The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects and has been condensed from two articles to one. The article will bring you: The highlighted team’s draft; insights into its off-season moves; looking at prospect risers, fallers and likely prospects to play NHL games; and of course, the writers’ top-20 prospects. Articles may be brought back when an important team update occurs, so check back because we plan to fill your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season!

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Make sure to check out the Chicago Blackhawks team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/chicago-blackhawks/

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Welcome back. The Blackhawks are entering the next phase of their rebuild. After years of collecting young talent, Chicago is starting to see its future core arrive at the NHL level.

With Connor Bedard leading the way, and players like Anton Frondell, Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and Nick Lardis joining the mix, expectations are beginning to rise. The focus is no longer just development, it’s turning potential into progress.

NHL Draft Recap

Round 1, 4th Overall and Round 2, 45 overall: Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway

Time will tell if this deal will turn out to be good for Chicago or not. In the short term it is a big win for Byam, and a bigger win for any keeper league owners that have Byram (minus those in cap leagues).

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Round 2, 34th Overall: Xavier Villeneuve, D

Chicago wasted little time addressing the blue line by selecting Villeneuve, a dynamic puck-moving defenseman who many believed carried first-round talent. Despite standing just 5-11, Villeneuve is one of the most creative defenders in the class, blending elite edge-work with poise under pressure and the vision to quarterback an offense from the back end. He’ll need time to add strength and round out his defensive game, but the offensive upside is undeniable.

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Round 2, 35th Overall: Ryan Roobroeck, LW

After trading up one spot, Chicago landed another player many viewed as first-round caliber in Roobroeck. At 6-4 and over 210 pounds, he brings the type of power-forward package that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Roobroeck plays with pace, protects pucks well, attacks the middle of the ice, and owns a heavy release capable of beating goaltenders from distance. The Blackhawks already possess plenty of skill throughout the organization, and Roobroeck adds a different dimension with his combination of size, physicality, and finishing ability.

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Round 3, 66th Overall: Samu Alalauri, D

Chicago doubled down on the blue line with Alalauri, a physically imposing Finnish defenseman listed at 6-2 and over 220 pounds. His game is built around strength, defensive reliability, and shutting down opposing forwards below the dots. While his offensive ceiling may be limited, Alalauri projects as the type of stay-at-home defender every organization needs to complement its more offensive blueliners. His mobility will determine how high his ceiling ultimately reaches, but the defensive foundation is already in place.

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Round 7, 194th Overall: Alexander Ivanov, D

With one of their late-round selections, the Blackhawks took another swing on the back end by selecting Ivanov. The Russian defender offers intriguing size, reach, and defensive instincts, making him a worthwhile long-term project. Like many seventh-round picks, he’ll require patience, but Chicago continues to prioritize organizational depth on defense throughout its rebuild.

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Round 7, 200th Overall: William Sörbrand, F

Chicago closed out the draft by adding Swedish forward Sörbrand, a 6-4 power forward who plays a heavy north-south game. He uses his frame effectively along the boards, finishes checks, and isn’t afraid to get to the front of the net. The offensive game remains a work in progress, but his physical tools and compete level make him an interesting developmental bet late in the draft. If the puck skills continue to improve, Sörbrand has the raw ingredients to develop into an effective bottom-six NHL forward.

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Off-season Moves

Incoming (Remaining years, AAV)

• Bowen Byram – 6 years, $12.5M
• Jordan Greenway – 1 year, $4M
• Ian Cole – 1 year, $4M
• Cole Smith – 3 years, $3M
• Patrick Kane – 2 years, $8M
• Roman Kantserov – 3 years, $1.075 Million (ELC)
• Adam Gajan – 2 years, $1.050 Million (ELC)
• Sacha Boisvert – 3 years, $974K (ELC)
• Jiri Felcman – 3 years, $997K (ELC)

Outgoing

• Louis Crevier
• Andre Burakovsky
• Jack Pridham
• Sam Lafferty
• Ilya Mikheyev

Re-Signed

• Connor Bedard – 5 years, $15M
• Drew Commesso – 2 years, $8.75K 

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In the System 

Risers

Anton Frondell

There was never much doubt about Frondell’s talent, but his first full year following his draft has only strengthened the belief that Chicago landed a franchise pillar. The Swedish center continues to play a mature, pro-style game built around strength, intelligence, and an NHL-caliber release. His brief NHL stint showed he can already create offense against top competition, and his development curve suggests there’s considerably more to come.

