Another busy week of prospect buzz around the Chicago Blackhawks, and here at Hockey Hot Stove, Coach Frenchy is breaking it all down for you. From WJC 2026 projections to NCAA commitments and long-term rankings, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s dive into what’s going on across the prospect landscape.
WJC 2026 PROJECTIONS: TEAM CANADA & TEAM USA
The top prospect insiders — Scott Wheeler, Chris Peters, and Steven Ellis — released their early projections for the 2026 World Junior Championship. Here at the Hot Stove, we’re always comparing their insights with what we’ve seen live and during events like the WJSS 2025 in Minnesota.
Three Blackhawks prospects were front and center at WJSS: Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker (Team Canada), and AJ Spellacy (Team USA). Anton Frondell was notably absent from Team Sweden’s group, but we’ll get to him shortly.
Looking at the media predictions:
* Vanacker: No chance to make Team Canada, according to the experts.
* Boisvert: 50/50 shot, but we disagree with that here.
* Spellacy: Looks penciled in as a fourth-line player for Team USA.
Let’s be honest — we understand Vanacker being left out. Canada’s forward depth is insane. But we strongly believe Boisvert deserves a spot. He had a solid WJSS and really clicked with Michael Hage. He outplayed players like Carbonneau in our opinion. Plus, he’s transferring from North Dakota to Boston College next season — a great move for his development.
As for AJ Spellacy, we’re pumped for him. According to Wheeler and Peters, he’s slotted on a gritty fourth line with William Horcoff (PIT) and Shane Vansaghi (PHI). That trio will be nasty to play against — tough, physical, and relentless. Spellacy’s forecheck, grinding, and physical play make him a great fit.
OTHER BLACKHAWKS PROSPECTS TO WATCH AT WJC 2026
Let’s shift to Europe — Anton Frondell is still very much in the conversation for Sweden. Depending on where he plays this season, Frondell could end up as their No. 1 center between Eklund and Stenberg. That would be a dangerous top line.
Over in Czechia, Václav Nestrašil — one of Chicago’s first-round picks in 2025 — remains firmly on the radar. He’s expected to return to the USHL with Muskegon this season before joining UMass in 2026–27. The Athletic’s projection has him slotted on the third line. Czechia has many forwards returning from last year’s roster, but we still believe Nestrašil has a spot on their top-nine based on his size, skill, and two-way upside.
If Chicago ends up with prospects representing four different countries at the WJC 2026, it would be a big win for the organization — and a strong sign the rebuild is loaded with talent.
TRIVIA TIME!
Before we move on — let’s see how sharp you are, Blackhawks fans:
> TRIVIA QUESTION: SINCE THE NHL MOVED TO AN 82-GAME SEASON, WHICH YEAR DID THE BLACKHAWKS RECORD THEIR MOST WINS IN A SINGLE SEASON?
Scroll to the bottom for the answer!
BLACKHAWKS NCAA COMMITMENT NEWS
One of the Blackhawks’ 2025 picks, Nathan Behm (66th overall), just committed to Arizona State for the 2026–27 season. He’ll play another year in the WHL first, but his path is clear.
Meanwhile, Mason West is set to play in the USHL after a season in football, then joins Michigan State in 2026–27. The pipeline continues to grow.
TOP 30 NHL PLAYERS IN 2030: ONLY ONE BLACKHAWK?
AdjustedHockey dropped their projection list of the Top 30 NHL Players in 2030, and guess what? Only one Blackhawk made the cut — Connor Bedard, ranked at No. 6.
Ahead of him? Jack and Quinn Hughes, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and Macklin Celebrini.
No Levshunov. No Frondell.
Is that fair? Hard to say — those lists are tough to make. But we do wonder:
Will Levshunov or Frondell eventually crack that list?
Development isn’t linear, but based on what we’ve seen, both players have the tools to be elite.
FINAL THOUGHTS
From Spellacy’s grind to Boisvert’s rising stock… from Nestrašil’s power game to Frondell’s top-line potential — the Blackhawks prospect pool is taking shape. There’s no shortcuts, no fast tracks — just steady work and upside across the board.
For Blackhawks fans, this is the time to stay patient.
Development isn’t instant — it’s earned.
But improvement is coming. The future is being built, one shift at a time.
Believe in the Black and Red. The next generation is on its way.
BLACKHAWKS TRIVIA ANSWER: A SEASON TO REMEMBER
The answer? The 2009–10 season, when the Chicago Blackhawks racked up 52 wins, finished with 112 points, and capped it all off by winning their first Stanley Cup since 1961. That legendary run launched a modern dynasty — with Chicago winning three Stanley Cups in six seasons (2010, 2013, 2015) — and brought the franchise back to the top of the hockey world.
