Who could be available for Blackhawks at No. 19 overall in 2023 NHL Draft?

The Blackhawks winning the 2023 NHL Draft lottery changed everything for the future of the organization. They’re going to get a generational player with the No. 1 overall pick, which will inevitably be Connor Bedard.

But what’s flying a bit under the radar is just how fortunate the Blackhawks are that they’ll also hold the No. 19 overall pick, which was initially acquired from Tampa Bay in the Brandon Hagel trade. A source told me the Blackhawks were expecting 25 to be the best-case scenario when the deal was executed.

“The fact that it’s Top 20 is unreal,” the source said. “Especially in this draft class where the Top 20 is much deeper than any in recent memory.”

The No. 19 overall pick in a draft class like this is probably more valuable than, say, a mid-first-round pick last year. They’re going to get an impact-type player who could be part of the new core.

So who could the Blackhawks take at No. 19 overall or target in a potential trade-up scenario? Here are some names to keep an eye on:

Colby Barlow, LW/RW

Barlow is a 6-foot, 190-pound winger who’s considered to be a strong skater and can play in all situations. He scored 46 goals this season as the captain of the Owen Sound Attack, which ranked fifth among all OHL skaters. He also saw a 32-point increase from last year, going from 47 to 79. If the Blackhawks are looking for a goal scorer who can also kill penalties, Barlow is a solid candidate. The question is whether he’ll be around by the time No. 19 rolls around.

Andrew Cristall, LW

Cristall is a 5-foot-10, 167-pound winger who’s known to be an offensive playmaker, even though he’s not the strongest skater. In just 54 games with the Kelowna Rockets this season, he recorded 39 goals and 56 assists for 95 points, which ranked fifth among all WHL skaters. Just not sure the Blackhawks would be crazy about adding another undersized forward to the pipeline with the No. 19 pick.

Nate Danielson, C

Danielson is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound dependable center who can play in all situations and has a high motor. His size is also an attractive part of the package. He recorded 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists) in 68 games this season while serving as co-captain for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. It’s unlikely Danielson will be available at No. 19, but if he slips outside the Top 10 or 12, he could be a possible trade-up option.

Ethan Gauthier, C

Gauthier is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound center who’s skilled offensively and is known to be a hard worker. He checks some boxes the Blackhawks are looking for regarding his skating ability, compete level, and hockey IQ. Gauthier set a career-high in goals (30), assists (39) and points (69) in 66 games this season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the QMJHL. He also added 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 11 postseason contests.

Riley Heidt, C

Heidt is a 5-foot-10, 178-pound center who’s known to be an offensive playmaker. He tied Connor Bedard for first in assists…