Ivar Stenberg just became a much more feasible draft option for Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have the chance to further add to what they hope will be a young core that will eventually develop into a consistent Stanley Cup champion. They will first have to secure Connor Bedard to a new contract, that is the main priority. But on June 26, the Blackhawks have the chance to bolster their roster, as they hold the fourth-overall selection.

The Athletic's Scott Powers and Chris Johnston reported recently that the Blackhawks believe Ivar Stenber won't be available by the time they are on the clock with the No. 4 pick. Stenberg had long been considered a potential 1-B to Gavin McKenna's 1-A. But given the Toronto Maple Leafs likely drafting McKenna first-overall and the San Jose Sharks potentially using the No. 2 pick on a defenseman, there was buzz that Stenberg could fall.

Now, there's more fuel to the fire, thanks in part to the Vancouver Canucks.

Canucks' Manny Malhotra hire could open door for Ivar Stenberg to fall to Blackhawks in draft

On Monday night, the Canucks officially announced that they have promoted Manny Malhotra from the AHL to become their new head coach. The move isn't necessarily surprising, especially since he was linked to other NHL head coaching gigs. But, the Canucks opt to promote him to work alongside general manager Ryan Johnson and co-presidents of hockey operations Henrik and Daniel Sedin.

What makes the hire that much more interesting is that Malhotra's son, Caleb Malhotra, could be selected in the Top 5 of the draft. In all likelihood, Malhotra could be on the board for the Canucks, who hold the No. 3 pick. Would the Canucks and Manny pass up on the opportunity to draft Caleb? It would make for an awkward situation, that's for sure.

Taking this into consideration, if the board were to go McKenna at No. 1, a defenseman like Chase Reid or Carson Carels at No. 2, and Malhotra at No. 3, that would then open the door for the Blackhawks to draft Stenberg. Even though the Blackhawks have a forward group featuring Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore, why wouldn't they stack it further by adding Stenberg? It would make sense and allow Chicago to have a legitimate advantage on offense.

Playing with Frolunda in the SHL, Stenberg recorded 11 goals and 22 assists in 43 games. In the IIHF World Championships playing for Sweden, Stenberg recorded four goals and six assists in seven games. Whether it was in the SHL or in the IIHF, the winger showed that he can set up plays and score highlight reel goals.

It's already been reported that the Blackhawks are open to trading the fourth overall pick, but only if they get a good player who can contribute for them immediately. If Stenberg does fall to the No. 4 spot, it would be a dream scenario for Chicago.

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