NHL Mock Draft 2013: The Chicago Blackhawks select Morgan Klimchuk with No. 30 pick

Many people would like to think that the most coveted pick in any draft is the first one. I am willing to bet that all 29 NHL general managers would love to be in Stan Bowman’s position by picking last. The top picks get all the hype and glamour but the team picking last is coming off accomplishing the ultimate goal, winning the Stanley Cup. Bowman has set bar on how to be competitive in the hard salary cap era by locking up his core players long term and drafting well. Being able to pull from you own home grown talent saves you tons of cash in the long run. Bowman has had success in the draft since taking over the team in September 2010. Some of his draft picks have already made an impact like Brandon Saad and Andrew Shaw. The Hawks system is loaded with great prospects like Adam Clendening, Mark McNeill, Phillip Danault and Teuvo Teravainen. Now we can add Morgan Klimchuk to the list of prospects to watch.

Morgan Klimchick is listed at 5’11 and 175 lbs. He has played both center and left wing in the WHL. He has put up 113 points (54 G, 59 A) in 144 games played in Regina. He had a breakout season this past year with 36 G and 40 A, in 76 games, for an offensively challenged Pats team. He is said to be a high energy player with good puck possession skills, which fits the Hawks system. He has quick hands and feet, and is a beast in the neutral zone, with and without the puck. Morgan possesses exceptional speed and acceleration which he uses to create offense on his own. Klimchuk was very effective on the power play, both from the point and distributing the puck. Scouts say he has a plus shot and can score from a distance. He might be a bit undersized but is willing to battle and drive to the net. He also shows a commitment to defense. Every scouting report I have read leads me to believe he is a great fit for the Blackhawks system and would have no problem fitting in when his time comes. Plus, imagine how awesome it will be to hear a drunken Pat Foley scream “KLIMCHUK!!” during future broadcasts??