Numbers 20–11: Ranking the Blackhawks prospects who could surprise everyone

Some time has passed since the NHL draft and teams now are preparing for their development camps to see their new prospects in action. The Chicago Blackhawks added a plethora of talent to their pool once again this summer which means it is time to update the list of top prospects within the organization.

Today's edition will cover the top 20-11 prospects within the Blackhawks pool, where there are some familiar names. However, this past draft has added some exciting new names to the list that could be players to watch out for as future members of the Blackhawks' roster.

Blackhawks prospects from No. 20 to No. 11 ranked

When ranking the prospects within the Blackhawks' organization, there were some that could arguably be considered as graduates from the prospect label as they saw a sizeable chunk of NHL games this past season. For this list, any of the players who played for the Blackhawks but were sent to Rockford for the AHL playoffs will remain as prospects as well as prospects who played in a limited amount of games after signing from the NCAA.

20. Samuel Savoie: LW/C, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)

Samuel Savoie's debut season in the AHL did not see him score at quite the same rate he did in his final years in the QMJHL, but he finds himself in the top-20 after the performance he had in the AHL playoffs.

The regular season saw Savoie tally 22 points in 72 games before a standout six points in seven playoff games. His physicality and tenacious play style is what excites fans as he has drawn comparisons to former Blackhawk Andrew Shaw.

He is a high-energy player who will likely stay in Rockford for another year or so, but could find his way into some NHL games soon.

19. Jack Pridham: RW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

After starting the season in the BCHL, Jack Pridham made his way over to the OHL where he immediately started producing more and increasing his point totals. He finished the season with 54 points in 48 games as he showcased his speed and impressive footwork in order to create offense both off the rush and in the offensive zone.

If the puck is not already on Pridham's stick, he is engaging in puck battles to regain possession and is always putting in the effort on each shift.

18. Nathan Behm: RW/LW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Drafted by the Blackhawks just a few weeks ago with the 66th overall pick, Nathan Behm slots in at 18th on the prospect rankings. The 6'2" 203 pound winger showed promise in the WHL this season with 66 points in 59 games.

His shot and speed make him a threat offensively and he brings more size to the organization that has been lacking in recent years. One area where there is room for improvement is Behm using that size to his advantage a little more and becoming more physical.

17. AJ Spellacy: RW/C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Spellacy seemed to become a fan favorite already during the preseason for the Blackhawks this past season due to his high energy and bullish play-style. He tallied 37 points in 62 games for the Spitfires this past season, but his point totals come nowhere close to telling the whole story of how he plays.

He brings blistering speed and a high motor to the organization and looks the part of a relentless bottom-six forward. It is likely he spends another season in the OHL before turning pro.

16. Marek Vanacker: LW, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

This past season saw Vanacker play only 45 games after recovering from a torn labrum. In those 45 games, he posted 42 points before tallying a point per game in 11 playoff games.

He is a strong skater who uses it to his advantage and plays a power-forward style where he is never shy to drive the net and create havoc in front of opposing goaltenders. He is a versatile player who can create chances while also being a committed two-way player who is always looking to make an impact on the ice.

A healthy season should see an increase in Vanacker's production before he makes the jump to pro hockey.

15. Nolan Allan: D, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)

Allan started this season in the NHL with the Blackhawks and did not look out of place, but was ultimately sent back to Rockford where he finished out the year and played in the AHL playoffs. The 22-year old is a smart defender who skates well and brings a physical edge to his game especially in the defensive zone.

He was able to win the trust of former coach Luke Richardson who saw a lot of promising traits in Allan as a young player transitioning to the NHL. His ceiling may not be as high as other defenders in the Blackhawks' organization, but his reliable play is enough to make him a worthy candidate of a full-time roster spot in the NHL.

14. Colton Dach: LW/C. Rockford IceHogs (AHL)

After getting into 25 games for the Blackhawks this season where he potted seven points, injuries once again reared their ugly head for Colton Dach. He has proved himself ready for the NHL, but still saw most of his season spent in Rockford where he posted 26 points in 33 games.

Dach does not have the skating that other prospects have, but has the size (6'4" 196 pounds) and skill to make him effective. He is at his best when in front of the net and using his natural physicality to establish positioning and be a disruptor. If he can stay healthy, he should be an NHL regular this season.

13. Ryan Greene: C, Boston University (NCAA)

Ryan Greene made his way into the final two games of the Blackhawks' season after finishing his junior-year at Boston University. Serving as the captain last season for BU, Greene had 38 points in 40 games and was a consistent presence in both ends of the ice.

He is an all-around player who may not stand out for having high-end skill, but is a reliable player whose playmaking and hockey IQ make him effective as a two-way center. A full season in the AHL is likely for Greene as he enters his debut season in pro hockey.

12. Mason West: C, Edina High School (USHS-MN)

One of the most intriguing prospects of this year's draft, the Blackhawks traded up to select Mason West 29th overall in the first round. West is known for also being a dual athlete who has excelled in both hockey and in football as a quarterback.

The 6'6" 218 pound forward has great vision and skates incredibly well for a player of his size. He has proven to be a threat with the puck on his stick as both a shooter and a distributor which is why Kyle Davidson took a swing on his sky-high potential.

The worry with West is whether he will pursue football over hockey, but he is committed to play at Michigan State University for the 2026-27 season and in the meantime will close out his time in high school football before finishing the season in the USHL.

11. Vaclav Nestrasil: RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

As the 2025 draft approached, many Blackhawks' fans were hoping for Vaclav Nestrasil to be one of the team's selections, and their wish was granted with the 25th overall selection. The 6'6" 190 pound winger has one of the highest potentials from this past draft as he dazzles with his skill and fluent skating, but brings an edge of physicality to his game that has made him a sought-after player.

In his first full season in the USHL, Nestrasil tallied 42 points in 61 games and continued to get better as the season went on. He brings the vision and creativity that many want to see in the organization and he could be a high-riser in the prospect rankings.

A player with his attributes will need time to properly develop which means it could be a few years before he turns pro. Nestrasil is committed to play at University of Massachusetts for the 2026-27 season.

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