Top 25 Chicago Blackhawks Prospects: Paul Ludwinski slots in at #22
The speedy 2022 second-round pick winds up at #22 after an injury riddled season
Paul Ludwinski
Position: C
Age: 19
Physical Attributes: 5’11”, 187-pounds, left-handed
Acquired: 2022 NHL Draft (second-round, pick #39)
Expected 2023/24 Team: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
2022/23 Stats: 34 points (9G, 25A), 12 PIMs, 90 SOG, 10.00 SH%, -2.05 5v5 GF% Rel, and 18.80 eTOI/GP in 47 OHL GP
Contract Status: Three years, $931,667 (ELC)
The Chicago Blackhawks had an impressive and busy 2022 NHL Draft. They traded Alex DeBrincat, Kirby Dach, and took on Petr Mrazek’s contract and got three first-round picks, a second-round pick, and a third-round pick in return. While the first-round picks were important for the Hawks, they took Kevin Korchinski, Frank Nazar, and Sam Rinzel, they also got an exciting prospect with their second-round pick, Paul Ludwinski.
The 19-year-old had a good, but not great 2021/22 campaign where he put up 16 goals and 27 assists in 67 OHL games. However, he flashed in the playoffs compiling seven goals and five assists in 11 games and was likely one of the reasons that the Hawks selected him. Unfortunately for Ludwinski and the Blackhawks, he couldn’t carry that momentum into this past season.
Going into 2022/23, Ludwinski was the de facto #1 center for the Kingston Frontenacs and was expected to have a big year. But at the Tom Kurvers’ Prospect Showcase with the Blackhawks, he suffered a concussion that would keep him out until mid-October. Later in the year he also sprained his left ankle and that ended his season prematurely. He only managed to score nine goals and assist on 25 others in 47 games.
Despite his production, or lack thereof, the young Canadian center does have a couple of promising skills. His biggest strength is his skating ability. He’s extremely fast, pacey and can just fly down the ice. He’s arguably the second fastest Blackhawks prospect behind only Oliver Moore. That speed along with his high-end motor make him a dangerous forechecker and breakaway threat every time he’s on the ice. Lastly, he provides a lot of defensive value, whether that be from engaging in puck/board battles, playing on the penalty kill, and/or forcing turnovers.
As alluded to earlier Ludwinski’s production hasn’t been good. Most of that is due to his lack of puck skills, creativity, and vision in the offensive zone. There was hope that he would develop more offensive skill last year, but that failed to come to fruition. Health must be a concern as well with the two major injuries he suffered last year.
What Others Are Saying:
“Ludwinski’s one of those players whose engine is always running so hot that he looks like he’s doing a lot out there when in many cases he isn’t. I think how often your eyes go to him, with his energized up-tempo skating and the way he tries to will plays into existence, can mask some of the inefficiency that exists in his game. I’m not sure he has the problem-solving or soft skill to be an offensive player at the next level, but his skating-work ethic mix might give him a real shot to work his way into a checking/energy role. He’s an A-level skater who can create breakaways, put defenders on their heels, win races, and will be able to penalty kill up levels. When he’s on, he can buzz around the ice and come at teams in relentless waves shift-to-shift.”
“Ludwinski plays an uncomplicated type of game, focused on positioning and drawing the straightest line between points A and B. His stride can lack a bit of depth at times, but he’s naturally explosive, especially in crossovers, and can elude opponents in all areas of the ice thanks to his agility. His high pace of play helps him force the opponents into mistakes, offensively and defensively. A lack of creativity and playmaking skills has severely limited Ludwinski’s offensive generation at the OHL level over the past two seasons. Ludwinski needs to prove that he can score next year when he returns to live up to his second-round selection.”
“Ludwinski is a strong skater who plays with pace and energy. He is hard on pucks, wins battles versus bigger players and can make skilled plays on the move. He’s able to create around the net, while also showing perimeter playmaking. He has talent and the work ethic, but whether the talent level is high enough and the scoring consistent enough for a smaller forward is the debate with Ludwinski.”
What’s Next for Ludwinski?
After playing in one preseason game, the 19-year-old was re-assigned to the Kingston Frontenacs on Monday. He’s expected to be their captain, first-line center and will play in all situations this year. It’s anticipated that his production will vastly improve this season.
My Thoughts
It’s no secret that I have been a massive proponent of Ludwinski’s. I even wrote about him before the 2022 NHL Draft because I thought he’d be a great pick for the Hawks. Unfortunately, the past two years have not gone his way health or production wise. I am expecting him to bounce back though.
Paul Ludwinski’s speed is an elite tool, and when paired with his motor it makes him a dangerous player. He’s also an above-average defensive forward and is an excellent penalty killer. Despite his poor offensive instincts, I believe that Ludwinski will be an NHLer. He projects as a bottom-six center who can play on your first penalty kill unit. If he continues to develop on both side of the puck, a realistic NHL ETA for the speedy Canadian center is 2025/26.
Please consider subscribing to this blog (it’s free of charge) and you’ll receive an email whenever a new piece is out. I’ll be writing about the Blackhawks latest news, rumors, players, and prospects so you won’t want to miss out! Make sure to subscribe to the Substack and Medium! Follow me on Twitter here!