I know the product the Blackhawks have put on the ice at the NHL level this season has left a lot to be desired at times, but we need a frequent reminder that this is a rebuild, and those things take time. It’s about stockpiling draft capital and using picks on quality players who can help the NHL roster at some point.
The Blackhawks have done the first part — collecting a boatload of draft capital — well. And the early returns appear to be positive on the players they have picked thus far since general manager Kyle Davidson began aggressively moving the organization in this direction.
January has been a very good month thus far for many of the Blackhawks’ prospects. The offensive numbers since we last updated our prospect rankings for the organization are impressively better across the board — which should encourage fans that good times are coming.
So let’s update our rankings of the top 25 prospects in the Blackhawks’ system now that we’re in the back third of January.
Note 1: I am officially graduating Nolan Allan, Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier and Frank Nazar from consideration for our top prospects. They have been in the NHL long enough this season that it merits them moving on. Colton Dach has only appeared in 9 games thus far, so I’m going to keep him in the rankings — for now.
Note 2: because he’s new to the organization, I’m keeping defenseman Dmitry Kuzmin as an honorable mention. He was acquired last week in the trade for Isaak Phillips.
"I'm going to say that Artyom Levshunov is the key prospect in this entire rebuild."@frank_seravalli thinks the #Blackhawks 2nd overall pick can provide a lot of flexibility for Kyle Davidson in the future. pic.twitter.com/Cdn4FCTNks— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) January 14, 2025
1. Artyom Levshunov, RHD
6-2, 208
Shoots: Right
Acquired: 1st round (No. 2 overall) — 2024 NHL Draft
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
2024-25 Stats: 33 games, 2 goals, 9 assists, 97 shots on goal
Levshunov has started to be more offensively assertive in Rockford over the past month; he’s put 61 shots on goal in his last 19 games (dating back to Dec. 1). He was a healthy scratch earlier in January after being late for a team meeting; the Blackhawks acquired Kuzmin soon after.
It’s the Rockford Rewind ⏪
IceHogs defenseman Kevin Korchinski breaks down his goal from early December vs. the Wolves with @DanaGrey0 #GoHogs pic.twitter.com/YFfdioBauH— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 14, 2025
2. Kevin Korchinski, LHD
6-1, 185
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 1st round (No. 7) — 2022 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Ottawa in A. DeBrincat trade)
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
2024-25 Stats: 29 games, 2 goals, 15 assists, 48 shots on goal
Korchinski got some run in the NHL since our last update and performed fairly well. Keep in mind he’s still only 20 until the middle of June. There have been a few times this season that the IceHogs worked Korchinski on the right side as well. It’s a good thing that the Blackhawks are giving him the time to develop in Rockford, and what we saw when he made a few NHL appearances tells us he’s benefitting from that development.
Nick Lardis (#16) with an absolute beauty of a goal #Blackhawks #HawksProspects pic.twitter.com/RUJTIRxZUd
— Chicago Prospects (@Chi_Prospects) January 12, 2025
3. Nick Lardis, RW
5-11, 165
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 67) — 2023 NHL Draft
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Brantford (OHL)
2024-25 Stats: 41 games, 37 goals, 29 assists, 235 shots on net, 7 game-winning goals
In his second post-draft season, Lardis’ scoring has continued to be magnificent. Entering Monday’s action, Lardis was tied for the OHL lead with 37 goals, was tied for the league lead with 13 power play goals and led the league with seven game-winning goals. His 235 shots on goal were 40 more than anyone else in the OHL. He’s been an offensive machine, putting up the best numbers by a Blackhawks prospect in juniors since Alex DeBrincat.
Sam Rinzel with his 9th goal of the season!#Blackhawks #HOTR
— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) January 11, 2025
pic.twitter.com/G0ApoJU4jU
4. Sam Rinzel, RHD
6-5, 180
Shoots: Right
Acquired: 1st round (No. 25) — 2022 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Toronto in Mrazek trade)
2024-25 Team: University of Minnesota (NCAA — Big Ten)
2024-25 Stats: 26 games, 9 goals 15 assists, 63 shots on goal, 20 blocks
Rinzel has taken huge steps forward as a defender and his offense has continued to shine at Minnesota as a sophomore. Indeed, his name has popped up as a potential Hobey Baker candidate because he’s been among the national leaders in offensive production off the blue line all year. The Blackhawks took a shot on him in the 2022 draft and some scoffed at the pick but he appears to be progressing into the player the Hawks thought he could eventually become.
