The Chicago Blackhawks are again at a crossroads this offseason. A team that won their division but didn’t win a single playoff game and for the second straight year couldn’t get out of the first round.
The 2017 draft will feel slightly odd to many in the organization as they actually have a first round pick. The offseason will see another roster turnover as the Hawks need to 
shed salary to be cup compliant.
Chicago has a crop of players in Rockford that could provide good depth at the next level at most positions. One spot they lack a combination of speed, skill and size is defense.
Though very raw and a relative unknown, Dylan Samberg can give them all three. The 6’3” lefty had a rough time moving from high school hockey in Minnesota to the speed of the USHL. The good news is Minnesota-Duluth is still his landing spot in 2017-18.
By having three years at the NCAA level, Chicago can allow him to develop without having to sign him to a contract. His booming shot should only get better and would be a great addition to an NHL power play that needs it.
Those around him often say he works hard and is very coachable. For someone with the gifts he possesses the want to be coached will only help turn him from a blank canvas to a strong player at the next level.
As the Chicago players age on defense and potentially get traded due to salary concerns, Samberg will be a welcomed addition in a few seasons.
With the 26th pick in the 2017 NHL Amateur Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select Dylan Samberg from Hermantown High School.
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