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.

The first night of the 2025 NHL Draft saw the Blackhawks add three young players to their pipeline, which includes an aggressive move to secure a spot in the first round. Here's what NHL Draft analysts said about the Blackhawks' three first-round selections on Friday night.