The Chicago Blackhawks are in the middle of their rebuild, and the most exciting part of this process is their prospect pool. Over the last five drafts, Chicago has added depth at every position — elite talent at the top, strong defense prospects, and a mix of goalies and long-term projects.
The purpose of this guide is to give you a clear, organized breakdown of every Blackhawks prospect: where they played in 2024–25 and where they’re projected to play in 2025–26.
Future Core Pieces
Artyom Levshunov (D, 2024 – Rd1, #2 overall)
Chicago’s most important prospect after Bedard, Levshunov turned pro in 2024–25 after leaving Michigan State and joining Rockford. He impressed quickly and earned a call-up to the Blackhawks in March, where he played 18 NHL games and recorded six assists. A strong, mobile defenseman with offensive upside, Levshunov projects as a future No. 1 on the blue line. Unlike last season’s late audition, he should open 2025–26 on Chicago’s roster as part of the team’s core defensive group.
Oliver Moore (C, 2023 – Rd1, #19 overall)
Known for his blazing speed, Moore developed into a standout at Minnesota in the NCAA before signing his entry-level contract with Chicago in March 2025. He made his NHL debut on March 30 against Utah and finished the year with nine NHL games, recording four assists. With elite skating that separates him from most young centers, he projects as a future top-six forward. In 2025–26, expect him to split time between Rockford and Chicago as he adjusts fully to the pro game.
Sam Rinzel (D, 2022 – Rd1, #25 overall)
Another University of Minnesota standout, Rinzel signed his entry-level contract in March 2025 and immediately joined Chicago. He closed out the 2024–25 season by making his NHL debut on March 30 and went on to play nine games, posting five assists. A right-shot defenseman with size and strong offensive instincts, he looks like the perfect long-term complement to Levshunov. In 2025–26, Rinzel will compete for a full-time NHL role, though he may still see some development time in Rockford.
Frank Nazar (C, 2022 – Rd1, #13 overall)
Known for his pace and play-driving, Nazar started 2024–25 in Rockford after camp and was recalled on Dec. 13, quickly getting second-line center looks. He finished the NHL season with 53 GP, 12 G, 14 A = 26 PTS, then entered the summer projected to open 2025–26 as Chicago’s 2C. The speed is real, and the production ticked up as his minutes and usage grew.
Anton Frondell (C, 2025 – Rd1, #3 overall)
A powerful, pro-style Swedish center, Frondell signed his three-year, $2.925M entry-level contract with Chicago on July 15, 2025. Last season, he powered Djurgården to promotion from Allsvenskan to the SHL, scoring 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in just 29 regular-season games, plus 7 points in 16 playoff games. Blackhawks scouting staff praised his board play, heavy stride, and elite one-timer. He’ll spend 2025–26 back in Djurgården’s SHL squad—a season designed to build strength and polish before joining the NHL.
Blackhawks Prospects: Where They’ll Play in 2025–26
NHL / AHL (Pro North America)
NHL / AHL (Pro North America)
| Player | Draft | 2024–25 Team | 2025–26 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artyom Levshunov (D) | 2024 Rd1 #2 | Rockford / Chicago (18 NHL GP) | Chicago |
| Sam Rinzel (D) | 2022 Rd1 #25 | Univ. of Minnesota / Chicago (9 NHL GP) | Chicago |
| Oliver Moore (C) | 2023 Rd1 #19 | Univ. of Minnesota / Chicago (9 NHL GP) | Rockford / Chicago |
| Frank Nazar (C) | 2022 Rd1 #13 | Chicago | Chicago |
| Kevin Korchinski (C) | 2022 Rd1 #22 | Chicago / Rockford | Chicago |
| Lukas Reichel (F) | 2020 Rd1 #17 | Rockford / Chicago | Chicago |
| Landon Slaggert (F) | 2020 Rd3 #79 | Rockford / Chicago | Chicago |
| Ryan Greene (C) | 2022 Rd2 #57 | Boston Univ. (NCAA) | Rockford |
| Paul Ludwinski (C) | 2022 Rd2 #39 | Rockford | Rockford |
| Martin Misiak (C/RW) | 2023 Rd2 #55 | Rockford | Rockford |
| Samuel Savoie (LW) | 2022 Rd3 #81 | Rockford | Rockford |
| Gavin Hayes (RW) | 2022 Rd3 #66 | Rockford | Rockford |
| Colton Dach (C) | 2021 Rd2 #62 | Rockford / Chicago (injuries) | Rockford / Chicago |
| Aidan Thompson (C) | 2022 Rd3 #90 | Denver (NCAA) | Rockford |
| Nolan Allan (D) | 2021 Rd1 #32 | Rockford / Chicago | Rockford / Chicago |
| Ethan Del Mastro (D) | 2021 Rd4 #105 | Rockford | Rockford / Chicago |
| Wyatt Kaiser (D) | 2020 Rd3 #81 | Rockford / Chicago | Chicago |
| Louis Crevier (D) | 2020 Rd7 #188 | Rockford / Chicago | Rockford / Chicago |
| Connor Kelley (D) | 2021 Rd7 #204 | Minn.-Duluth (NCAA) | Rockford |
| Ryan Mast (D) | 2021 Rd6 #181 (BOS) | Providence College (NCAA) | Rockford |
| Taige Harding (D) | 2021 Rd3 #91 | Rockford | Rockford |
| Dmitri Kuzmin (D) | 2021 Rd3 #82 | Rockford | Rockford |
| Joey Anderson (F) | 2016 Rd3 #73 (NJ) | Rockford / Chicago | Rockford / Chicago |
| Drew Commesso (G) | 2020 Rd2 #46 | Rockford | Rockford (starter) |
