The Blackhawks' rebuild looks different when you examine the draft results

The NHL draft is one of the more anticipated events of the offseason. There, a franchise can build for the future, draft a cornerstone player, or trade picks for a proven player in hopes of a Stanley Cup. The Chicago Blackhawks have not had much success lately but their time is coming based on recent draft picks.

Davidson, Blackhawks shine at drafts

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson is in charge of making Chicago a powerhouse once again and turning them into cup contenders. While free agency and trades have not worked in their favor for the most part, their recent success has come through the draft as many players are starting to show they can be major players. While not all players drafted will play in the NHL or become stars, there are a few picks making an impact since Davidson came on board in 2021.

In the 2021, NHL draft, Chicago had eight picks throughout. Their first pick in the draft was in the second round, pick 82, forward Colten Dach, brother of Kirby Dach. Colton was expected to be a power forward who could contribute and play a physical game in the top-six. However, he was recently traded, along with Jason Dickisnon, to the Edmonton Oilers for Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional first-round pick in 2027. Defenseman Ethan del Maestro was drafted 105th and looks like he could be a solid player who could help the Blackhawks. Overall grade: B

2022 was by far the strongest draft under Davidson. Defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel were taken along with forwards Frank Nazar, Ryan Greene, and Dominic James. James was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Rinzel is top-pairing worthy and the forwards have all contributed in some way. A solid draft all around. However, Korchinski is a restricted free agent (RFA). Overall grade: A

2023 saw Chicago with 11 picks but so far only three stand out tremendously. Connor Bedard was the biggest prize at pick number one and has proved he is a legit star in the league. Forward Oliver Moore is a solid forward who will see most of his time in the middle-six and should contribute offensively. forward Roman Kantserov is the best sniper in the organization and is sure to have all eyes on him, surely to put up big numbers in his future. Overall grade: A

2024 saw the Blackhawks draft eight players into the organization. Defenseman Artyom Levshunov is full of potential and has already shown he can play in the NHL. Sacha Boisvert is still a bit of an unknown but can be a solid two-way player in the near future. The same could be said about Marek Vanacker, who scored 47 goals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Brantford Bulldogs last season. Overall grade: B

2025 saw eight picks again from Chicago and they managed to grab two stars immediately. With the third pick, they selected Anton Frondell, who is full of talent and looks to be a first-line lock when he gets comfortable with the NHL ice. At pick 29, they chose 6-foot-5 Mason West, who played for the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL) the past two seasons. Not an elite scorer but one that is consistent in his offensive production who will be a solid second-line player. Overall grade: B.

Davidson has big decision about Korchinski

As mentioned above, Korchinski is a RFA and there are several possibilities on how this plays out. What if he does not sign?If he remains unsigned by December 1st, he would miss the rest of the 2026-27 season. If he chooses to sit out, Chicago would retain his exclusive rights until he hits 27 years old, but he could potentially play in a European league.

If he rejects the qualifying offer, he remains a RFA, Another possibility is that Davidson could trade him for assets or an NHL-ready player. Another possibility is that another NHL team could sign him to an offer sheet. While Chicago is expected to sign him to a short, prove-it deal, there is no indication either way on his decision. Korchinski has not developed properly and has been surpassed by other young defensemen. In fact, he has spent more time with the Blackhawks American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford Icehogs (109 games) than he has with Chiacgo (29). Something to keep an eye on as the Blackhawks and Davidson march forward to opening night of the 2026-27 season.

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