The Blackhawks addressed organizational depth in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, grabbing six centers and two defensemen, including first-rounder Dylan Olsen.

The 6'2 206lb. Olsen is by all accounts similar to Brent Seabrook, a big kid who is competent with the puck, and likes to take the body. At some point you may very well see him riding shotgun for last year's third rounder, Shawn Lalonde.

Take the body, you say? Here's a profile on Olsen...

"Oh yeah, definitely... I love to make the big hits," he smiled before adding that he brings more to the table than simple physical play. "I'm kind of an offensive defenseman. I like to rush the puck and get into the play but in the defensive zone I like to be strong, take my man one-on-one, make the first pass out of the zone and make plays, get shots on net and score some goals."

He can lay guys out in the Alberta League, which is swell, I guess. Next season he'll get some seasoning at University of Minnesota-Duluth. This is good for the Hawks, as they can let him mature there without having to hurry into signing him.

Let's take a look at the rest of the Hawks' draft class...

Brandon Pirri, C (2nd round, 59th overall)

This guy is downright puny, at 6'0 and 160. He played well at the World Junior 'A' Challenge, but there's no way in hell he'll be able to compete at any kind of professional level unless he adds a substantial amount of bulk to his frame without diminishing his game. He's apparently a smart guy, heading to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall. He better hit the dinner table and weight room with the same dedication he hits the textbooks, or we'll never hear of him again.

Daniel Delisle, C (3rd round, 89th overall)

Remember how I said Pirri was puny? This guy, not so much. This Minnesota high schooler stands at an absolutely Shrek-like 6'4 and 225 lbs. He's going to play college hockey at Minnesota-Duluth next fall, and he needs (according to his HS coach) to develop his defensive game further. Any time you see a forward this size, you can only hope he develops skill commensurate with the NHL level, because a guy this size can be an asset.

Byron Froese, C (4th round, 119th overall)

Central Scouting had him ranked 85th, yet he fell to 119. What makes a guy drop a full round? Maybe his 5'11, 190 lb. frame has something to do with it. To be that size and play in the NHL, you'd better be Patrick Fucking Kane. He isn't. He's tough enough, coming out of Everett in the WHL, which is not a finesse league. Still, the only thing you can count on is that people will call him "Frosty".

Marcus Kruger, C (5th round, 149th overall)

Another undersized center, at 5'11, 170. All accounts is that he's a good playmaker, with solid hockey sense, and leadership qualities. Definitely needs to muscle up if he wants to play at a top level, whether it be the NHL or Swedish majors.

David Pacan, C (6th round, 177th overall - from Atlanta)

Another guy who was ranked much higner than his draft position by Central Scouting. A real bean pole at 6'3, 185. Pacan is committed to play at the University of Vermont, so here's hoping he develops a taste for pancakes and lots of syrup. He played for Cumberland of the CJHL, which fancies itself a hockey factory. If he's a smart player who develops his skills and bulks up, he might be a real sleeper.

Paul Phillips, D, (7th round, 195th overall)

That's not a typo, that's really a "D" next to his name. Phillips clocks in at 5'11, 190. He also racked up some decent scoring numbers in Cedar Rapids (USHL) last season, with 8G 25A in 60 games.  A local boy from Darien who grew up being a Hawks fan, he would be an instant fan favorite if he makes the big club.  He's committed to the University of Denver for the fall.

David Gilbert, C (7th round, 209th overall)

The Hawks closed out this year's draft class with their seventh center, 6'1 185 lb. David Gilbert, who played for Quebec of the QMJHL. He needs to fill out, and there are questions about his work ethic. Ironically, on his NHL Prospect Profile, he has the quote "if you work hard, good things will happen".

So there you have it. An assload of centers, when they now have Dave Bolland locked up for the next 5 years, and hopefully Jonathan Toews for longer than that. A couple defensemen, no wings or goalies...although, they're lousy with wingers all up and down the organization. Sorry, CT, but Toronto took Steve Smith's kid.

Fortunately, the success the Hawks enjoyed this season not only meant a lower draft pick, but also the fact that the need tor immediate help through the draft is not a necessity.