5. Oliver Moore, C/LW
5-11, 194
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 1st round (No. 19 overall) — 2023 NHL Draft* (pick acq. from TB in the Brandon Hagel trade)
2024-25 Team: University of Minnesota (NCAA — Big Ten)
2024-25 Stats: 24 games, 5 goal, 14 assists, 68 shots on goal, 51.1 FO%
Moore has bounced all over the lineup for Minnesota this season, sometimes skating at the top-line center and sometimes moving down to a checking line role. His point production was slow to start the season but he’s been warming up lately. His speed is still elite and he’s playing a responsible game for the Gophers as well. Oh, and he won a second gold medal for the US at the World Junior Championship and wore an A on his sweater in the tournament this year.
Roman Kantserov celebrated 100th KHL career game with a goal! pic.twitter.com/bf5ojhphNc
— KHL (@khl_eng) January 11, 2025
6. Roman Kantserov, RW
5-9, 176
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 2nd round (No. 44) — 2023 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from OTT in Zaitsev trade)
2024-25 Team: Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
2024-25 Stats: 26 games, 12 goals, 12 assists
Kantersov’s season started a little late because he had offseason shoulder surgery. But once he got rolling, he’s been absolute fire. He’s putting up numbers as a 20-year-old in the KHL that are comparable to what Vladimir Tarasenko and Kirill Kaprizov did at the same age. He’s signed in Russia thru the 2025-26 season, but his offensive skills are making him look more and more like a potential NHL contributor when he makes the decision to join the Blackhawks.
#Blackhawks prospect Sacha Boisvert with the OT GWG for @UNDmhockey
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) January 12, 2025
🚨🔥
pic.twitter.com/qn1Nkodcq5
7. Sacha Boisvert, C
6-2, 180
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 1st round (No. 18) — 2024 NHL Draft* (pick acq. from Islanders in pick swap)
2024-25 Team: North Dakota (NCHC)
2024-25 Stats: 23 games, 9 goal, 9 assists, 59 shots on goal, 3 GWG
Boisvert leads a highly ranked North Dakota team in scoring as a true freshman. He’s been clutch — three of his nine goals have been game-winners — and physical in his post-draft season as a teenager in the competitive NCHC. North Dakota hasn’t relied on him too heavily in the circle. Boisvert has also been credited with nine blocked shots.
Colton Dach registers his first NHL point as Frank Nazar finds the back of the net for his first of the season💪 pic.twitter.com/R6Fm6jW47U— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) January 9, 2025
8. Colton Dach, LW
6-4, 198
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 2nd round (No. 62) — 2021 NHL Draft* (pick acq. from Vegas in pick swap)
SIGNED
2024-25 Teams: Rockford IceHogs (AHL), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
2024-25 AHL Stats: 18 games, 7 goals, 8 assists, 2 game-winning goals, 53 shots on net
2024-25 NHL Stats: 9 games, 0 goals, 3 assists, 28 hits
Right now, Dach is the only power forward in the system with a contract. He got the call to Chicago and faced his brother, Kirby, in his NHL debut. Since then, he’s been a wrecking ball hitting everything in site in the Blackhawks’ top six and has been able to contribute a few assists along the way. His game has translated nicely from Rockford to Chicago.
WHAT A PASSING PLAY BY BRANTFORD 🚨😱
The @BulldogsOHL show off their team chemistry as they execute a gorgeous tic-tac-toe passing play that @NHLBlackhawks first round pick Marek Vanacker finishes off for his seventh goal of the season!#OHL | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/u1m9WdU9x9— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 18, 2025
9. Marek Vanacker, LW
6-1, 178
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 1st round (No. 27) — 2024 NHL Draft* (pick acq. from Carolina in pick swap)
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Brantford (OHL)
2024-25 Stats: 20 games, 7 goals, 8 assists, 54 shots on net
Vanacker, like Kantserov, had shoulder surgery over the summer so his regular season started late. After getting his legs back under him, he’s been strong offensively for Brantford. Entering Monday he had 10 points in his previous 10 games (points in 8 of the 10 contests). The organization is really high on his ability.
