Blackhawks Trade Up for Dual-Sport Prospect Mason West

Mason West, a 6-foot-6 dual-sport athlete from Edina High School in Minnesota, was selected 29th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft after they traded up to acquire him. West recently committed to play collegiate hockey at Michigan State University, but will first play for the USHL's Fargo Force and finish his senior football season as a quarterback before joining college hockey in 2026-27. He recorded 27 goals and 49 points in 31 games during his last high school season, showcasing an uncommon blend of speed and skill for his size, though scouts see room for improvement in his playmaking and compete level. The Blackhawks’ decision to trade up for West shows their confidence in his long-term upside as he commits to hockey full-time. West was one of two Minnesota natives selected in the first round, emphasizing the state's continuing contribution to the NHL talent pool.