Blackhawks Jump Ahead In Draft, Pick Center Nick Schmaltz

(CBS) -- The Chicago Blackhawks traded up to select center Nick Schmaltz with the 20th pick overall in the NHL Draft on Friday.

The 18-year-old Schmaltz has played for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League. He led the Gamblers with 63 points and 45 assists in 55 regular-season games this past year. He was tied for third on the club with 18 goals, including 11 power-play goals.

A Verona, Wisc. native, Schmaltz is committed to play for the University of North Dakota next season and is 6-foot and 167 pounds.

Chicago originally had the 27 pick in the first round, but it traded that pick and No. 62nd overall to the San Jose Sharks for the 20th and 179th overall. The draft was being held at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The second through seventh rounds of the draft will be held Saturday.

In:
• NHL