Top 10 Players Blackhawks Should Target in 2026 NHL Draft’s Second Round

The Chicago Blackhawks faced a unique situation during the 2026 NHL Draft, as they did not make a single first-round selection for the first time in the Kyle Davidson era. Their originally awarded fourth overall pick was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram. Historically, Davidson has managed to secure multiple first-round picks, but this year, the Blackhawks opted for a different strategy.

With rounds two through seven set to unfold on Saturday morning, the Blackhawks have a chance to make a mark. The second round kicks off at 10 AM CT, and Chicago is poised to make two selections with picks 34 and 37. As the draft progresses, a wealth of talented prospects still lingers, offering the Blackhawks an opportunity to uncover hidden gems.

As the team prepares for the second round, several players stand out as ideal fits for the Blackhawks. In the center position, the organization envisions Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, and Frank Nazar forming the core down the middle for the 2026-27 season. However, the team’s depth is critical, especially considering potential injuries or underperformance. If the Blackhawks decide to pursue a center in the second round, three names emerge as strong candidates: Brooks Rogowski from Oshawa, Alessandro Di Iorio from Sarnia, and Rudolfs Berzkalns from Muskegon.

On the wing, the Blackhawks are eager to enhance their prospects. While they have veteran players like Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Ryan Donato, none of these players are likely to be part of the long-term vision. Outside of Roman Kantserov, the team lacks exciting prospects on the wings. Among the available options in the second round, players like Simas Ignatavicius from Genève-Servette HC, Casey Mutryn from the USNTDP, Chase Harrington from Spokane, and Mathis Preston from Vancouver could provide valuable contributions as they develop.

Defensively, the Blackhawks recognize that development takes time, especially with young players already in the pipeline. However, they remain open to taking chances on defensemen who may become NHL-ready in the future. With their second-round picks, the team could consider Xavier Villeneuve from Blainville-Boisbriand, William Hakansson from Lulea, and Adam Goljer from HK Dukla Trencin as potential additions to bolster their blue line.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.