Chicago Draft Recap
2026-07-24Another draft come and gone and once again Chicago has come away with an impressive group of young players. Highlighted by schrewd maneuvering to secure two top prospects in the first round and the usual late round gems an already stout group of prospects has been further bolstered. Meet the 2026 Chicago Blackhawks draft class:
ROUND 1, 17th Overall
Oliver Suvanto, C, 6'3 209, Tappera Liiga
48GP 2G 9A 11PTS
While his numbers do not immediately jump off the page, there is much to like about Suvanto. Even off the ice you immediately notice he is already a huge man, with plenty of room to grow. He will end up playing at well over 220lbs as a pro. On the ice what quickly stands out is how well he moves for a man his size. He covers miles east/west and is very adept at killing plays in the offensive and neutral zones, he is already a disruptive force against pros in Finland. He is also advanced defensively for a player his age and easily profiles as an NHL PK player. Offensively there is untapped upside as well, he is excellent below the dots and quite crafty around the crease which coupled with his stature makes him a likely net front PP option. Sum this all up and you have a potential 2-way force down the middle of the ice that features on both special teams. If he is able to add a bit more small zone quickness and a distance scoring element he has the potential to be a truly elite player. He will likely return to Liiga for next season where he will look to be a much bigger offensive contributor, return to the WJC and look to build on a strong underage performance, and likely head to North America after the FNL season is complete.
NHL COMP: Tomas Hertl NHL ARRIVAL: 2027-2028
ROUND 1, 26th Overall
J.P. Hurlbert, W/C, 6'0 190, Kamloops WHL
68GP 42G 55A 97PTS
Thanks to the NCAA rule changes JP was able to make the unexpected jump to the WHL from the USNTDP. The move proved masterful as he hit the ground running in the WHL immediately becoming a dominant force and one of the leagues best players. The name of Hurlberts game is offense, he has a full bag of offensive tools and can impact the game in a number of ways. He has advanced vision and great puck management for a junior aged player, his playmaking style should translate very effectively to pro hockey. He attacks the middle of the ice and effectively distributes. He also has a pro level shot already and is a distance scoring threat, potentially deployed on the flank or in the bumper on the PP at the next level. Defensively he is engaged, but not yet polished which should not be a concern for a player of this profile. He does force a lot of turnovers and has that uncanny can't teach ability of seemingly always being around the puck. He is headed to the NCAA for the upcoming season and will look to continue his offensive dominance. It is unclear if he will be a one and done college player or if he will head back for his sophmore year, his production will guide this decision.
NHL COMP: Wyatt Johnston, NHL ARRIVAL: 2028-2029
ROUND 2, 36th Overall
Adam Goljer, D, 6'3 194, Dukla Trencin Slovakia
43GP 4G 7A 11PTS
In a lot of ways Goljer is the defense version of Suvanto. Playing well above his age group he put up modest numbers in the Slovak pro league. Like Suvanto he plays a fairly understated game but his athletic traits jump off the page. Very much a new age defenceman he is big rangy and mobile. He has excellent 4-way mobility and is also very solid with the puck on his blade both forehand and backhand. He profiles as a staple partner for an elite offensive defenceman while also being able to produce secondary offense on his own. He has a solid shot and decent instincts, is adept at transitioning the puck and joining the rush but does not scream PP1 QB at the next level. Best case he could contribute on a 2nd unit, but he certainly fits the mold of the modern PK defenceman. He will likely make the move to the AHL for his D+1 season.
NHL COMP: Aaron Ekblad NHL ARRIVAL: 2028-2029
ROUND 3, 75th Overall
Luke Schairer, D, 6'3 194. USNTDP USHL
25GP 1G 9A 10PTS
Another defenceman with a very similiar profile to Adam Goljer, Schairer is less polished however is a superior natural skater. He is an elite skater from the back end, and coupled with his size this makes a very appealing project on the back end. He is not yet as polished defensively as Goljer, and does not profile as a natural PP fixture as a pro. That said he is adept at transitioning the puck with his feet, and makes a solid first pass. His mobility gives him shutdown potential in the NHL, and he is willing to engage physically. He is headed to the OHL next season where he will look to grow his offensive game and refine a bit defensively. He should be among the better blueliners in that league and will make the jump to the NCAA the following year.
NHL COMP: Will Borgen, NHL ARRIVAL: 2029-2030
ROUND 3, 81st Overall
Adam Valentini, F, 5'10 185, Michigan NCAA
40GP 11G 16A 27PTS
One of the youngest players in the NCAA Valentini produced admirably for powerhouse Michigan. An undersized player Valentini has very much earned the reputation of being a "DOG" on the ice. He routinely out battles players much older and bigger than himself and is built like a fire hydrant on skates. He has offensive upside and an elite motor. He has the potential to be a producer at the NHL level however at very least his floor should be a prototypical energy bottom 6 player.
NHL COMP: Bryan Rust, NHL Arrival: 2030-2031
ROUND 4, 112th overall.
Jacob Kvasnicka, W, 5'11 172, Penticton WHL
65GP 35G 50A 85PTS
NHL COMP: Luke Evangelista NHL ARRIVAL: 2030-2031
Round 4, 113th Overall
Kai Uchacz, F, 6'2 209, Henderson AHL
68GP 20G 31A 51PTS
NHL COMP: Nick Paul, NHL ARRIVAL: 2026-2027
Round 4, 120th Overall
Ben Wilmott, F, 6'1 190, Barrie OHL
66GP 27G 39A 66PTS
NHL COMP: Parker Kelly, NHL ARRIVAL: 2029-2030
Round 5, 130th Overall
Melvin Novotny, W, 6'2 198, Muskegon USHL
48GP 22G 35A 57PTS
NHL COMP: Marcus Johnansson NHL, ARRIVAL: 2030-2031
Round 5, 134th Overall
Attilio Biasca, F, 6'1 194, Fribourg SWI
45GP 15G 12A 27PTS
NHL COMP: Eetu Luostarinen, NHL ARRIVAL: 2026-2027
Round 5, 159th Overall
Yegor Vinogradov, F, 6'3 203
67GP 23G 31A 54PTS
NHL COMP: Valeri Nichushkin, NHL Arrival: 2027-2028
Round 6, 177th Overall
Yan Spunar, G, 6'3 190, North Dakota NCAA
27GP 1.91GAA .919SP
NHL COMP: Joonas Korpisalo, NHL Arrival: 2029-2030
Round 6, 179th Overall
Parker Snell, G, 6'2 176, Edmonton WHL
33GP 2.74GAA .895SP
NHL COMP: Jet Greaves, NHL Arrival 2031-2032
Kai Uchacz... you broke my heart with this pick. Well done. Solid draft. You're good at this prospect thing.
Chicago Draft Recap
Hawks add to league best prospect group