DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Author: Ryan McGregor

  • Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

    Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

    While many of the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects have now graduated to full-time NHL players, they still have a loaded pipeline with a ton of talent spread across many leagues. As we approach the start of the 2026-2027 season, I thought it would be fun to take a look at what I think are the top 10 prospects in the Blackhawks system.

    On my list, for a player to qualify as a prospect, they must be under the age of 23, with fewer than 50 NHL games played. For goaltenders, they must be under the age of 25, with fewer than 25 starts in the NHL.

    1. Anton Frondell

    Anton Frondell is easily the Blackhawks’ highest-upside prospect. After being taken third overall in 2025, scoring 20 goals in the SHL as an 18-year-old, and putting up nine points in 12 games with the Blackhawks, Frondell is expected to take on a big role this upcoming season.

    The 6”1’ Swedish center is a highly skilled, two-way forward with a cannon of a shot. In his 12 games with the Blackhawks, Frondell shot the puck 93.5 miles per hour (MPH), ranking in the 94th percentile. However, it’s the smaller details of his game that really impress me. Most notably, his board work. Frondell is skilled along the wall; he can win battles, protect the puck, and he can make plays off the wall in all three zones.

    The only part of his game that didn’t impress me at the NHL level was his speed. Last season, Frondell reached a top speed of 21.1 MPH, ranking in the bottom 50th percentile. However, Frondell plays a mature, 2-way game that doesn’t require him to be one of the fastest players in the NHL.

    2. Roman Kantserov

    In years past, Roman Kantserov wouldn’t have ranked this high on this list. However, after putting up a league-leading 36 goals in the KHL last season, Kantserov has Blackhawks fans and management very optimistic about what he can do at the NHL level. Kantserov was drafted in the second round of the 2023 Draft and signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks this summer. He is set to open the season with them. The 5”9’ center may be undersized, but he plays a big game. Kantserov is a goal scorer. He has a good shot, but it’s his ability to find the open ice in tight spaces that makes him so dangerous. Last season, Kantserov scored 36 regular-season goals; 31 of them came from the middle of the ice, below the faceoff circles.

    3. Nick Lardis

    Nick Lardis made himself one of the most compelling Blackhawks prospects after scoring 71 goals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2024-2025. Turning pro this past season, the biggest question around his game was whether or not his scoring ability could translate to the professional game. Lardis’ first year pro was successful. Scoring 28 goals in 76 games between the AHL and the NHL. Beyond his lethal shot, Lardis is a relatively fast skater, and he developed his defensive game at the NHL level last season. After his second call-up in March, Lardis spent seven games on the fourth line, where he showed the coaching staff he can play a responsible two-way game. His reward: top-six minutes, where he showed he can be a dangerous offensive option. With more internal competition this season, there is no guarantee Lardis cracks a spot on the Blackhawks roster.

    4. Vaclav Nestrasil

    Vaclav Nestrasil is another guy who seemingly came out of nowhere as one of the Blackhawks top prospects. After being drafted 25th overall out of the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 2025, Nestrasil went to the University of Massachusetts – Amherst (UMass). As a Freshman, Nestrasil had a great season, putting up 13 goals and 31 points in 34 games.

    At the World Juniors, Nestrasil represented Czechia, where he dominated. Putting up eight points in seven games, Nestrasil showed off his skill, playmaking ability, and lethal shot. Nestrasil will play out the 25/26 season at UMass, where he looks to build on last year’s success. Nestrasil is a big body (6”5’, 187lbs), skilled forward who loves to crash the net. 11 of his 13 goals last season came from below the hash marks. One of his biggest strengths is finding open ice in front of the net.

    5. Sacha Boisvert

    Sacha Boisvert has had a few ups and downs since being drafted 18th overall in 2024. Most notably, his Sophomore Year at Boston University (BU), where he not only underproduced but also fell into bad habits, leading to disciplinary action by the team. Boisvert put up three goals and 17 points in 26 games last season with BU and was a healthy scratch in an elimination game due to being late to a team workout. Boisvert joined the Blackhawks late in the season,
    where he played seven games and put up one goal and one assist. In my opinion, Boisvert looked just fine at the NHL level. My only critiques were his lack of physicality and his foot speed. This summer, Boisvert added significant muscle, which he’ll need if he wants to be a premier power forward in the NHL. Boisvert will likely start next season in Rockford, but watch for him in camp; he has something to prove.

