Blackhawks acquire 20th overall pick from Sharks, select Nick Schmaltz in 2014 NHL Draft
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With the 20th overall pick at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft after trading picks with the San Jose Sharks, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Green Bay Gamblers forward Nick Schmaltz.
San Jose trade No 20 overall and No 179 to Chicago for No 27 and No 62 overall
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 28, 2014
Schmaltz spent the last two seasons tearing up the USHL, recording 52 points as a rookie and a team-leading 63 points in his draft year. He is a pass-first playmaker who uses his strong skating, great vision and pinpoint passing to create opportunities.
Schmaltz's defensive game shows promise, but will need some work. He is strong on the puck and controls the game well in the cycle, which will be key to his success at the pro level if he can translate those abilities.
Schmaltz is the younger brother of Jordan Schmaltz, a 2012 first-round selection by the St. Louis Blues. The brothers will be teammates next season as Nick is committed to the University of North Dakota, where Jordan will be entering his junior year.