Each day over the next week leading up to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 21 in Vancouver, we will be taking a look at the top prospects available for the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 3 pick.
Fifth in the series of prospect profiles is left wing Matthew Boldy
Matthew Boldy
2018–19 Team: U. S. National U18 Team “A”
Date of Birth: April 5, 2001
Place of Birth: Millis, Masschusetts
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 192
Shoots: Left
Position: Left Wing
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 9 by NHL Central Scouting – North American Skaters
NHL comparable: Matthew Tkachuk
Matthew Boldy has the excellent all-around game that teams search for in a top six forward. The left wing showed his offensive prowess with 33 goals in 64 games played this past season. However, he does not just rely on his shooting ability to make in impact on the scoresheet. Boldy also garnered 48 assists and showed the ability to play with high skill players such as Jack Hughes and Alex Turcotte.
His shot is at an elite level and jumps of his the stick. Boldy shows a knack for scoring from anywhere on the ice and can pick even the tiniest of holes left open by opposing goaltenders. Boldy can stickhandle with most in this draft class. He shows an ability to make plays with defenders hanging on him and beat slower defenseman wide, usually after drawing the defender inside.
Finishing off his all-around game is his ability to play in all three zones effectively. His hockey IQ is elite and was given the responsibility to play in all big game situations, such as, the penalty kill, power play and late game situations. Boldy is tough along the boards and in front of the net, but does not seek out unnecessary contact. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Boldy has the frame that excels at the NHL level. With maturation and more weight room strength will be a handful for opponents.
Projection
It would not be far off to project Boldy as a 20-plus goal scorer at the NHL level. His shot is not the equal of Cole Caufield but he could beat many professional goaltenders consistently. With his size and skating, he can work up and down the top six forwards and play with very talented linemates. His skills on the power play and penalty kill will allow him the chance to play in many meaningful situations that help a hockey team win.
This draft was a tough one for Boldy. Any other year could have seen him higher on draft boards. Also playing behind some really talented forwards with Team USA has put Boldy in the shadow of others in the draft class.
Implications for the Blackhawks
The No. 3 pick has put Chicago in an excellent spot to draft a projectable elite talent. Is Boldy that kind of talent—in this draft? Maybe. He just does not come with the same name recognition as other options options that will be available. The Blackhawks are in desperate need of forwards that can play a team concept on defense and kill penalties and Boldy can do both.
If Chicago trades down out of the No. 3 spot then Boldy would be a nice pick. He would instantly become the top forward prospect in the organization and slot in nicely on the top six forwards, most likely after his stop at Boston College.
What others are saying
“He never overhandles the puck and he’s prepped and ready to attack, whether that’s the big shot, flipping a puck to himself or finding a teammate. To me he’s got to be one of the most exciting wingers this draft”
Team USA Head Coach John Wroblewski – NHL.com