Marek Vanacker

July 2025 – Marek Vanacker had a strong year in Brantford, racking up 24 goals and 42 points in 45 games while playing with pace and bite. He was top five in team scoring being teammate such as Nick Lardis (71 goas on the season) and recently drafted Jake O’Brien (32 goals) and followed it up with 11 points in 11 playoff games, showing up in the moments that matter. His game mixes skill, speed, and compete, and he is starting to take shape as a legit middle-six winger. With his offensive progression and mature approach, Vanacker looks like a solid bet to crack the AHL lineup next season if the Blackhawks feel he is ready. Puneet Sharma

June 2024 – Vanacker was selected 27th overall, the teams’ third first round selection. Pat Quinn

April 2024 – Vanacker is another player who took major strides over the course of the season. Vanacker is a good skater and projects as an above average skater at the NHL level. He has a good shot, good hands, and plays a decent two-way game as well. I’m not sure there’s enough high-end hockey sense or playmaking for him to find his way into a top 6 or PP1 at the NHL level, but his ability to score and play off the puck suggest he could be a solid 3rd line option on the wing. Jordan Harris

April Ranking: 56th