First-round picks: Nos. 9 and 29 (from Detroit)
2000-01 record: 29-40-8-5, 71 points (tied for 22nd overall)
What they need
Speed, strength, and defense are all areas that Chicago needs to fortify. Offense could also be a priority if restricted free agents Eric Daze and Alex Zhamnov sign with other teams.
In the system
Defenseman Steve McCarthy (23rd overall in '99) had his first extended stay with Chicago in 2000-01, but had just five assists and owned a minus-7 rating in 44 games. Center Mark Bell (8th overall in '98) began making the adjustment to the pros at Norfolk of the American Hockey League, where he recorded 15 goals and 42 points in 61 games. Left winger Reto Von Arx (271st overall in '00) began the season in Chicago (3-1-4 in 19 games), but finished in Norfolk with 16 goals and 42 points in 49 games.
Overseas, right wing Pavel Vorobiev (11th overall in '00) had a solid season in the Russian League with Yaroslavl, notching 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in 36 games. He also represented Russia at the World Junior Championships.
Recent draft history
Chicago has leaned heavily toward the front line in the first round. Of their last 10 first-round choices, nine have been used on forwards. The lone exception was in 1999, when they chose McCarthy.
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