2025-26 Chicago Blackhawks Top Prospects

** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.

Anton Frondell – He’s a multi-faceted goal scorer with above-average hands, strong net-front presence, deflections, and backdoor tap-ins, plus a heavy, accurate wrist shot and reliable catch-and-release. His hockey IQ is high with or without the puck, he delivers smart passes, and he’s a real asset on the power play. He’s already set to make his NHL debut with Chicago in spring 2026, showing how quickly he’s advanced.

Roman Kantserov – Kantserov is a high-octane offensive facilitator who excels at finding space and creating chances in the offensive zone. He’s extremely raw but has developed into a promising middle-six playmaker and could even contend for a first-line winger role alongside Connor Bedard. In 2025–26, he led the KHL in goals with 36 in 63 games, becoming the first under-age player to do so, and has emerged as one of Chicago’s top prospects.

Xavier Villeneuve – Villeneuve is a dynamic, undersized left-shot defenseman whose offensive upside is driven by excellent skating, edgework, puck skills, vision, and creativity. He is extremely comfortable carrying the puck, escaping pressure and activating into the offensive zone, where his ability to manipulate defenders and find passing lanes gives him legitimate power-play quarterback potential. His biggest weaknesses are his size and defensive consistency, as he can be overpowered around the net and along the boards, while his aggressive offensive approach can lead to questionable risk management and missed assignments.

Oliver Moore – He has good hands, solid playmaking chops, and a high compete level that should make him a reliable defensive player. His edgework is NHL-elite, he evades pressure extremely well, and he’s capable of rapid acceleration from a stop to full speed. The main question is whether his processing speed and puck skills can catch up to his feet; his offensive touch may be more secondary scorer than dazzler.

Nick Lardis – Lardis is a pure goal-scoring, high-release winger with elite shot and finishing, but his NHL future hinges on adding strength, improving defensive engagement, and becoming more physically competitive.

2026 Chicago Blackhawks Draft Picks

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