It’s safe to say the Chicago Blackhawks are aiming to draft Gavin McKenna next year. Between the current roster layout and general manager Kyle Davidson’s comments, another year outside the playoffs is inevitable.
This time around, however, things are a little different. It will be Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore’s first full NHL season. The youth movement is in full swing in Chicago.
Spencer Knight, who looked like a bona fide NHL starter last season, has all the opportunity in the world between the pipes. There’s a lot to be optimistic about with the Blackhawks. While success may not show up in the standings, it can manifest itself in other ways. These three factors can help the Blackhawks find success this season.
Let Younger Players Develop
Opportunity is out there for younger skaters. Two players in particular have big opportunities ahead of them. Sam Rinzel quickly became one of the most dominant defensemen on the Blackhawks last season, making his debut on March 30th. At 21 years of age, he’s still got his best hockey ahead of him and looks more than ready to embrace his new role.
Daily Faceoff has Rinzel penciled in on the top defensive pairing alongside Alex Vlasic. This gives him a chance to really make a name for himself as a top defender under the age of 25.
The other player, Frank Nazar, signed a massive extension last week. The former 13th overall pick quickly established himself as the team’s second line center. Davidson in particular had quite a bit of praise for Nazar. “Frank elevated his game last season and has proven himself to be one of the top young talents in the league,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement.
“He drives play using his elite speed and playmaking abilities, creating problems for opponents and opportunities for teammates every night. Frank is an integral piece of our team, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for the next eight seasons.”
Bedard Takes Next Step
Now, more than ever, Connor Bedard has to take his next step. Fortunately, it appears he’s working doubly hard this offseason. NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared his thoughts on a Bleacher Report livestream about Bedard’s impending extension at the end of the 2025-26 season.
“There have been some whispers that Bedard has really worked on his skating,” he said. “Perhaps changing some of his angling as well, things that worked for him that he never really had to touch being such a superstar at the WHL level.”
The biggest thing Bedard has to work on, in Seravalli’s eyes, is confidence. “He needed a fresh start mindset-wise and attitude-wise, and I’m hoping he got that this summer,” he said. “And I think you could see a totally different Connor Bedard on the ice for the Chicago Blackhawks this fall.”
Blackhawks Secure High Draft Pick Again
Over the last four seasons, the Blackhawks have drafted seventh, first, second, and third overall from 2o22-2025. This time around, one of the best prospects in hockey history is draft eligible: Gavin McKenna. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic believes McKenna is far and beyond the best player available in 2026.
“McKenna is a captivating offensive winger who just had one of the most productive age-adjusted seasons in modern CHL history last season,” Wheeler wrote. “When he’s on the ice, the talent divide is always clear, even when he has played with top players. He projects as a first-line, star and maybe even a superstar winger.”
Outside of McKenna, high-end forwards like Ethan Belchetz and Tynan Lawrence are perfect candidates for playing on Bedard’s wing. Should the Blackhawks find themselves in lottery contention yet again, they’ll have their pick of the litter with high-end prospects.
3 Ways the Blackhawks Can Find Success in 2025-26