CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 02: Oliver Moore #11 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck during overtime against the Colorado Avalanche on April 2, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire)
Prospect System Ranking – 2nd (May 2025 – 4th)
GM: Kyle Davidson Hired: October 2021
COACH: Jeff Blashill Hired: May 2025
Connor Bedard’s brilliance is undeniable, but even a player of his caliber can’t single-handedly lift a team. The 2024-25 season made that clear, as the Chicago Blackhawks finished 31st in the NHL and missed the playoffs for the fifth straight year; and the seventh in eight seasons. Still, beneath the losses lies a promising foundation.
Frank Nazar may be the biggest reason for optimism. After tearing up the AHL with 24 points in 21 games, he jumped into Chicago’s lineup for 53 games and proved he belonged. He looks poised to stay full-time in 2025-26. On the back end, Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov both made strong early impressions. Levshunov split time between the AHL and NHL in his draft-plus-one season, while Rinzel arrived from the University of Minnesota and chipped in five assists across nine NHL games. Having two young, right-shot defensemen maturing simultaneously is a rare luxury for Davidson’s rebuild.
In Rockford, a wave of near-ready talent continues to push forward. Ethan Del Mastro and Colton Dach are trending upward, while Drew Commesso is on the verge of battling for NHL crease time. Further down, high-octane scorers Nick Lardis (117 points, fourth in OHL scoring) and Marek Vanacker (42 points in 45 games despite injury) are both primed to join the AHL ranks and extend the pipeline’s offensive depth.
The 2025 draft brought even more firepower, with three first-rounders added to the system. Headlining the class is Anton Frondell at third overall, followed by late-first selections Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West—both ranking among the organization’s top 15 prospects.
With Bedard, Nazar, and Levshunov forming the nucleus, and waves of support talent developing behind them, Chicago’s rebuild is tracking toward its next phase. The results have been painful, but the Blackhawks’ prospect depth and draft capital suggest brighter days are not far off.
Chicago Blackhawks Top-15 Prospects
1 – Artyom Levshunov
It’s hard to envision a scenario where Artyom Levshunov doesn’t become an all-situations number one defenceman at the NHL level. From a pure talent perspective, all the qualities are there; he can distribute the puck and make plays, he’s a very mobile player at all ends of the ice, he can utilize his strength to play a strong physical game, and he is a capable defender (although this is very much still a work in progress at the pro level). It’s hard to expect a young defensive prospect to be able to play heavy minutes in the AHL as a teenager, but there were many nights last season when Levshunov looked like he was miles ahead of the rest of the players on the ice. Levshunov does have to continue to work on his physical game, and the offensive numbers will improve with more reps at the pro level, but he is a can’t-miss prospect who should make the full-time jump to the Chicago Blackhawks next season.
2 – Sam Rinzel
Sam Rinzel showed consistent growth and improvements in all areas of his game compared to his freshman season. Aggression and great stick-checking ability have continued to be excellent, demonstrating an active presence in all three zones. His skating and puck-handling at high speeds are strengths, enabling him to break up plays and contribute offensively by pinching at the blue line and joining the rush, all while having the elite creativity and puck skills. His defensive positioning has been a concern in moments, as he occasionally vacates the net front and relies on his stick over physicality, leading to mixed success in board battles. Under pressure, he has improved a lot with his puck movement and decision making. Same can be said for his reads off pinches while joining and creating offence. While his offensive instincts were already evident, he has proven this season how effective he can be on defence as well. With further development in physical engagement, he projects as a mobile, two-way defenceman with offensive upside, capable of playing in all special teams situations in a top four role. His strong finish to the year at the NHL level suggests he’s already ready for a full-time role.
