In one way, Kyle Davidson has already accomplished his mission. When he became Chicago Blackhawks general manager, he set out to replenish their prospect pipeline, and he’s done that with eight first-round picks, five second-rounders and eight third-rounders in his first three years.
Will those 21 players help the Blackhawks accomplish Davidson’s other goal of being a Stanley Cup contender again? Time will tell.
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But with those players and a handful of others already on their way before Davidson’s promotion, the Blackhawks’ future looks a lot different than it did a few years ago. It’s unlikely everyone will pan out, but Davidson and his staff know that and have built quantity as much as quality. It helps to have the first pick in the 2023 draft and the second pick in the 2024 draft. Connor Bedard and Artyom Levshunov will factor into the future in a big way. The Blackhawks could draft in the top 10 again next year, and they also have the Maple Leafs’ first-round pick.
In these rankings, we take a closer look at what the Blackhawks have for the future. It’s no surprise Bedard and Levshunov are the first two players, but it’s going to take more than them. Among players who are 23 or younger, we rank who is projected to have the biggest impact in the years ahead.
GO DEEPERBlackhawks 2024-25 season projection: How much could Chicago improve?1. Connor Bedard
Center | 19 years old
Drafted No. 1 in 2023 | 5 feet 10 inches | 195 pounds
Why: There’s little explanation needed here. Bedard is the best player the Blackhawks have and likely will be for a long time.
Next step: Bedard went through a learning curve last season, but he adapted and evolved as the season went on. Now in his second season, there shouldn’t be any surprises. It’ll be interesting to see how he individually developed since last season because you know he put the time in. But it’ll also be interesting to see how he does with better players after the Blackhawks went out and signed Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Tervainen, two players who are accustomed to playing with stars.
Where he fits into the rebuild: The Blackhawks’ potential as a team sits largely with how much Bedard develops as an individual. Bedard has already shown how his elite skills can elevate the play of those around him. The Blackhawks are banking on Bedard being able to do that a higher level while also surrounding him with better players.
GO DEEPERBlackhawks wunderkind Connor Bedard dazzles fans and defies age in rookie campaign2. Artyom Levshunov
Defenseman | 18 years old
Drafted No. 2 in 2024 | 6-2 | 208 pounds
Why: The Blackhawks drafted the right-handed Levshunov second in this year’s draft because they believe he can be a legitimate No. 1 defenseman. That means someone who can play 25-plus minutes, play on the power play, play on the penalty kill and be on the ice in the biggest moments whether they’re playing from ahead or behind. Levshunov was one of college hockey’s top defensem*n as a freshman and played a huge role in Michigan State’s success.
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Next step: The Blackhawks don’t want to rush Levshunov, but they were happy to have the chance to sign him immediately and begin working with him directly this upcoming season. Levshunov will likely spend the majority of this season in AHL Rockford and learn to play the role the Blackhawks eventually want him to play in Chicago. Rockford coach Anders Sorensen has seemed to do well with bringing along defensem*n so far.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Levshunov is probably a few years away from assuming Seth Jones’ role, but Jones’ role would be a good comparable to what the Blackhawks envision for Levshunov.
GO DEEPERWhy Blackhawks drafted Artyom Levshunov at No. 23. Alex Vlasic
Defenseman | 23 years old
Drafted No. 43 in 2019 | 6-6 | 217 pounds
Why: There’s no way Vlasic would’ve been this high on the list a year ago. But after a breakout season, his future looks a lot different. He was one of the top 15 defensem*n in the NHL this past season and did so on one of the league’s worst teams. He was elite in all defensive aspects. He may not have the offensive upside of Levshunov or Kevin Korchinski, but he can be a perfect complement to them. Vlasic’s six-year contract extension with a $4.6 million cap hit could be huge for the Blackhawks down the road.
Next step: Vlasic was pretty consistent throughout last season. He had a few dips late in the year, but his play didn’t drop off much. But now, he has to prove he can be that player again and be even better and more consistent. He and the Blackhawks also believe he has more offense in him.
Where he fits into the rebuild: The left-handed Vlasic could eventually be paired with Levshunov on the top pairing. The Blackhawks will want both on the ice a ton in the future.