What stands out most is how complete his game has become. Frondell isn’t simply a scorer he wins puck battles, supports the puck in all three zones, and consistently makes the right play under pressure. As he gains experience and confidence, he projects as the ideal complement to Connor Bedard, giving Chicago the one-two punch down the middle every contender covets.

Nick Lardis

Few prospects in hockey have boosted their stock more than Nick Lardis. The goal-scoring ability has always been evident, but he’s evolved into a far more complete offensive player. His skating continues to separate him, allowing him to generate clean entries, attack defenders with speed, and create scoring chances without relying solely on his shot.

The biggest step has been his consistency. Rather than being viewed strictly as a shooter, Lardis is beginning to drive offense shift after shift. If he continues adding strength while maintaining his pace and finishing ability, he has every opportunity to become a legitimate top-six winger who can consistently threaten the 30-goal mark at the NHL level.

Sam Rinzel

Rinzel has quickly gone from an intriguing defensive prospect to one of the Blackhawks’ most important young players. Standing 6-foot-4 with excellent mobility, he possesses the modern toolkit NHL teams search for in a top-four defenseman. His ability to close gaps, transport the puck, and contribute offensively has translated well as he transitions into the professional game.

Perhaps the biggest development has been his confidence with the puck. Rinzel is no longer just making the safe play he’s creating controlled exits, joining the rush, and showing the offensive instincts that made him a first-round pick.

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Fallers 

Martin Misiak

Misiak still has the tools that made him an intriguing second-round pick: size, skating, and a reliable two-way game. He has struggled to turn his skill into consistent production at the professional level. His road to the NHL likely comes through a bottom-six complimentary role, but as of now, I don’t see the Hawks being the team to give him that opportunity.

*Kevin Korchinski*

Korchinski remains one of the more talented players in Chicago’s system, but his development has not gone as smoothly as expected. The former seventh overall pick still brings elite skating, offensive instincts, and the ability to create from the blue line.

The biggest question has been consistency, especially defensively. With Chicago’s blue line getting deeper and younger, Korchinski now faces more competition for a long-term role. He remains unsigned, adding another layer of uncertainty to his future with the organization.

His path to the NHL is still there, but the projection has shifted. Korchinski needs to find more consistency away from the puck and prove he can be trusted in all situations. The talent is undeniable, but the next step will determine if he becomes a top-four defenseman or a talented player looking for a new opportunity.

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Expected to Start in the NHL

1. Anton Frondell
2. Oliver Moore
3. Nick  Lardis
4. Roman Kantserov

Likely to See NHL Action 

1. Sacha Boivert
2. Gavin Hayes
3. Martin Misiak
4. A.J Spellacy

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Top 20 Prospects 

This section is intended to paint a picture of the Chicago Blackhawks prospects whose current trajectory projects them to make the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL. Arrival date and NHL certainty have been taken into consideration; however, potential upside is the most important factor in determining this list.

1. Anton Frondell
2. Xavier Villenieuve
3. Artem Levshunov
4. Oliver Moore
5. Sam Rinzel
6. Nick Lardis
7. Roman Kantserov
8. Sacha Boivert
9. Vlad Nestrasil
10. Ryan Roobroeck
11. Adam Gajan
12. Marek Vanecker
13. A.J Spellacy
14. Samu Alalauri
15. John Mustard
16. Gavin Hayes
17. Mason West
18. Nathan Behm
19. Martin Misiak
20. Julius Sumpf

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Final Thoughts

The Blackhawks are finally moving from rebuilding to building. Connor Bedard remains the centerpiece, but Chicago now has a deeper group of young talent around him.

The additions of Bowen Byram and veteran pieces show the organization is ready to take the next step while continuing to develop its prospect pool. There will still be growing pains, but the foundation is in place.

Chicago has built one of the most exciting young cores in hockey. Now the challenge is turning that potential into wins.

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If you want to see more hockey talk, you can follow me personally on Twitter/X – @OwenHilsinger