LOS ANGELES -- Mason West has role models for his journey toward making the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks, who selected him in the first round (No. 29) of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Friday.New York Islanders captain Anders Lee and Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson have navigated parts of the journey West hopes to make.

The more you pick early … you’re more likely to succeed,” said Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson of the NHL draft.

NHL Draft is in the books, and the Chicago Blackhawks have welcomed eight new players into their pipeline. Here's the full Blackhawks' 2025 NHL Draft Class, from rounds one through seven. No. 3 Anton Frondell - C,