ANOTHER GAME, ANOTHER CLUTCH GOAL BY RYAN GREENE! pic.twitter.com/nrGncRAlgP
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) January 19, 2025
10. Ryan Greene, C
6-1, 185
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 2nd round (No. 57) — 2022 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Minnesota in MA Fleury trade)
2024-25 Team: Boston University (Hockey East)
2024-25 Stats: 21 games, 11 goals 12 assists, 49 shots on goal, 54.6 FO%
Since the Terriers returned from their holiday break on Dec. 29, Greene has scored in five straight games (six total goals). He’s now producing at better than a point-per-game rate and has also blocked ten shots. A co-captain for the Terriers this season, the Blackhawks wanted to sign Greene this past summer but he wanted to go back to finish the job after two Frozen Four trips that came up without a trophy. He’s still an excellent faceoff guy as well.
11. Ethan Del Mastro, LHD
6-4, 210
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 4th round (No. 105) — 2021 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Vancouver in M. Bowey trade)
SIGNED
2024-25 Teams: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
2024-25 Stats: 37 games, 8 assists, 29 shots on goal
Del Mastro is a big, physical, shut-down defenseman and he’s playing that role for the IceHogs this season. He got a taste of the NHL last year and might again at some point this year if the opportunity presents itself because of injury or the inevitable trade(s). The offensive numbers aren’t overwhelming but that’s not necessarily his role.
12. Landon Slaggert, LW
6-0, 180
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 79) — 2020 NHL Draft
SIGNED
2024-25 Teams: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
2024-25 Stats: 37 games, 9 goals, 13 assists, 60 shots on goal
Since Nazar and Dach moved up to the NHL, Slaggert has stepped up his offensive game. He’s still playing a good, responsible game in all three zones and he’s now second on the (current) IceHogs’ roster with two game-winning goals as well. He’ll see the NHL again at some point this season. The Blackhawks already signed him to a two-year extension.
13. AJ Spellacy, C
6-3, 204
Shoots: Right
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 72) — 2024 NHL Draft* (pick acq. from Ottawa in DeBrincat trade)
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Windsor (OHL)
2024-25 Stats: 40 games, 11 goals, 14 assists, 99 shots on goal, 1 game-winning goal
UPDATE: The Blackhawks signed Spellacy on Jan. 23. Spellacy got everyone’s attention during a stellar preseason run with the NHL club. His invite to the USA selection camp for the World Juniors is an indication that he certainly has the attention of the hockey community. He’s spent time at both center and wing this season.
14. Dominic James, C
6-0, 190
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 6th round (No. 173) — 2022 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Columbus in S. Jones trade)
2024-25 Team: Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC)
2024-25 Stats: 21 games, 10 goals, 9 assists, 19 blocks, 54.4 FO%
James can absolutely fly and his offense has taken a big step up this season. He’s also a great faceoff guy (among the NCAA leaders) and is the captain at Minnesota-Duluth. He has decent size and could be a solid bottom-six center in the future for the Blackhawks.
15. Aidan Thompson, C/LW
5-11, 180
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 90) — 2022 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Calgary in N. Zadorov trade)
2024-25 Team: University of Denver (NCHC)
2024-25 Stats: 22 games, 13 goals, 16 assists, 92 shots on goal, 6 PPG
Thompson made the move from center to the wing this season and his offense has exploded. Like so many other prospects on this list, he can fly. He’s played a checking-line role on a national championship team and now he’s putting up big numbers. Like James, the added offense this season helped him climb this list. He projects as a potential contributor in a bottom-six role as well. Keep in mind that Thompson will turn 23 on Feb. 18, so his ELC will be a two-year contract (like Slaggert’s was last year).
16. Samuel Savoie, LW
5-10, 189
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 81) — 2022 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Vegas in pick swap)
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
2024-25 Stats: 37 games, 3 goals, 6 assists, 56 shots on goal
Savoie is still getting compared to Andrew Shaw with his energy and passion for the game. And that’s great. He can skate, loves to hit and goes to the areas where the dirty work gets done. He might not be a top-six forward, but there will be a spot for him in the NHL at some point because you can’t avoid him on the ice.
17. Jack Pridham, RW
6-2, 185
Shoots: Right
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 92) — 2024 NHL Draft
2024-25 Team: West Kelowna (BCHL): 12 games, 5 goals, 5 assists
2024-25 Stats: Kitchener (OHL): 24 games, 12 goals, 13 assists, 90 shots on goal, 3 game-winning goals
Pridham, who is committed to play at Boston University next year, made the move from the BCHL to the OHL when the NCAA allowed CHL players to matriculate to the college ranks and has been an offensive machine for the Rangers. He was one of the better skaters in the 2024 draft class and has very good size on the wing. He’s opening eyes with his production in the OHL this season.
