If a unit targeted by Hidden Blade gets removed from the battlefield (to base or hand) before resolution, does the owner still draw 2 cards?

Ruling: If the targeted unit is removed from the battlefield before Hidden Blade resolves, the owner does not draw 2 cards.

Sequence:

  • Hidden Blade targets a unit at a battlefield
  • If the unit moves to base or hand before resolution, it is no longer at a battlefield
  • Hidden Blade cannot find the target and cannot kill it
  • The controller does not draw because the effect references "the unit at a battlefield" as the full target

Nuances:

  • An illegal target counts as null - if the unit isn't at a battlefield on resolution, there is no valid target
  • This applies whether the unit moved to base or to hand