NHL Draft 2014: Chicago Blackhawks select Nick Schmaltz with No. 20 overall pick

Schmaltz, 18, is a right-handed shooting center who spent the last three seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League. He registered 119 points in 130 regular season games with Green Bay and has consistently built on his offensive totals from season to season. Schmaltz matched his goal total from 2012-13, scoring 18 in consecutive seasons, but set career-high totals in assists (45) and total points (63) in 2013-14.

Listed at 5’11, 172 pounds, Schmaltz is described by the ISS as a highly-offensive player who is still trying to develop an all-around game. Schmaltz finished the season ranked as the No. 24 overall prospect in the ISS year-end evaluation.

Praised for his skill with the puck, Schmaltz is credited as a fantastic skater with equally impressive vision. His play away from the puck has received less praise:

Schmaltz is one of the most impressive players in this draft with the puck on his stick. His ability to control the game and his skating separate this player from most of the pack. At this stage of development he is mostly a one way offensive player. However, his offensive tools and upside are elite. One of the most purely natural skilled athletes in this year’s draft. He is a more accomplished playmaker than finisher but has a potent wrist shot with a quick release. Play away from the puck, intensity level, and commitment to all three zones need substantial improvement. He is a dazzling player to watch perform but will need investment from his future pro team to be able to play at the next level.