    6. Xavier Villeneuve

    The Blackhawks have a potential draft steal in Xavier Villeneuve, taking him early in the second round at the 2026 NHL Draft. Villeneuve is an undersized (5’11″, 162 lbs) offensive defenseman who was slated as a potential first-rounder before the draft. The Quebec native put up 35 points in 37 games last season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

    It’s hard not to compare Villeneuve to a guy like Lane Hutson, or even Cole Hutson, for that matter. They all play small, fast, skill games, which make them all so dangerous in the offensive zone. This upcoming season, Villeneuve will be taking a page right out of the Hutson brothers’ playbook, as he is set to play for the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA. Villeneuve’s decision to play college hockey was a smart one. He’s shown he can dominate the blueline in junior hockey. Now the undersized, offensively gifted defenseman will have the opportunity to learn how to play against older, bigger competition.

    7. Drew Commesso

    I contemplated including goaltenders on this list; they are very hard to project, and they have very different timelines than most skaters. However, I felt that Drew Commesso deserved to be on this list. Commesso is currently 24 years old and had a small taste of NHL action last season. If you recall, the Blackhawks were hit with a bug in January; both Knight and Soderblom were unavailable. Commesso had to come in and play in both games of a back-to-back.

    The second game was a shutout on the road against Nashville. Commesso looked solid in his three NHL games last season. Posting a .917 save percentage and a 2.31 goals-against average. Commesso has spent the last three seasons in the AHL, where he put up a .901 save percentage or better every year. Going into his fourth professional season, Commesso hopes to earn his spot in the NHL. Spencer Knight is going to be the starter, but there is a good case to be made for Commesso for the backup role.

    8. Marek Vanacker

    Marek Vanacker is a prospect who fell in many rankings due to a lackluster, shortened draft +1 season. Vanacker was coming off of a 36-goal, 82-point season when he got drafted, and followed up with only 42 points in 45 games. This season, however, Vanacker led the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in goals with 47 and finished with 82 points in 60 games.

    Vanacker plays a team-focused game, not too often taking matters into his own hands. Vanacker led the OHL not only in goals last year, but also in scoring chances with 321. This upcoming season will be Vanacker’s first taste of professional hockey, likely with the Rockford IceHogs. With a loaded pipeline and limited roster spots, watch for Vanacker to make a push for a full-time NHL spot in the 2027-2028 season.

    9. Ryan Roobroeck

    Ryan Roobroeck was selected immediately after Xavier Villeneuve in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Like Villeneuve, Roobroeck had been considered a potential first-round pick going into his draft year. Roobroeck’s draft stock started to drop as the season went on. His goal total dropped from 41 to 30, and his point total from 87 to 58. Beyond just his production, scouts began to question Roobroeck’s engagement.

    Some nights, Roobroeck is fully engaged, physical, and a scoring threat. Other nights, he lacks physical intensity and pace. Standing at 6’3 “, 209 lbs, Roobroeck has the tools to be an effective power forward at the NHL level. Roobroeck is an adequate skater when he reaches his top speed. However, his acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. This upcoming season, Roobroeck will be staying in the OHL, playing for the Guelph Storm.

    10. Mason West

    In 2025, Kyle Davidson traded back up into the first round to take the 6’6”, 207 lbs center out of the USHL, Mason West, at 29th overall. A massive swing for the Blackhawks, but if West hits, he could be a huge piece of the rebuild. West is a dual-sport athlete (football) who recently fully committed to hockey. Putting up 25 points in 38 games with Fargo Force last season, West demonstrated his impressive skating for his size, as well as his intelligence and creativity with the puck. Next season, Mason West will be going to Michigan State University, one of the best NCAA programs. He will have the opportunity to play with players like Ryker Lee, Ethan Belchetz, and Chase Reid. West is certainly a project, but could pan out to be a solid middle-six center.

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  • Connor Bedard has wanted the Captaincy for a long time

    Connor Bedard has wanted the Captaincy for a long time

    The Chicago Blackhawks announced this morning that Connor Bedard has been named the 37th captain in team history. At only 21-years-old, Bedard couldn’t be more ready. 

    This was hardly earth-shattering news, as everyone expected this announcement to be made at some point before the start of training camp later this week. Bedard has been the pillar of the rebuild, and the face of the organization since the day he became a Blackhawk. 

