Nathan Behm Reflects on NHL Draft and Development Camp
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
Nathan Behm knew there was a chance his name would be called at the 2025 NHL Draft, so when the moment actually came, everything became a blur.
“Walking up there, you don’t realize what just happened,” Behm said. “You don’t really remember too much in the moment, but it’s cool to look back and know what happened.”
Behm was selected No. 66 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles a few weeks ago.
Behm recently attended Chicago’s development camp, where he got a first-hand look at the organization he’ll one day hope to play for. While the week largely focused on off-ice development, he says the experience was invaluable.
“It was great. I’m ready to go back in a couple of months for the rookie tournament,” Behm said. “Just getting the layout of the land, seeing all the facilities, meeting everyone, all the drafted guys, it was cool just to be a part of that.”
One of the names he crossed paths with was fellow Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell.
“We talked a couple of times with each other before, were in the same agency,” Behm said. “He’s a good guy.”
As the offseason ramps up, Behm is keeping his focus simple, keep getting better.
“There’s definitely stuff I’ve been working on, just tightening up everything, getting stronger, faster, continuing to push forward for sure, getting ready to play against men,” he said.
While playing with Connor Bedard in itself is a dream, Behm looks forward to playing in the NHL as a whole.
“I just think playing in the NHL would be cool, whether it’s with Bedard or any of the other guys in the future.”
Before that becomes reality, the Blazers will likely be expecting a big year from the 18-year-old forward. Behm’s 2024–25 season with Kamloops was a breakout campaign, and he’s determined to build on it. He notched 31 goals and 66 points in 59 games last season.
“I think I had a good year. Got lots of ice time and played in big situations, which I think was huge,” he said. “Being able to showcase myself was a big part of it.”
With a big season ahead, Behm is ready to get back to work with the Blazers in the fall.