3 – Anton Frondell
Kyle Davidson & the Blackhawks got their guy at third overall this past draft. While that may have been a surprise to some, it’s easy to see why Frondell was so highly regarded. Firstly, it isn’t easy to find guys who play with the heaviness AND the soft scoring touch that Frondell possesses. He’s got quick hands in tight and a tactical mind for playmaking. He reads the game at a very high level. He’s the type of player who can play with anybody and make their life easier. By all accounts, he’s a terrific teammate and leader in the dressing room – perfect for a rebuilding team like the Hawks. The only big question mark is how high his ceiling truly is. He lacks the high-end skill-speed combo that your typical NHL 1C possesses. It also limits his effectiveness in transition. Now, he could put those concerns to bed this coming year in the SHL after a full offseason of training uninhibited by injury. If not, Frondell could still probably play center in the middle six. However, he might be an even better complimentary top six goal-scoring winger. Think on the wing of Connor Bedard.
4 – Sacha Boisvert
Boisvert showed notable offensive growth throughout the season, progressing as a skilled playmaker with good skating and great puck-handling abilities. His vision and passing creates space and scoring opportunities for teammates, particularly in offensive zone setups and off the rush. Early in the season highlighted his reliable 200-foot game, good back pressure, and defensive support, suggesting top six potential. However, as the season progressed, concerns emerged regarding his compete level and defensive consistency. We hope to see much higher levels of compete and consistency at Boston University this upcoming season, after transferring from North Dakota. Strengths include his offensive awareness, puck protection, and distribution, making him a threat in the offensive zone. Weaknesses center around his inconsistent engagement in puck battles and defensive play. Boisvert currently projects as a middle six offensive forward with the potential to contribute on a second power play unit. His future development will hinge on addressing compete level and two-way reliability. Expect him to spend at least another year at the college level.
5 – Oliver Moore
Oliver Moore is a dynamic, high-speed forward with excellent skating ability, making him a dangerous offensive threat in transition. His acceleration and edgework allow him to create separation, drive play, and pressure defenders effectively. Throughout the season, Moore demonstrated strong two-way play, using his speed to track back defensively and contribute to the forecheck. His offensive instincts and playmaking have steadily improved, showcasing a growing ability to distribute the puck and finish scoring opportunities. Despite his elite skating, Moore can refine his puck handling in tight spaces and continue developing his ability to play through physical pressure. While not the most imposing forward, his compete level and tenacity make up for any size disadvantage. Projecting forward, Moore has the tools to develop into a top six NHL forward with a focus on speed-driven offence and strong defensive responsibility. Continued work on his finishing and puck protection will be key to maximizing his pro potential.
6 – Nick Lardis
What a momentous year for Lardis. 71 goals. First player to hit that plateau since John Tavares nearly two decades ago. Mostly healthy this past year (save for a knee injury in the playoffs), the transformation in Lardis’ game was huge. He went from a high-end complementary piece to a player who could take over games with the puck on his stick. He wasn’t just a threat on the power play. He scored at will at even strength too. He consistently created his own scoring chances by using his speed to attack the middle of the ice, showcasing greater strength on the puck to fight through contact to get shots off. Of course, you don’t score 70 plus without a few weapons in your shooting arsenal either. Lardis owns both a wickedly quick and deceptive wrister and a heavy one timer that he unleashes from both the slot and the flank. Moving to the pro level next year, the focus for Lardis will be on conditioning to ensure that he can withstand the rigors of the pro game and remain healthy. After a year or two in the AHL, he should be a great scoring option for the Hawks, perhaps even alongside Connor Bedard.
7 – Drew Commesso
Commesso is a solid goalie who specializes in skating. He’s quick and precise on his feet. Back it up with solid positioning, and you have someone who can always be in the right place at the right time. Outside of those aspects, he doesn’t excel elsewhere. He isn’t overly athletic and can sometimes lose his structure in various areas, often looking to struggle in a butterfly. This area of weakness has led to being scored on five hole a few too many times when faced with chaotic situations. He also has been shown to get beat pretty easily on clean rush shots where his hands weren’t active enough. His skating is easily good enough to take him to the NHL, whether he finds much success won’t be as easily determined. Without being super athletic, he will have to perfect his structure and work on bettering his hands to be impactful at the next level.
