Chicago Blackhawks named loser early in offseason

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Chicago Blackhawks named loser early in offseason

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated May 6, 2026 1:44 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks entered the 2026 NHL Draft lottery with a good chance to pick inside the top two. They had the second-worst record and with lottery odds, they could pick no worse than fourth.

With a draft that features prospects Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, landing the top pick was the ideal situation. But as the lottery took place, the Blackhawks fell early, and kept falling as they revealed the picks.

Toronto took home the No. 1 overall pick and San Jose also moved up to No. 2. Both beat the odds to get where they ended up while both Chicago and Vancouver fell. It wasn’t ideal and now, the Blackhawks are being considered a loser from Tuesday night.

Chicago Blackhawks named a loser in 2026 NHL Draft Lottery

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

With the Blackhawks still in a rebuild, this was another chance to add a big player to the roster. Potentially a star, as well to go along with Connor Bedard on the front line. But that isn’t happening and now, they are being labeled as one of the losers in the draft.

The USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Brehm wrote on his winners and losers, here is what he said about the Blackhawks:

The Blachawks, the league’s second-worst team, could have had Stenberg or McKenna to play alongside Connor Bedard and Anton Frondell. But they drop to the fourth pick.

Picking fourth is a disappointment but it’s not the end of the world. The Blackhawks could still land a premier talent at No. 4 overall. Right now, they are being mocked to land Boston University’s Caleb Malhotra, a center that could provide a boost to the position.

The Blackhawks will certainly do their homework on the prospects. But for now, it’s hard to not feel a little disappointment.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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