The Chicago Blackhawks' offseason has been mostly discouraging. There are the sobering reminders of just how serious the hit that ended forward Marian Hossa's playoff run really was, as well as the less-than-sober news surrounding star Patrick Kane. Thankfully, we're about to get to the part of the off-season that is hockey-centric, starting first with next week's 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

On Friday, the NHL released the order for the 2012 draft. Here's what the Blackhawks will have to work with:

NHL releases order for next week's entry draft. #Blackhawks have eight selections: Nos. 18, 48, 79, 109, 139, 149, 169, 199.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 15, 2012

Chicago was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Coyotes in six games to end the 2011-2012 season.

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