GO DEEPERBlackhawks, Alex Vlasic agree to extension4. Kevin Korchinski
Defenseman | 20 years old
Drafted No. 7 in 2022 | 6-1 | 185 pounds
Why: It’s important to remember Korchinski was the youngest defenseman in the NHL last season. That was apparent on the ice at times, but all of his ups and downs last season should benefit him going forward. The Blackhawks still believe he can be a high-end offensive defenseman. But to get there, his journey had to begin with learning how to be more reliable in the defensive zone. He made some strides, especially in defending the rush.
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Next step: Unlike last season, the Blackhawks will have the option of sending Korchinski to Rockford this season. Considering the players they brought in during the offseason, it wouldn’t be completely surprising if the Blackhawks opted to start Korchinski with the IceHogs. Whether it’s Chicago or Rockford, though, the Blackhawks need Korchinski to continue to improve defensively while showing more of his offensive upside. Korchinski might be better off in Rockford getting the consistent top-end minutes he needs.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Levshunov’s arrival may change Korchinski’s situation a bit, but the Blackhawks still expect Korchinski to be a major point contributor for them.
GO DEEPERThe cap implications for the Blackhawks burning a year for Kevin Korchinski5. Oliver Moore
Center | 19 years old
Drafted No. 19 in 2023 | 5-11 | 188 pounds
Why: The next three players on this list probably could be arranged in any order. Moore is first because he seems most likely to be Bedard’s linemate. That would mean shifting Moore to wing, but the Blackhawks will have to do with a few of their drafted centers. Moore has the speed and playmaking to keep up with Bedard and take him to another level.
Next step: Moore had a strong freshman season at Minnesota. The Blackhawks will be looking for him to continue progressing before likely signing him and having him turn pro in the spring. Moore is a pass-first player and does that at a high level, but he’ll probably need to be able to finish more consistently if he’s going to one day play alongside Bedard.
Where he fits into the rebuild: The Blackhawks have drafted a lot of speedy forwards in the past few years, and Moore may be the fastest. He has the makings of a top-line winger if everything goes right for him and the Blackhawks in the coming years.
GO DEEPERHow Blackhawks' Oliver Moore became this year's fastest prospect6. Frank Nazar
Center | 20 years old
Drafted No. 13 in 2022 | 5-10 | 175 pounds
Why: Nazar bounced back after his hip surgery and had the type of sophom*ore season at Michigan everyone anticipated him to have as a freshman. He was one of the best players for the U.S. at the World Junior Championship and was a point-a-game player for the Wolverines while helping them to an NCAA tournament run. He finished off his memorable season in the NHL and even tallied his first goal.
Next step: Nazar will get a shot at earning a spot in the Blackhawks’ NHL lineup out of training camp. But whether it’s Chicago or Rockford out of the gate, this season is important for Nazar to adapt to the pro game and continue to improve. The Blackhawks don’t need him to be a difference-maker next season, but they do in time.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Like Moore, the Blackhawks took Nazar in the first round to be a top-six forward. Nazar could be their second-line center of the future.
GO DEEPERPowers: Frank Nazar looks ready to sign with the Blackhawks. Now it's up to him7. Lukas Reichel
Winger | 22 years old
Drafted No. 17 in 2020 | 6-0 | 170 pounds
Why: Reichel’s stock took an obvious hit with his play last season. Instead of taking that next step and becoming a top-six forward, he ended up back in Rockford. The Blackhawks haven’t given up hope on Reichel, but he’s going to have to fight more for ice time and opportunities. The speed and offensive skill are there. It’s a matter of him consistently bringing those assets and remaining positive.
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Next step: Reichel will look to achieve this season what he hoped to last season. How he performs early in the season seems like a major key. He looked good early last season, but he didn’t get the results, and his game and confidence fell off. He may benefit from the Blackhawks upgrading their overall NHL roster. Starting the season off at wing could help, too. The Blackhawks did give Reichel some future incentive with his two-year extension with a $1.2 million cap hit.
Where he fits into the rebuild: This season may present a better picture of Reichel’s potential. This will be his fourth year as a pro and fifth year since being drafted. This is often when you start seeing more consistency in players.
GO DEEPERBlackhawks, Lukas Reichel agree to contract extension
Roman Kantserov has two years left on his KHL contract. (Brian Babineau / NHLI via Getty Images)
8. Roman Kantserov
Winger | 19 years old
Drafted No. 44 in 2023 | 5-9 | 176 pounds
Why: The Blackhawks went through some of the same debate with drafting Kantserov in 2023 that they did while looking at Ivan Demidov in this past draft. The difference was that the Blackhawks were more willing to draft a skilled winger out of the MHL in the second round than with the second pick. Kantserov might end up being a steal. He went through some growing pains in his first full KHL season, but he was a different player by the end of the year and was a big reason why Metallurg won the KHL championship. He had four goals and nine assists, including seven primary assists, in 23 playoff games.
