The Chicago Blackhawks (29-39-14) enter the 2026 NHL Draft with another premium selection as the organization continues building around one of the NHL’s youngest cores. Chicago finished near the bottom of the Western Conference standings during the 2025-26 season, positioning the franchise for another top-five pick after several years focused heavily on rebuilding through the draft.
The Blackhawks already feature one of hockey’s deepest prospect systems after selecting Connor Bedard first overall in 2023 and adding Artyom Levshunov, Anton Frondell and several other recent first-round selections.
- To Watch Elite Junior, College And Professional Hockey All Season, Subscribe To FloHockey Today
- FloHockey's 2026 NHL Draft Collection
- Complete 2026 NHL Draft Order
- Called Up: The Prospects Podcast
Chicago’s recent drafts have emphasized high-end skill, speed and offensive upside as the organization attempts to return to Stanley Cup contention.
Chicago’s draft history includes some of the most important players in franchise history. The Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews in 2006 and Patrick Kane in 2007 before building the core that won three Stanley Cups. More recently, the organization selected Bedard, Kevin Korchinski and Frank Nazar as part of its current rebuild.
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Here’s everything to know about the Chicago Blackhawks’ NHL Draft outlook.
When Do The Chicago Blackhawks Pick In The 2026 NHL Draft?
The Chicago Blackhawks top pick in the NHL draft is No. 34.
Chicago previously held the No. 4 pick in the NHL draft before trading the pick to the Buffalo Sabres just days before the draft.
Why Don't The Chicago Blackhawks Pick In The First Round?
The Chicago Blackhawks traded their No. 4 pick to the Buffalo Sabres in a massive trade just days before the 2026 NHL Draft. Chicago sent the No. 4 pick, No. 45 pick and Louis Crevier in exchange for Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway.
Chicago takes a big risk sending a valuable pick for a defenceman who they hope can build off a strong 2025-2026 campaign.
Who Did The Chicago Blackhawks Draft In 2025?
The Chicago Blackhawks selected Anton Frondell with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Chicago made eight selections during the 2025 draft, including three first-round picks. The Blackhawks added Frondell, Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West before continuing to build depth through later rounds.
- Anton Frondell, C, Djurgardens IF
- Vaclav Nestrasil, R, Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Mason West, C, Edina High School
- Nathan Behm, L, Kamloops Blazers
- Julius Sumpf, C, Moncton Wildcats
- Parker Holmes, F, Brantford Bulldogs
- Ashton Cumby, D, Seattle Thunderbirds
- Ilya Kanarsky, G, Tula Mikhailov Academy J-20
Has A Chicago Blackhawks Player Ever Won The NHL Calder Memorial Trophy?
Yes, Chicago Blackhawks players have won the NHL Calder Memorial Trophy.
Connor Bedard won the Calder Trophy in 2024 after his rookie season with Chicago. Patrick Kane won the award in 2008, while Artemi Panarin captured the Calder in 2016.
Who Are The Chicago Blackhawks Minor League Hockey Team Affiliates?
The Chicago Blackhawks’ primary American Hockey League affiliate is the Rockford IceHogs.
The Chicago Blackhawks’ minor league affiliates are the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League and the Indy Fuel in the ECHL.
Chicago Blackhawks Missed The NHL Playoffs In 2026
The Chicago Blackhawks missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season.
Chicago finished with 72 points and placed ninth in the Western Conference standings. The Blackhawks scored 213 goals and allowed 275 during the regular season.
When Is The 2026 NHL Draft?
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place June 26-27 in Buffalo, New York.
The NHL Draft will be held at KeyBank Center, with Round 1 scheduled for June 26 and Rounds 2-7 taking place June 27.
How To Watch 2026 NHL Draft Show With The Athletic Live On FloHockey
Watch 'The Athletic Hockey Show x FloHockey NHL Draft Live' on FloHockey this Friday, June 26 from 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ET and Saturday, June 27 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ET.
The special NHL Draft broadcast will stream live on the FloHockey website, FloSports app, the FloHockey 24/7 channel on Prime Video, Fubo, YouTube, Bell Fibe (Canada) and the Roku Channel (Canada), as well as The Athletic's YouTube channel.
Subscribe to FloHockey today so you never miss a moment. All games will be available on FloHockey.tv or via the FloSports mobile and connected TV apps.
FINAL NHL DRAFT RANKINGS!@chrismpeters has his final ranking for the 2026 NHL Draft featuring 75 players. See who made the list! https://t.co/R1ySGVbNEx@OHLHockey | @QMJHL | @LHJMQ | @USHL | @SHLse #nhldraft #ohl #qmjhl #ushl #shl pic.twitter.com/9rYqBfrxbQ
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) June 15, 2026
NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey
The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL, minor-league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Watch the AHL, ECHL, QMJHL, OHL, And More On FloHockey
FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.
Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social
- Follow us on X @FloHockey
- Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
- Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
- Watch us on YouTube
- Like us on Facebook