago has the pieces. Now it’s time to complete the puzzle.
