The Chicago Blackhawks received some encouraging recognition this week, with five of their prospects named to Daily Faceoff’s Top 75 Players and Top 25 Goalies lists for the 2025–26 season. It’s another reminder that Kyle Davidson’s rebuild is starting to take shape — and the Hawks’ prospect pool might be deeper than many realize.
Three names landed inside the top 15 overall prospects: Sam Rinzel (12), Artyom Levshunov (13), and Anton Frondell (14). Forward Oliver Moore also cracked the list at 40th, while goaltender Drew Commesso was ranked 25th among netminders. Fellow goalie Adam Gajan was also mentioned as a longer-term project.
Blue Line Cornerstones Emerging
Having two defensemen in the top 15 speaks volumes about Chicago’s future on the back end. Sam Rinzel, fresh off a dominant final year in college, has already proven capable of handling NHL minutes in short stints. His combination of size, mobility, and poise with the puck gives the Hawks a legitimate two-way defender who could quickly carve out a role in the top four. He’s refined, reliable, and looks ready to make the jump full-time.
On the other side is Artyom Levshunov, who adjusted seamlessly to pro hockey last year after battling through injury early in the season. Splitting time between Rockford and Chicago, Levshunov showed why scouts believe his ceiling may be even higher than Rinzel’s. He has the frame, the skating, and the instincts to develop into a true cornerstone defenseman. For now, Rinzel might be a step ahead in polish, but the Hawks are in a rare position: two elite young defensemen, both on the verge of becoming full-time NHLers.
Frondell Brings Power and Scoring Touch
The Hawks also added a different type of weapon in Anton Frondell, their top pick from the 2025 NHL Draft. At 6-foot-1 and over 200 pounds, Frondell is the kind of modern power forward teams covet. He has a heavy shot, plays with an edge, and thrives in board battles. Chicago hopes his SHL development this year with Djurgårdens will prepare him to cross over to North America as soon as 2026. If he hits, Frondell gives the Hawks a new dimension up front — size, skill, and the ability to play in hard areas.
Moore Adds Speed to the Mix
Meanwhile, Oliver Moore continues to represent the Hawks’ investment in speed and skill. Ranked 40th, Moore may not have the same frame as Frondell or the defensive ceiling of Rinzel and Levshunov, but his skating is elite and his offensive instincts make him a threat every time he’s on the ice. Chicago sees him as part of their future top six, and with his pace, he’s the type of player who can complement star talent like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.
Goaltending Still a Question Mark
While the Blackhawks’ blue line and forward group look promising, the crease remains a work in progress. Drew Commesso earned recognition after a strong year with Rockford, posting an 18-15-6 record with four shutouts and a .911 save percentage. He even got a taste of NHL action with a December start against the Devils. Another good year in the AHL could push him into backup consideration down the road.
Adam Gajan, on the other hand, is a longer-term project. Chicago will be patient with his development, but the organization still lacks a true, can’t-miss starter in the pipeline. That reality is why Davidson swung the Seth Jones trade to bring in Spencer Knight, giving the Hawks a potential solution alongside Arvid Söderblom. Commesso and Gajan offer depth, but Knight may ultimately stabilize the position.
A Bright Future in Chicago
What stands out from these rankings is just how strong the Blackhawks’ system has become. Having three top-15 prospects is rare, and when you add in Bedard, Nazar, Korchinski, Vlasic, and Kaiser, the core is starting to look like one of the best in the NHL. The challenge for Davidson will be finishing the job — making smart roster moves, hitting on his 2026 first-rounders, and supplementing this group with the right veterans.
If he succeeds, Chicago could move from rebuilding to contending far sooner than expected.
Credit: DailyFaceoff.com for the prospect rankings.
Final Take
With Bedard already leading the way and an impressive wave of talent right behind him, the Blackhawks are building something special. The defense looks stacked, the forwards have speed and skill, and if the goaltending puzzle falls into place, this team could be back in the playoff conversation in just a couple of years.
October cannot come soon enough!
Absolutely…
As I said before they can trip over themselves with these prospect ranking lists, and I’ll be honest at first i was worried they may not make good picks in the draft, but looking at 2022 and if Nazar becomes top 6 forward and Rinzel becomes a 20 minute a night 2 way defenseman KD and company had a great great great draft, oh but wait we have Korchinski developing at the Rock and then Greene and don’t sleep on Aiden Thompson who plays winning hockey everywhere he goes.
The following year Moore, Kansterov, Lardis just to name a few
Everyone keeps telling me you can’t build a team through the draft and all i keep saying is no one has really tried.
This is exciting to me because if you can dress 12 better than the opponents play on the right side of the puck forwards and 6 defenseman, they will begin to win a lot of games.
Great comment! I really like the way you broke it down. I do want to add one thing though — I disagree when people say “you can’t build from the draft.” The whole point of drafting well is that you accumulate assets. And those assets have value — even if every prospect doesn’t become a star for your own lineup, you can always trade them to improve your roster construction. That’s the real difference for me.
And honestly, you nailed it: if Nazar hits as a top-6 forward, Rinzel becomes that 20-minute two-way D, and with Korchinski, Greene, Thompson, Moore, and the others in the pipeline, KD and the Hawks are building a strong foundation. It’s exactly how you set up a team for long-term success.
The truth is, no one ever remembers the years you stack prospects — they only remember when all those players mature and suddenly the wins start piling up. Chicago looks like they’re heading in the right direction.
Just have to add what a great trade by KD, Kirby Dach for Frank Nazar
It was a great decision by KD…