Projecting the Blackhawks with 2030 Olympics potential

The NHL is sending its players to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014, in Sochi, Russia. NHL players did not see the ice in 2018, when the league opted out, and again in 2022, when they withdrew due to COVID concerns. These Olympics have been highly anticipated by the players, especially after last year's successful 4 Nations Face-Off. There are 12 nations participating in this year's Olympics, with the Blackhawks' potential 2030 roster representing a majority of them.

Canada

Connor Bedard, who for whatever reason was left off the 2026 roster, is the biggest lock on the team to make the 2030 national team. He will be entering the prime of his career and will play a crucial role on the Canadian team as well. Bedard will be joining some of the new and upcoming stars, along with the likes of Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer, who will most likely be dressing for Team Canada in 2030.

United States

Spencer Knight had an outside chance to make the United States Olympic roster this year; however, the 24-year-old is projected to be a key figure for the team in the future. The USA has tremendous depth in goaltending (something Canada desperately lacks), which puts Knight currently on the outside looking in. By the time the next games roll around, Jets' goalie Connor Hellebuyck will be 36 years old and will be well past his prime. As the Blackhawks continue to improve, Knight will receive more national attention, which will help boost his odds of being selected.

Frank Nazar was a main part of the USA junior team in 2024 and 2025. The team won gold, and he led the team with eight assists in seven games in 2024. Again in 2025, Nazar helped lead the USA to another gold, where he led the team in points with six goals and six assists. There are a few forwards on the team (Vincent Trocheck, Jake Guentzel, J.T. Miller, etc.) that will be aging out in four years, which will open the door for some newcomers. If Nazar continues to develop his offensive game, we could definitely see him in the mix.

Sweden

Blackhawks first-round pick of 2025, Anton Frondell, joined Nazar by winning gold for his junior team this year. He won the tournament's 'Best Forward' award as he tallied five goals and three assists in seven games. Frondell also scored the game-winning shootout goal, sending Sweden to the gold medal game. There was a good amount of pressure on Frondell heading into this tournament, and he stepped up in a big way. He projects to be on a line with Connor Bedard as he joins the team later this year. If Frondell can produce the way he has in the SHL and in the World Juniors, then it is a very real possibility that he could make his way onto the national team in 2030.

Russia

If Russia is ever able to return to the ice due to the International Olympic Committee's continued restrictions, then 2023 Blackhawks draftee Roman Kantserov will have a great shot at making the team. Russia would field one of the best teams in the tournament if it were allowed to compete. However, they would have many aging veterans on their team, so they will need to be replaced with young talent. Kantserov is currently third in the KHL in points as a 21-year-old. If he can produce in the NHL the way he has in Russia, then Kantserov would be a lock for the national team.

Czechia

Vaclav Nestrasil was a 2025 first-round draft pick by the Blackhawks. He is currently attending the University of Massachusetts and is producing a point per game pace (21 points in 20 games). Nestrasil impressed in this year's World Juniors tournament along with Frondell. He scored eight points in seven games and took home the silver medal when Sweden defeated them in the championship. The 18-year-old needs much more development but has an outside shot at making the national team if he continues to grow.

The Blackhawks have so much potential in their recent draft picks, and if these "kids" continue to impress and improve their games, we could see them representing their countries at the 2030 Winter Olympics.