Next step: Kantserov will miss the start of the season due to a shoulder surgery he had after the playoffs. Once he returns, he’ll be looking to prove he can be the same player he was late in the season and playoffs. He wasn’t nearly as consistent offensively in the regular season.
Where he fits into the future: Kantserov has two more years left on his KHL contract, but the Blackhawks will likely want to plug him into the NHL once he’s ready to sign. He has the chance to be a top-six winger. The positive news for the Blackhawks is that Kantserov seems motivated to be in Chicago. He attended development camp this summer, which was his first visit to Chicago, and was grateful the Blackhawks allowed him to bring along his father.
GO DEEPER'Tell them to wait for me': Blackhawks prospect Roman Kantserov on NHL, KHL9. Sacha Boisvert
Center | 18 years old
Drafted No. 18 in 2024 | 6-2 | 176 pounds
Why: Boisvert was the first forward the Blackhawks took in the 2024 draft. They were attracted to his shot and size. They don’t have a lot of players who look like him in their pipeline. His game still shows some rawness, but the Blackhawks will be patient with his development and give him some time to mature at North Dakota.
Next step: Boisvert will be a freshman at North Dakota and is expected to get plenty of opportunity this upcoming season, especially with the Carolina Hurricanes’ Jackson Blake moving on to the pros. The Blackhawks are hopeful North Dakota is as good to Boisvert as it was to Jonathan Toews and Troy Murray.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Boisvert could fit as a center or winger for the Blackhawks. With his size, he could be dropped into several different lines. The next few seasons should give a better indication of his potential.
10. Colton Dach
Winger | 21 years old
Drafted No. 62 in 2021 | 6-4 | 193 pounds
Why: There was a stretch last season where the Blackhawks were very impressed with Dach and began considering whether he was worth a look in the NHL. He was playing exactly how they wanted him to as a power-forward type. He was playing physically and contributing offensively. But then Dach went down with an injury, which derailed his season. Considering it was his first year as a pro, there’s still plenty of time for Dach to re-find that groove and build on it.
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Next step: Dach has to prove he can stay healthy and be a consistent difference-maker. He’s been on and off the ice the last few seasons due to injuries. The Blackhawks will provide him an NHL opportunity if he can show that. This season will be important for him.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Dach is sort of in the same boat as Boisvert. They both provide something different than most of the Blackhawks’ top prospects because they have size. They both could fit much-needed roles for the Blackhawks in the future.
GO DEEPERCan 3 Seattle Thunderbirds form the next great Blackhawks core? 'That's the dream'11. Marek Vanacker
Winger | 18 years old
Drafted No. 27 in 2024 | 6-1 | 174 pounds
Why: Vanacker was the second forward the Blackhawks took in 2024 and the fifth forward the Blackhawks took in the first round under Davidson. Vanacker is another forward the Blackhawks like because of his skating and competitiveness. Davidson mentioned how he was impressed by Vanacker’s mentality and fearlessness.
Next step: Vanacker will likely be in the OHL for two more seasons. The Blackhawks will want him to continue to play as he does and add strength to his game.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Where Vanacker fits may depend on how the other forwards pan out before him. Some of the lineup may be determined that way. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman thinks Vanacker can be a bottom-six forward.
GO DEEPERBlackhawks NHL Draft tracker: Grades, fits and analysis12. Wyatt Kaiser
Defenseman | 22 years old
Drafted No. 81 in 2020 | 6-0 | 172 pounds
Why: There were times last season when Kaiser fared well in the NHL. He was playing with confidence and utilizing his skating ability all over the ice. He just couldn’t keep that up and had to hit reset in Rockford. When he came back, he was good again.
Next step: Kaiser will want to be the same player throughout all of next season and prove he deserves to be an everyday NHLer. There will be plenty of competition for those spots.
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Where he fits into the rebuild: Kaiser’s game fits somewhere between what the Blackhawks have in Levshunov, Korchinski and Vlasic. He has a mixture of offense and defense. The Blackhawks are high on Kaiser and think he’s a key piece to their future. That projection could likely place him on the second or third pairing down the road.
