5 Blackhawks prospects who should get some NHL time this season

The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of talent in their prospect pool — from Oliver Moore to Sam Rinzel, goal scorers like Nick Lardis, stand-out players in Sacha Boisvert, and more. According to NHL Network, they have the best prospect pool in the league.

That's huge for a team that is still building toward long-term success. And while the future is bright, some of that talent is going to start showing up this season.

Here are five prospects who might get some NHL time in this upcoming 2025-26 season. Plus, a couple of honorable mentions who Hawks fans should be excited for later in the year.

5. Ryan Greene (Forward)

Greene isn't the flashiest prospect, but he's a solid player to watch. He's a reliable two-way center who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and chip in offensively.

In his NHL debut last season against the Montreal Canadiens, Greene logged almost 13 minutes of ice time, had 20 shifts and went 3-for-9 in the faceoff circle.

His hockey IQ stands out. He makes simple, effective plays and knows where to be on the ice. If the Hawks need depth down the middle, Greene could play a bottom-six role.

4. Nick Lardis (Forward)

Lardis doesn't get enough credit or isn't always mentioned among the top tier of Blackhawks prospects, but he deserves more attention. Last season with the Ontario Hockey League's Brantford Bulldogs, he put up 117 points (71 goals, 46 assists) in 65 games played. Lardis became the eighth player in Canadian Hockey League history to score 70 goals in a season and the first to do so since Connor Bedard (71 goals with the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League in 2022-23). He is the first OHL player to hit 70+ goals since John Tavares (72 goals with the Oshawa Generals in the 2006-07 season).

His speed, scoring ability, and quick release make him a standout prospect and get him some NHL time this season. He's the type of player who could provide a spark if the Hawks need extra scoring and offensive depth.

3. Oliver Moore (Forward)

Moore is one of the fastest and most skilled prospects for the Blackhawks. Drafted 19th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, his speed is what really stands out. He put up four points (0 goals, four assists) in nine games with the Hawks.

If Moore keeps up his consistent offensive production and turns into a stealthy player, he could end up being a top-six forward for the Hawks this year.

2. Sam Rinzel (Defenseman)

From one Minnesota Golden Gopher to another, Sam Rinzel stands out. Rinzel has a huge upside and could possibly be a Calder Trophy candidate this upcoming NHL season.

Last season with the Golden Gophers, he put up 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 40 games. With the Blackhwks, he recorded five points (0 goals, five assists) in nine games.

What makes Rinzel stand out is his size at 6'4. He's also a smooth skater and confident with the puck. He knows how to start up a play without forcing it. He might be a strong candidate to make the Blackhawks roster on opening night.

1. Artyom Levshunov (Defenseman)

Levshunov is the player fans have been waiting for. The Blackhawks drafted him second overall at the 2024 NHL Draft, and he has already proven he can handle NHL minutes. Last season with Chicago, he put up six assists in 18 games and logged 20:19 time on ice per game. His time in Rockford helped him adapt to playing in the big leagues.

What makes Levshunov stand out is his size. Standing at 6'2 and weighing 208 pounds, he is a force to be reckoned with on the ice. He is a smooth defenseman with the puck and has the potential to be a top-4 defenseman. He is expected to be full-time with the Blackhawks this season.

Honorable Mentions

Anton Frondell (Forward) - Frondell was drafted third overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and despite him playing in the Swedish Hockey League this upcoming season, there is no doubt in my mind that he will make the Blackhawks roster at some point in the 2025-26 NHL season. He plays a responsible two-way game and brings size down the middle.

Sacha Boisvert (Forward) - Boisvert made a huge transition in his college career, leaving the North Dakota Fighting Hawks to play for the Terriers at Boston University. At 6-foot-2 with a strong frame and reach, he already looks like an NHL player. He compares to Brock Nelson of the Colorado Avalanche due to his two-way play with a scoring touch. There's a chance that we could see him in early December, but more likely in February or March.