Prospects The Chicago Blackhawks Might Eye With Their Top Four Pick

The Chicago Blackhawks Draft odds officially locked in Sunday night when the Calgary Flames defeated the Utah Mammoth. They will enter the lottery having 13.5% chance of winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, but will draft no lower than 4th overall. Let’s take a look at who, in my opinion, are the top four players the Blackhawks should be looking at come June.

Gavin McKenna

Left winger Gavin McKenna is the absolute can’t-miss pick here. McKenna is coming off a freshman season at Penn State, where he had 51 points in 35 games. A great showing at the World Junior Championship, where he had 14 points in 7 games and took home bronze. Watching McKenna up close this season, it’s easy to see why he is highly ranked. He moves the puck with ease, his shot is phenomenal, and his ability to get to the net is unmatched. Adding his offensive skill to a line with Connor Bedard will absolutely be a game-changer in Chicago.

Ivar Stenberg

Ivar Stenberg of Frolunda HC put up 33 points in 43 games in the SHL. He had a great showing in the World Juniors Championship that saw him register 10 points and come home with gold. Scouts have raved about his playmaking skills and great hands. What really makes him a valuable pick is his ability to play both wings. Bringing him to Chicago and pairing him up with fellow countryman Anton Frondell might be the best play for Kyle Davidson.

Keaton Verhoeff

Keaton Verhoeff is a big 6’4”, 212-pound right-handed defender out of North Dakota. Verhoeff was quite impressive his freshman year, finishing with 20 points in 36 games and a trip to the Frozen Four. He fits the team’s mold for drafting defensemen with his big size, but also has a great offensive skill set. Scouts say he needs to work on his defensive decision-making, which might keep him from making this team right away.

Chase Reid

Chase Reid spent last season with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, putting up 48 points in 45 games. Another right-handed defender comes in at 6’2” and 187 pounds, something that definitely has caught the eyes of Blackhawks scouts. He has great skating skills, which make him a threat in all areas of the ice. Scouts have him as the top play-driving defenseman in this class. Could Reid be the real deal, or was this just a one-off season for him?

As we gear up for draft season, more scouting reports are going to be coming out about this draft class. Things could change, and players that might not have come to mind earlier burst up the rankings. However, it really comes down to May 5th, when the NHL will hold its draft lottery. Once the balls fall into place, it will become clear who the Blackhawks could take.