Alex DeBrincat, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Kirby Dach and Lukas Reichel were considered “reaches” for the Blackhawks, along with Nolan Allan.
The Blackhawks scouting department has saved Stan Bowman’s job more than once. They have taken their future core from risky selections, and have come out better from it. Here are the last three major draft steals in my opinion:
Alex Debrincat was not necessarily a “reach” at 39th overall, but no NHL team really wanted him, including the Blackhawks, until he was taken in the second round. He was a top-ten talent of his class but his height drew lottery-pick teams away.