GO DEEPERWyatt Kaiser rediscovering game in AHL13. Sam Rinzel
Defenseman | 20 years old
Drafted No. 25 in 2022 | 6-4 | 180 pounds
Why: The Blackhawks drafted Rinzel late in the first round in 2022 because they thought his skating and size were worth taking the risk. They knew he’d need some time to develop on and off the ice. After a season in the USHL and a freshman year at Minnesota, Rinzel is coming along as the Blackhawks hoped. He produced at a high rate in the Big Ten last season and has shown signs of understanding the position better.
Next step: Rinzel will want to build on his strong freshman season and become even more reliable in all zones. The Blackhawks have been pleased with how he’s added weight and muscle but think he’s capable of adding even more. Rinzel could sign with the Blackhawks after his upcoming college season.
Where he fits into the rebuild: As you can tell from this list, the Blackhawks’ defense is pretty full. Before getting to Rinzel, we already named four other defensem*n. Rinzel will ultimately prove where he fits in with those others, but it might be difficult to crack a power-play unit as he has at other levels.
GO DEEPERA weekend with Blackhawks first-rounders Nazar, Moore and Rinzel
Nick Lardis will likely turn pro after this upcoming season in the OHL. (Jamie Sabau / USA Today)
14. Nick Lardis
Winger | 19 years old
Drafted No. 67 in 2023 | 5-11 | 171 pounds
Why: Outside of Bedard, Lardis may be the purest goal scorer the Blackhawks have in the organization. Lardis scored 29 goals in 37 games in the OHL last season. The Blackhawks would like him to be a bit less perimeter-oriented and add more muscle, but they think he has a chance to be a significant scoring addition to their lineup.
Next step: Lardis will want to stay healthy and compete for the OHL goal-scoring title season. He has that potential. It’s also about him continuing to score in as many different ways as possible and adding more muscle and weight in the offseason. He could finish the season with the IceHogs.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Lardis is another player who could be a top-six winger. If he can translate his game to higher levels, the Blackhawks will find a spot for him alongside Bedard or whomever else.
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15. Ryan Greene
Center | 20 years old
Drafted No. 57 in 2022 | 6-1 | 174 pounds
Why: Greene is one of the better two-way centers in the Blackhawks system right now. He’s reliable in the defensive zone and has gotten better there, but he also has some offense. The Blackhawks like how he’s come along and tried to sign him after his sophom*ore season.
Next step: Greene feels like he has some unfinished business at Boston University. He should take on a bigger role this season. The Blackhawks are mindful that Greene could become an unrestricted free agent if he can graduate early. As of now, though, they believe Greene is committed to joining the Blackhawks after his college season. They can sign him and plug him into the NHL immediately, which should help.
Where he fits into the rebuild: Greene seems like the ideal third-line center, but his game is versatile enough that he can probably play anywhere in the lineup depending on need.
GO DEEPERBlackhawks prospect breakdown: Ryan Greene finding consistency as a sophom*ore at BUThe next 15
16. Landon Slaggert | Winger | 22 years old
Drafted No. 79 in 2020 | 6-0 | 180 pounds
Slaggert got his first taste of the NHL last season after signing with the Blackhawks after his career at Notre Dame. He played in 16 games and showed signs of his speed and aggressiveness. The Blackhawks hope he can chip in some offensively, but they’re mostly looking for him to cause havoc on the forecheck. He’s probably a bottom-six winger in the future. He could spend time in Chicago or Rockford this upcoming season.
17. Paul Ludwinski | Center | 20 years old
Drafted No. 39in 2022 | 5-11 | 187 pounds
Ludwinski was more consistent and productive last season in the OHL. The Blackhawks were pleased with how he bounced back from the year before. Ludwinski has the makings of a bottom-six center. He probably won’t produce a ton in the NHL, but he should be able to use his skating and speed to influence the game in other ways. He’ll likely be in Rockford for most of this coming season.
Ethan Del Mastro was rewarded with his first two NHL games last season. (Jamie Sabau/USA Today)
18. Ethan Del Mastro | Defenseman | 21 years old
Drafted No. 105 in 2021 | 6-4 | 205 pounds
Del Mastro was among the IceHogs’ top players last season in his first pro year. He was rewarded with a couple of NHL games at the end of the season. He probably will start in Rockford again this season. One of his challenges is proving he can beat out the Blackhawks’ other young defensem*n. Del Mastro has to prove he can consistently end plays in the defensive zone and move the puck quickly up the ice. The Blackhawks do like a lot of his traits.
