To the surprise of few “in the know“, Scott Powers of The Athletic Chicago is reporting that the Blackhawks will soon sign defensive prospect Blake Hillman to an entry level contract.
Hillman just wrapped up his junior season for University of Denver, and looks to forgo his senior year to turn pro. He was originally a 6th round draft pick of the Blackhawks (173rd Overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
The 6’1″ 180lb left-handed defenseman, who has been playing with freshman Blackhawks prospect Ian Mitchell, projects to be more of a physical depth defensive specialist. His penalty minute totals have almost tripled from his sophomore to his junior year.
It is unclear just where he will fit in the future plans of the Chicago Blackhawks, but he is one of the few defenseman in the system that has a true physical element to his game.
Our college expert Aaron Goldschmidt has been keeping very close tabs on Denver Hockey and Hillman, and has indicated that he will sign in the coming days.
The-Rink.com draft expert The Wiz has recently broken down Hillman’s game, as well.
These were the notes I took on Hillman in prospect camp the past two summers:
2016 Prospect Camp:
- Staff seemed to take a special interest in Hillman and seem to be working closely with him.
- Seems to have above average size and good instincts.
2017 Prospect Camp:
- Looks bigger than listed.
- Moves his feet well for a bigger guy.
- Average puck handler.