Ranking the Chicago Blackhawks' Top 25 Prospects: No's 1-5

No. 2: Frank Nazar (2022 Draft: Round 1 #13 overall)

After playing only 13 games in 2022-23 due to hip surgery, Frank Nazar came back healthy and impressed mightily this past season.

Playing in his sophomore season with the University of Michigan (NCAA), Nazar proved himself as one of college hockey's top players with 41 points in 41 games. His great speed and calculated playmaking made him a deceptive player when the puck is on his stick. This great season led to him being on Team USA for the 2024 World Juniors where he tallied 8 points in 7 games as a major contributor to the Gold Medal victory.

Nazar signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks after his NCAA season ended and immediately made his presence known. In his first game, Nazar scored on his very first shot in the NHL on front of the United Center crowd. That would be his only point in three games with the Blackhawks, though each game he showed promise.

A dual threat on the ice, Nazar knows how to make things happen in both the offensive and defensive zones. He has a sneaky release on his wrist-shot and has very strong vision. Despite being only 5-foot-9 inches tall, Nazar plays with a deception and skill that is effective all over the ice.

Going into this season, Nazar is going to be a top candidate to become a full-time NHL player. He did not look out of place during his stint at the end of the season, and could fit into the second-line center spot if he performs well in camp.

Nazar will be a player to watch come training camp, as he has the skill to be a top-six player in the NHL. Whether he spends the year in Chicago or Rockford, Frank Nazar looks to be a big part of the Blackhawks' future.

No. 1: Artyom Levshunov (2024 Draft: Round 1 #2 overall)

The Blackhawks believe they have found their future number-one defenseman with Artyom Levshunov, and there is good reason to believe them.

Levshunov has developed very quick since coming to North America during the 2022-23 season. He had not played against top competition at home in Belarus, but impressed quickly for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) when he came over.

This past season, Levshunov played in the NCAA for Michican State where he posted 35 points in 38 games. His production surpassed defensemen Quinn Hughes and Owen Power's production in their draft years. However, his offense is not the only strength of his game as he plays a very well-rounded game.

Levshunov plays a strong two-way game and continues to implement his size into his game. He stands at 6-foot-two inches and 209 pounds, giving him pro-ready size as an 18-year old. This led to Levshunov continuously improving over the course of his season while playing against top competition.

Levshunov has already signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks which means he will not be returning to college hockey. Instead, he is likely to spend the season playing top-pair in Rockford where the Blackhawks' staff can work with him on a day-to-day basis.

With him being ready to turn pro already, Levshunov has the tools to be a top-pair defenseman in the NHL. He is a good skater who uses his size well and has good instincts on the offensive and defensive sides of the puck. Going forward, he is going to be looked at as the future leader of the Blackhawks' blueline.