Now that the NHL Entry Draft has come and gone, it’s time to take a look at the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect pool. I’m not the biggest fan of rankings, so take these with a grain of salt. There is very little difference between being the 40th-ranked prospect and the 30th.  I’ve determined the order of this list based on what I think each player’s NHL ceiling is. The prospects have been split up into groups of five, so think of those as tiers, where the order could be interchangeable. Everyone has a different standard for what they consider a prospect. For me, it’s any player in the system who hasn’t cemented an NHL roster spot yet, regardless of games played.  

We’ll revisit this list after the World Junior Championship in January, and then again next summer. Today, we’ve hit the top 10, with prospects 10-6.

10. Drew Commesso, G – 23, 6-foot-2, 181 pounds

Goaltender Drew Commesso had an up-and-down second season with the Rockford IceHogs. After sharing the net with Jaxson Stauber in his rookie season, he was the true number one last year. He had mixed results early in the year and made his NHL debut in mid-December. An ankle injury cost him three weeks of the season in February, but he was lights out when he returned. In his 23 games post-injury, including seven playoff starts, Commesso stopped 616 of the 662 shots he faced for a .930 save percentage (SV%). He finished his sophomore AHL season with an 18-15-6 record, a .911 SV%, a 2.54 goals-against average (GAA), and four shutouts. He went 4-3 in the Calder Cup playoffs with a .926 SV% and 2.35 GAA.

Commesso is a technically sound goaltender who tracks the puck well from the crease. He has the athletic ability to make a big save when he’s out of position. When he’s on his game, he’s tough to beat. Some felt the acquisition of Spencer Knight in March meant the Blackhawks were down on Commesso, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He will be the top netminder in Rockford again and has plenty of time to continue his development now that Arvid Soderblom re-signed for two more years. The Blackhawks have great goaltending depth within the organization.

9. Ryan Greene, F – 21, 6-foot-2, 192 pounds

The 2022 second-round pick has been overlooked the past couple of seasons, mainly because he isn’t as flashy as some of the other top prospects. However, Ryan Greene doesn’t have the boom or bust factor that some other players on this list do. He has the potential for a long and steady NHL career. Green returned to Boston University for his junior year, where he captained the Terriers to the National Championship game, which they lost to Western Michigan. He scored a career-high 13 goals and 38 points in 40 games before signing his NHL entry-level contract with the Blackhawks and playing in the final two games.

Greene’s path to the NHL is through his defensive game. He’s a defensive-minded center who can play with the pace needed for the professional game. He isn’t a defense-only player. His vision on the ice and playmaking skills improved each season at BU. Greene’s work ethic and two-way game could land him a middle-six role for years to come. He’ll be given a chance to make the NHL roster out of training camp. If he doesn’t, he’ll continue his development with a talented IceHogs squad.

8. Roman Kantserov, F – 20, 5-foot-9, 176 pounds

There wasn’t a lot of fanfare when Roman Kantserov was taken 44th overall at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Blackhawks fans got excited after he had a big rookie season in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, which ended with a league championship. He had his best stretch during the postseason, with four goals and 13 points in 23 games. Last season, he scored 13 goals and 38 points in 47 games, while playing big minutes for a young player. Metallurg’s postseason run was much shorter, lasting only six games. Kantserov had two helpers during those six contests.

Kantserov showed a lot of promise in these past seasons and proved that he can excel against more experienced veterans. He plays the game at full speed every time his skates touch the ice. He’s constantly looking for space in the offensive zone and is an excellent facilitator. He is entering the final year of his KHL contract, and indications suggest that the Blackhawks will sign him to an NHL contract when the year concludes. He still has a lot of developing to do, but he has the potential to be a middle-six playmaker or more.

7. Oliver Moore, F – 20, 5-foot-11, 194 pounds

We all remember the video from the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, where Kyle Davidson attempted to trade up to select Oliver Moore, only for him to fall to the 19th pick. Moore returned to the University of Minnesota last season, scoring 12 goals and 33 points in 39 games. He had a goal and five points in seven games to win his second straight gold medal at the World Junior Championship with Team USA. Moore jumped into the NHL lineup after his college season ended, picking up four assists in nine games with the Blackhawks.

Moore’s greatest attribute is his skating and speed, both of which are already at elite levels. He possesses a quick release that surprises goaltenders. While he can contribute offensively, Moore boasts a solid two-way game. He’s a versatile player who can move up and down the lineup. His speed and energy make him a threat whenever he’s on the ice. His ceiling is likely a high-end middle-six forward who can create matchup problems for opponents. He will benefit from playing for Jeff Blashill, who believes that good defensive habits lead to more opportunities for offense.

6. Sacha Boisvert. F – 19, 6-foot-2, 183 pounds

It was tough to keep Sacha Boisvert out of the top five, as he’s my favorite Blackhawks prospect. The second of three 2024 second-picks, the well-rounded center made an immediate impact at the University of North Dakota. His freshman season ended with 18 goals and 32 points in 37 games and NCHC Rookie of the Year honors. He recently had four assists for Canada at the World Junior Summer Showcase.

Boisvert plays a solid two-way game, is strong on the puck, and has a solid release. He will contribute in all three zones of the ice. He needs to improve his skating and overall defensive game, but he has serious second-line potential in Chicago. Boisvert is transferring to Boston University for his sophomore season, so he’ll get to strengthen his game at one of the nation’s top programs. He has a very good chance to play for Canada at the World Junior Championship this winter. He’ll likely make his NHL debut at some point this season, depending on how far Boston advances in the NCAA tournament.

Blackhawks Prospects Rankings & Reviews

40-36: Kanarsky, Peltonen, Mast, Holmes, & Kuzmin
35-31: Svensson, Cumby, Henry, Tohila, Flecman
30-26: Sumpf, Harding, Behm, Ludwinski, Hayes
25-21: Thompson, Gajan, Misiak, Crevier, Slaggert
20-16: Pridham, Mustard, Savoie, Spellacy, Allan
15-11: West, Nestrasil, Dach, Vanacker, Del Mastro