With the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Mason West from Edina High School. General Manager Kyle Davidson announced the selection, marking a bold move for the Blackhawks, who traded the 34th and 62nd picks in the 2025 draft, along with a 2027 fifth-rounder, to the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire the pick.
West, a towering 6-foot-6, 218-pound center, is a unique and intriguing prospect. He is a dual-sport athlete who also plays quarterback for Edina High School. West will play football in the fall before joining the Fargo Force in the USHL. He is committed to playing hockey at Michigan State University in 2026-27.
In the 2024-25 season with Edina High School, West posted 27 goals and 22 assists for 49 points in 31 games. He was named to the USHS-MN State All-Tournament Team. He also had nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 10 games with the Fargo Force in the USHL. Across three seasons (2022-25), West has accumulated 114 points (51 goals, 63 assists) in 91 high school games.
Scouting reports describe West as a fascinating player with a high ceiling. He possesses a rare combination of size, mobility, and hockey IQ. While not the flashiest player, West understands systems and anticipates plays well. He is a playmaker with good vision and a strong shot. Scouts also praise his puck possession skills and ability to win faceoffs. Though he is still developing, West has shown significant growth in a short time in the USHL.
Some scouts point out areas for improvement in West's game. His shot motion needs more power, and he can improve his consistency and off-puck tendencies. Defensively, he needs to be more involved and use his stick more effectively in passing lanes.
Despite these areas for improvement, West's unique athletic profile and commitment to hockey make him an exciting prospect. His focus on hockey could lead to explosive development. The Blackhawks are taking a "gigantic swing" with West, as he has immense potential but relatively limited experience focusing solely on hockey.
Chicago's acquisition of West reflects a strategy of adding size and skill to their prospect pool. His long-term development fits well with the Blackhawks' existing prospect depth.