    In a statement released with the official announcement, Bedard said, “Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I am truly humbled by.” Bedard has been asked about the possibility of being captain of the Blackhawks since he was drafted first overall back in 2023. 

    More recently, in June, I had the chance to talk to Bedard and ask him more about the idea of becoming the next captain. “If I get it, I get it for a reason […] We got a lot of good leaders, but hopefully I get it. 

    Bedard wasn’t just ready for the responsibility; he wanted it. Bedard has been a captain at every level he has played at. From captaining Team Canada at the U18’s, to the Regina Pats of the WHL, and now becoming the Blackhawks captain at 21-years-old, Bedard is a natural leader who welcomes the role at every level. 

    To me, this signals the official shift from rebuild to contention. After signing him to a 5-year, $75 million deal earlier this summer and now making him captain, Bedard is now tasked with leading this team to the playoffs. 

    Bedard is set to miss the start of the season after having shoulder surgery as a result of an offseason injury back in July. Once he returns, he will be joining a young team with a lot of potential, as well as some new faces in Bowen Byram and Patrick Kane, who will help the team get better now. 

  • Is Anton Frondell the NEXT Star in Chicago?

    Is Anton Frondell the NEXT Star in Chicago?

    Anton Frondell just wrapped up his SHL regular season with Djurgardens where he scored 20 goals, and had 8 assists, for 28 points in 43 games (0.65 points per game). Frondell is only the 4th 18 year old to score 20 goals in the SHL. Because Djurgardens finished 9th in league standings, they will have to compete in a “play-in” tournament for the playoffs. In a best of 3 series, the winner gets into the playoffs, and the loser goes home. The 2025 3rd overall pick will make his way to Chicago once their playoff run is over.    

    Frondell is a defensively responsible player who has elite offensive talent, most notably his shot. Frondell has a hard, heavy wrist shot as well as a lethal one timer, often utilized on the powerplay from the left circle. Frondell scored 3 powerplay goals in 7 games in this fashion at the World Junior Championships, which helped propel Sweden to a Gold Medal.

    Another strength in Frondell’s game is his nose for the net. He has a shot first mentality which he often follows up by hunting down his own rebound. Frondell has scored 7 of his 12 5-on-5 goals from tight in the slot this season with Djurgardens. Frondell uses his 6-foot tall frame to drive the net and create offense.

    How will the Chicago Blackhawks best utilize Anton Frondell? It is pretty clear Frondell is a top 6 caliber player, who can already play against grown men, even at the young age of 18. With Frondell having played most of his SHL time on the wing, and the Blackhawks already having their 1-2 punch down the middle with Bedard and Nazar, Frondell will likely remain on the left wing, at least to start his career. That’s not to say he won’t ever play center in the NHL. The Blackhawks have struggled to find Bedard’s long-term linemate, but the 6’0” winger has the perfect skill set to complement Bedard. Connor Bedard is a pure goal scorer, put him anywhere on the ice with room to get off his lethal release, and he will likely find an opening to put it in the back of the net. What has been missing has been a highly skilled, creative winger with size and speed who can feed Bedard the puck. That is exactly where Frondell will thrive. Frondell’s speed, and willingness to drive the net will open up ice for Bedard, allowing him to do what he does best, make plays. 

    Having Frondell on the powerplay will also give the Blackhawks another threatening option. Right now, the powerplay starts with Bedard, runs through Bedard, and ends with Bedard. With Levshunov still developing his shot, the Blackhawks lack options (their next highest threat being Tyler Bertuzzi in the crease). Having Frondell on the left flank and Bedard on the right, the powerplay quarterback will have multiple options. Having the option of both Frondell and Bedard for a one timer will force the penalty killers to adjust, opening up a lane down the middle for the defensemen to put the puck on net.

    Frondell brings a certain level of creativity to the table, he likes to try new things and he isn’t afraid to take a risk. Early in the season Frondell scored a “Michigan” style goal, showing off his puck skills and creativity. He thinks the game similar to Bedard and is able to make quick decisions and use his creativity to get out of trouble.

    In short, the Blackhawks seem to view Frondell as Connor Bedard’s long-term linemate. Frondell has an elite offensive IQ, an elite shot, and impressive defensive abilities (often being compared to Aleksander Barkov). Anton Frondell is going to be an immediate impact player for the Blackhawks when he joins the team, most likely before April, assuming Djurgardens does not go on a deep playoff run.