| Stanislav Berezhnoy (G) | FA 2025 | Russia | Rockford / Indy |
Juniors & NCAA
| Player | Draft | 2024–25 Team | 2025–26 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marek Vanacker (LW) | 2024 Rd1 #27 | Brantford (OHL) | Brantford (OHL) |
| Vaclav Nestrasil (RW) | 2025 Rd1 #25 | Muskegon (USHL) | Muskegon (USHL) |
| Sacha Boisvert (C) | 2024 Rd1 #18 | Univ. North Dakota (NCAA) | Boston Univ. (NCAA) |
| John Mustard (C) | 2024 Rd2 #36 | USHL | Providence College (NCAA) |
| A.J. Spellacy (C) | 2024 Rd2 #59 | Windsor (OHL) | Windsor (OHL) |
| Jack Pridham (RW) | 2024 Rd3 #92 | Kitchener (OHL) | Kitchener (OHL) |
| Nathan Behm (RW) | 2025 Rd5 | Kamloops (WHL) | Kamloops (WHL) |
| Julius Sumpf (LW) | 2025 Rd5 | Germany U20 | Providence College (NCAA) |
| Mason West (C) | 2025 Rd1 #29 | Fargo (USHL) | Michigan State (NCAA) |
| Parker Holmes (RW) | 2025 Rd6 | Sioux City (USHL) | Sioux City (USHL) |
| Ashton Cumby (D) | 2025 Rd7 | AJHL | RPI (NCAA) |
| Adam Gajan (G) | 2023 Rd2 #35 | Univ. of Minn-Duluth (NCAA) | Univ. of Minn-Duluth (NCAA) |
➡️ This group covers prospects still developing in junior or college hockey. Several (West, Mustard, Sumpf) are entering key NCAA years; others like Vanacker and Spellacy continue as impact players in the CHL.
Europe & KHL
| Player | Draft | 2024–25 Team | 2025–26 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jiří Felcman (C) | 2023 Rd3 #93 | SCL Tigers (NL, Switzerland) | Switzerland (NL) |
| Roman Kantserov (RW) | 2023 Rd2 #44 | Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL) | KHL |
| Anton Frondell (C) | 2025 Rd1 #3 | Djurgården (Allsvenskan) | Djurgården (SHL) |
| Ilya Kanarsky (G) | 2025 Rd7 #194 | AKM Tula (MHL) | AKM Tula (MHL) |
➡️ European prospects remain overseas for top-league minutes. Frondell steps into the SHL with Djurgården, while Felcman and Kantserov continue in pro roles that suit their development timelines.
Depth by Position
Forwards
- NHL / AHL Core: Landon slaggert, Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar, Lukas Reichel, Ryan Greene, Paul Ludwinski, Aidan Thompson, Martin Misiak, Samuel Savoie, Gavin Hayes, Colton Dach, Joey Anderson
- Juniors & NCAA: Marek Vanacker, John Mustard, Sacha Boisvert, Vaclav Nestrasil, A.J. Spellacy, Jack Pridham, Nathan Behm, Julius Sumpf, Mason West, Parker Holmes
- Europe & KHL: Jiří Felcman, Roman Kantserov, Anton Frondell
Defensemen
- NHL / AHL Core: Nolan Allan, Ethan Del Mastro, Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier, Connor Kelley, Taige Harding, Dmitri Kuzmin, Ryan Mast
- Prospects in Juniors & NCAA: Ty Henry, Ashton Cumby
- Future Cornerstones: Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Kevin Korchinski
Goaltenders
- Drew Commesso — Rockford (AHL starter)
- Adam Gajan — Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
- Stanislav Berezhnoy — Rockford / Indy
- Ilya Kanarsky — Russia
By Position Outlook
The Chicago Blackhawks have built a promising core of young prospects. Patience will still be required, but the foundation is strong — especially down the middle. With Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell, the organization has the makings of a dynamic center group. What the Hawks still lack, however, is size. The front office addressed this in the most recent draft by selecting bigger forwards, though it will take several years before those players are NHL-ready.
The true strength of the system lies on the blue line. With Kevin Korchinski, Artyom Levshunov, and Sam Rinzel, Chicago has three high-end defensemen who project as long-term top-pair contributors. Defensemen often take longer to develop, but this group is already showing signs of becoming one of the most talented young units in the NHL.
In goal, the addition of Spencer Knight stabilizes the position for the present and near future. Behind him, Adam Gajan represents a potential long-term solution — though only time will tell if he can seize the role.
Overall, the key for Chicago remains development and patience. General Manager Kyle Davidson must continue to identify and address the remaining gaps over the next few years. With two additional first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks’ pipeline looks increasingly solid and well-balanced.
The Blackhawks’ rebuild is no longer just about Connor Bedard — the pipeline is deep, balanced, and steadily growing. From elite defense prospects like Levshunov, Korchinski, and Rinzel, to emerging centers like Nazar and Frondell, Chicago has the pieces to build a sustainable contender. But patience will be key: development takes time, and the organization must stay focused on guiding these players into everyday NHL roles. With more draft capital still to come, the future is bright on the West Side.
What do you think of the Blackhawks’ prospect pool heading into 2025–26?
➡️ Who excites you the most — the defense, the centers, or the goaltenders?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s talk Hawks hockey together.
