Blackhawks Management Must Enjoy Team USA's Semifinal Appearance

The World Junior Championships have reached the semi-finals. There have been some incredible surprises including Thursday night's result between Canada and Czechia.

The Canadians, who showed up to the tournament with a controversial roster, lost to Czechia and are now out.

Before Czechia secured their spot in the final four, Finland, Sweden, and the United States won their games to advance as well. It promises to be a great finish as all of these teams have reason to believe they can do it.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, they won't be getting a look at Canada's Gavin McKenna anymore (potential number one pick in 2026) but they had to have enjoyed Team USA's win over the Swiss to make it to the final four.

In that win, everybody had a good look at James Hagens who is the projected number one pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. If the season ended today, the Hawks would have the highest odds of landing that first selection and a chance at Hagens.

Hagens scored two goals in the win which continued his hot tournament despite being one of the youngest players participating.

The first goal that Hagens scored was assisted by Blackhawks prospect Oliver Moore. Moore's tenacity allowed him to win a puck battle down low and then his hockey IQ allowed him to find Hagens who used a beautiful move to score the goal.

Hagens and Moore are not on the same line but Moore caught Hagens fresh off the bench in a line change. These are the speedy/smart/hard-working plays that the Blackhawks want to see from Moore.

These two could, in theory, be teammates in the NHL one day so it was good for Chicago to see them combine for a goal in a big game.

Later in the game, Moore collected another assist on a Team USA goal scored by Danny Nelson. Moore's impact as a depth piece on this team can't be overstated.

Chicago has a long way to go in this rebuild but this Team USA win could be an insight into what the future holds with Moore and potentially Hagens (if they could be so lucky).

Team USA will now take on Team Czechia in the semi-final with a chance at the Gold Medal Game on the line. You know that Chicago scouts and management will have eyes on that one.

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