8 – Roman Kantserov
Despite missing the start of the season due to injury, Roman Kantserov had an impressive second KHL season. After a bottom six checking role last year, he was given much more offensive freedom this season, scoring 38 points in 47 games. Known for his quick hands and shifty play during his draft year, he started to showcase that skill again while maintaining the hard-working style he developed in his checking role. His high pace of play often catches opponents off guard, and his ability to shield the puck helps him create numerous scoring chances. However, he still struggles with overhandling the puck, leading to turnovers, and sometimes forces flashy plays that put him in bad spots. Kantserov will take another KHL season before joining Chicago’s system but projects as a high-energy, third-line grinder with the potential to contribute offensively. There are areas that need refinement, but his development has been very promising.
9 – Marek Vanacker
It was a bit of a strange year for Vanacker, as his production dipped significantly on a strong Brantford team. The explanation for that is twofold. Firstly, he got a late start to the year following offseason shoulder surgery last season and never really seemed to find his stride. Secondly, with the explosion of Lardis and Patrick Thomas duo, Vanacker found himself off the top power play unit. Should Hawks fans worry? We would say no. Next year, he’ll be fully healthy, and he and Jake O’Brien can continue to build off their chemistry as the top duo on what should be another strong Brantford team. He still has the work rate and the scoring chops to be a quality middle six NHL player in the future. Next year will be more telling as to the likelihood of that upside occurring.
10 – Ethan Del Mastro
Ethan Del Mastro is a strong, physical defender with sound positioning, good mobility for his size, and fierce competitiveness. For these reasons, it’s not hard to envision a scenario where Del Mastro enjoys a long career as an NHL defender. Del Mastro played very well in heavy minutes last season for the Rockford IceHogs, despite putting up lower offensive numbers than he did in his rookie season. This was due in part to the addition of Artyom Levshunov, as he got many of the reps Del Mastro had been receiving the prior season, but Del Mastro also spent time with the Blackhawks, which can make it difficult for a prospect to gain offensive traction. Nevertheless, Del Mastro will make his millions in the NHL as a player that plays defence first, so it’s not too alarming that his offensive numbers dipped as a sophomore pro. Del Mastro looks ready for consistent minutes at the NHL level and should be on the Blackhawks this season.
11 – Colton Dach
Dach is the prototypical power forward in the NHL. He blends speed, physicality, and a good shot, which makes slowing him down nearly impossible. Dach earned the call up to the NHL at the turn of the year last season and looks to build on that again this year. His unique blend of size and skill makes him a versatile forward who can just as easily fill the net as he can run people over.
12 – Vaclav Nestrasil
Nestrasil has top six finesse and some bottom six grit. He’s a big guy who is a smooth skater, has a snappy shot, and isn’t afraid to lay the body. He has the offensive and defensive skills to play on both special teams’ units. Nestrasil isn’t the best playmaker, though. He doesn’t drive the offence himself yet can complement just about any center he plays with. He’ll be a big-minute player for UMass next season, playing in all situations for the Minutemen.
13 – Mason West
There aren’t many players at 6-foot-6 who have as much finesse as Mason West has. West is a great skater whose playmaking shines above the rest. Still a raw prospect, West will get plenty of opportunity to hone his physical game as well as his skills against tougher competition in the USHL. Once his football season comes to an end, West will look to continue his development as an integral piece of the Fargo Force.
14 – Ryan Greene
For every flashy, high skill forward, teams want a shutdown guy too. That’s what the Chicago Blackhawks hope they have in Ryan Greene. While posting near point-per-game numbers with Boston University, Greene has developed as a playmaker and strong defensive center. Depending on how NHL-ready Greene looks in training camp, he could start the year in the NHL as another young Chicago forward or be the first-line center in Rockford.
15 – Aidan Thompson
Not many players make a 20-point jump in production between their sophomore and junior seasons at the NCAA level. Thompson did just that after netting 55 points in 44 games with Denver. Thompson’s sizable jump got him to the AHL level, but another significant improvement all around will be required for him to get NHL minutes. He’ll be a responsible winger on both ends of the ice for Rockford, where he’ll likely bounce around the top six.