18. John Mustard, C/W
6-1, 185
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 67) — 2024 NHL Draft
2024-25 Team: Providence (Hockey East)
2024-25 Stats: 22 games, 5 goal, 9 assist, 73 shots on goal, 2 blocks
Mustard is going thru the expected growing pains as a true freshman on a ranked Providence squad. His speed plays and he’s got a wicked release. He hasn’t been bashful about putting the puck on the net as a first-year collegiate player, which is good to see.
19. Alex Pharand, C/W
6-3, 192
Shoots:
Acquired: 4th round (No. 99) — 2023 NHL Draft
2024-25 Team: Sudbury (OHL)
2024-25 Stats: 40 games, 15 goals, 28 assists, 91 shots on goal
Pharand has been on an absolute heater recently, which jumps him into the top 20 in our new rankings. Before going without a point in three games to close last week, Pharand had 11 goals and 19 assists in his previous 21 contests (dating back to Nov. 15). He’s played both center and on the wing and has good size. I wish he was healthy at the prospect camp and training camp in the fall to see him skate with other prospects.
20. Gavin Hayes, RW
6-1, 177
Shoots: Right
Acquired: 3rd round (No. 66) — 2022 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Montreal in K. Dach trade)
SIGNED
2024-25 Teams: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
2024-25 Stats: 29 games, 2 goals, 3 assists, 52 shots on goal
Hayes was a scorer in junior but transitioned to more of a checking line role this season as a first-year pro. He’s still putting the puck on net frequently, which is good. And, again, he’s a young player who’s still going to develop. I’ll be interested to see where he slots in the Rockford lineup when the reinforcements arrive from the college ranks later this year/next season.
21. Drew Commesso, G
6-2, 180
Acquired: 2nd round (No. 46) — 2020 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from Vegas in M. Subban trade)
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
2024-25 Stats (AHL): 18 games, 8-9-1, .902 save pct, 2.81 GAA, 2 shutouts
Commesso has been on the bench in Chicago a couple times by necessity this season. His numbers aren’t going to blow you away as a second-year pro, but I’ll remind everyone that Corey Crawford appeared in 255 AHL games before he was a full-time NHL player.
22. Cole Guttman, C
5-10, 185
Shoots: Right
Acquired: signed, free agent
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
2024-25 Stats: 37 games, 18 goals, 18 assists, 103 shots on goal
Guttman replaced Nazar as the IceHogs’ all-star this season, and rightfully so. His offensive performance jumps him back into our rankings this month as well. He doesn’t have a lot of size, and he’s in a walk-year as a pending RFA at the end of the season, but he’s played well enough to warrant another look in the NHL at some point. He was the captain of a national championship team at Denver.
23. Ilya Safonov, C
6-4, 205
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 6th round (No. 172) — 2021 NHL Draft
2024-25 Team: Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
2024-25 Stats: 39 games, 6 goals, 11 assists
The Blackhawks could use a center with this size — at least until Boisvert and/or Spellacy (if he’s a center at the next level) is ready to be an NHL regular — and Safonov’s contract expires at the end of this season. It will be interesting if the Blackhawks are willing to guarantee the ice time he would likely want to come over to North America for next year.
24. Martin Mišiak, C
6-2, 200
Shoots: Left
Acquired: 2nd round (No. 55) — 2023 NHL Draft* (pick acquired from NY Rangers in Cooper Zech trade)
SIGNED
2024-25 Team: Erie (OHL)
2024-25 Stats: 32 games, 12 goals, 18 assists, 69 shots on goal, 2 game-winning goals
Mišiak got off to a slow start this season but has turned it on lately. Entering Monday, he had 17 points in 16 games since the start of December. He’s put on a little more size since he was drafted in 2023 and will make the move to Rockford next season. Mišiak turned 20 at the end of September.
25. Adam Gajan, G
6-3, 180
Acquired: 2nd round (No. 35) — 2023 NHL Draft
2024-25 Team: Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC)
2024-25 Stats: 12 games, 5-7-0, .882 save pct, 3.50 GAA, 1 shutout
Gajan has had some really good moments this season, including his first career shutout. There have been some ugly results, too. Which is why I’ll go back to the point I made earlier about Crawford and remind us that he’s a freshman in college. He is far from a finished product but he’s playing in a very good NCHC.
Honorable Mention
Paul Ludwinski, C
Dmitry Kuzmin, LHD*
Milton Oscarson, C
Taige Harding, LHD
Joel Svensson, RW
Jiri Felcman, C