19. Gavin Hayes | Winger | 20 years old
Drafted No. 66 in 2022 | 6-1 | 171 pounds
Hayes could be somewhat of a wild card for the Blackhawks. He scored a ton in the OHL, but there are questions about whether that game and his skating will translate to the next level. He has worked on being more well-rounded in the past few seasons. He’s another player who will likely spend the season developing in Rockford.
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20. Martin Misiak | Center | 19 years old
Drafted No. 55in 2023 | 6-2 | 200 pounds
There’s a lot to like about Misiak’s game with his length and how he thinks on the ice. He’s bounced around a lot the last few years, so it might help his consistency issues to have a second season in the OHL. The Blackhawks will give him time to develop over the next few years. He could fly up this list.
21. Drew Commesso | Goalie | 22 years old
Drafted No. 46 in 2020 | 6-2 | 181 pounds
Commesso got better as his first season with the IceHogs went along. The Blackhawks will continue to be patient with Commesso. They likely have Petr Mrázek and Laurent Brossoit as their goaltending tandem for the next few years. It’ll be interesting to see how the IceHogs will split starts between Commesso and Arvid Söderblom this coming season.
22. Adam Gajan | Goalie | 20 years old
Drafted No. 35in 2023 | 6-2 | 186 pounds
The Blackhawks drafted Gajan knowing he would probably need a lot of time to develop. He spent last season in the USHL, where he had some ups and downs. He’ll be a freshman at Minnesota Duluth this coming season and will likely spend two or three years there. We’ll see what Gajan develops into, but the Blackhawks love his size and athleticism.
23. Nolan Allan | Defenseman | 21 years old
Drafted No. 32 in 2021 | 6-2 | 194 pounds
Allan had a solid first season with the IceHogs. He’s physical and hits hard whenever given the opportunity. The IceHogs are working with him to round out his game. It’ll probably be more of the same next season. With Allan, too, there are several players he has to beat out for a chance at the NHL.
24. Samuel Savoie | Winger | 20 years old
Drafted No. 81 in 2022 | 5-10 | 189 pounds
Savoie had a massive scare last season when he suffered a broken right femur in a preseason game with the Blackhawks. He returned to play late in the season in the QMJHL. The Blackhawks are still hopeful he can be a future bottom-six winger for them as he utilizes his speed and intensity. He’ll likely be in Rockford this season.
25. Isaak Phillips | Defenseman | 22 years old
Drafted No. 141 in 2020 | 6-3 | 205 pounds
Phillips played in 33 NHL games last season, but his analytics were among the team’s worst. He has a lot of NHL traits, but it’s a matter of putting them together consistently. He’s still young enough to figure it out. He could be in the AHL or NHL this season.
26. Louis Crevier | Defenseman | 23 years old
Drafted No. 188 in 2020 | 6-8 | 228 pounds
Crevier may have been the prospect surprise of last season. He went from being a healthy scratch at times in Rockford in 2022-23 to playing in 24 NHL games last season. Like Phillips, he has to show he can be more consistent if given another NHL chance.
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27. Ilya Safonov | Center | 23 years old
Drafted No. 172 in 2021 | 6-4 | 205 pounds
Safonov’s production dropped off in the KHL last season after a breakout season. Fortunately, the Blackhawks wouldn’t want him for his offense. He could be a solid bottom-six center with his size and hockey IQ. He has another year on his KHL contract. We’ll see if he comes over after next season.
28. Dominic James | Center | 22 years old
Drafted No. 173 in 2022 | 6-0 | 166 pounds
The Blackhawks talked to James about signing after this season, but he wanted to return to Minnesota Duluth for another season. James has a chance, with his speed, to be in the mix for a bottom-six forward spot.
29. John Mustard | Center | 17 years old
Drafted No. 67 in 2024 | 6-1 | 184 pounds
The Blackhawks added another speedy center to their pipeline with Mustard. He was considered one of the fastest centers in the 2024 draft class. He’ll be a freshman at Providence next season after playing in the USHL.
30. A.J. Spellacy | Winger | 18 years old
Drafted No. 72 in 2024 | 6-2 | 195 pounds
Blackhawks director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey described Spellacy as a freak of an athlete. The Blackhawks are hopeful Spellacy can turn all of that athleticism into becoming an NHLer. He’ll likely be in the OHL for the next couple of seasons.
(Top photos of Artyom Levshunov and Connor Bedard: Gregory Shamusand Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
