San Jose’s Checkmate: What Happens Next for Blackhawks?

Mar 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (23) skates against the New York Rangers during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

San Jose’s Checkmate: What Happens Next for Blackhawks?

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jun 23, 2026 8:35 PM ET

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The San Jose Sharks traded forward William Eklund to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday for the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Now, the Sharks have three first-round picks and, with the departure of Eklund, have effectively guaranteed they are selecting Ivar Stenberg second overall.

The hope that once existed for the Chicago Blackhawks to have him land in their lap at No. 4 feels diminished. Now, the focus shifts to what the Blackhawks will do with the fourth overall pick.

Unfortunately, there is no path that is going to please everyone.

The Options are Limited

The Blackhawks are limited in what they can do. They can trade the fourth overall pick to San Jose with additional assets and try to pry the second overall pick away. Or, they could turn around and use that pick to acquire a player. It could be Matthew Knies, it could be Jason Robertson. Who knows what it will be?

The Blackhawks can also stay put and take the best available player. We warned of this way back in early May. The best player easily could have been Chase Reid or Carson Carels, and it appears that will be the case.

Is this all bad? Not necessarily. Was Ivar Stenberg the lone piece to take the rebuild over the top? You want the honest opinion? No. He alone was not going to magically change the trajectory of the team. It would be nice to have, but there are other options that can be had if the price is right.

What’s On Tap Next?

Now, Kyle Davidson needs to do something. The roster needs to improve and anything they take at No. 4 is not going to help the team this season. The only way that happens is if the pick is moved for an impact player. Davidson has options, but he’s going to need to wake up as the rest of the league wheels and deals ahead of this weekend’s NHL Draft.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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