It’s simply that time of year again for hockey fans. After the excitement of the draft and the chaos of Free Agency, hockey fans are often left with nothing through July and August. That’s when Prospect Talk dominates the NHL landscape and Elite Prospects puts out their yearly list of the Top 100 prospects. In the 2025 rankings, Chicago dominated with eight total prospects, the most out of any other organization.
1.(10) Ayrtom Levshunov, Defenseman
Draft: 2024 R1 P2
There hasn’t been more debate surrounding one NHL player than Artemi Panarin. “The Belurusian Beauty” struggled out of the gate, but was able to put together a great first pro season, even making his NHL debut. After battling a foot injury in the summer, Arty tallied a respectable 5G and 17A for 22P in 52GP for Rockford while recording 6A in 18GP for the late-season youth-driven ‘Hawks. His contributions were also seen defensively, where he showed his raw but promising defensive game. After recording an Overtime Winner in the Calder Cup playoffs, Arty went into training mode, where he seeks to become the future No.1 defenseman for the young Chicago team in the coming years.
Where To Watch:
Barring Arty having a spectacular Pre-Season and training camp, it will most likely be back to the BMO center for the young defenseman. Look for midseason callups over the horizon, however.
2. (16) Sam Rinzel, Defenseman
Draft 2022: R1 P25
What is there to be said that hasn’t already been said about Sam Rinzel? One of Kyle Davidson’s first 3 picks as GM, Rinzel shines in his playmaking ability and coordination at his staggering 6’6. His long reach gives him more space to poke attackers and take away valuable time entering the zone. At Minnesota this year, Rinzel shone, tallying 10G and 22A for 32P en route to being named a Hobey Baker finalist. In his short 9-game stint, Rinzel recorded five assists and often looked the best Hawk on the ice night in and night out. Throughout the next few seasons, Rinzel could establish himself as not only a PP1 QB but a bona fide stud on the blueline.
Where To Watch:
After years of being developed and maturing, Rinzel looks ready to make the jump that his fellow 2022 draft pick, Frank Nazar, has made. Sam will likely start his first full season as a pro in the United Center.
Image Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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3. (26) Anton Frondell
Draft 2025: R1 P3
Our very own Swedish Savior. Slotting in just outside the Top 25 of EP’s rankings, Frondell has a lot to prove this season playing for Djurgardens of the SHL. Equipped with a rocket of a shot and a tough game that let him shine playing next to adults in HockeyAllsvenskan, Frondell was the easy pick for the Hawks with the third overall pick, setting himself apart from the rest of the prospects in the draft. His 25 points in only 29 games put him 9th total on his team and first in PPG. In a prime Blackhawks squad, Frondell could shine on PP1 opposite Bedard and with a playmaker like Nazar in the top 6. To successfully transition into North American hockey, Anton must work on his playmaking and transition game to create an impact.
Where To Watch:
Anton Frondell will return to Sweden this year to play with his lifelong buddy Victor Eklund. Once Djurgardens’ season concludes in March, Frondell could very well join the Blackhawks in what would be a great experience for the 18-year-old.
(Photo Credit: Jessica Gow/TT)
4. (36) Oliver Moore, Forward
Draft 2023: R1 P19
Stats simply don’t tell the whole story for Oliver Moore. A lottery projected pick in 2023, Moore, is one of the more definitely responsible forwards in Chicago’s pipeline. Moore put up a highly respectable 32 points in 38 games for the Golden Gophers while playing a third-line checking role. Like Levshunov and Rinzel, Moore performed well in his spring callup. Tallying a total of 4 points (all assists) in nine games on the Hawks’ third line, Moore has a bright future ahead if he keeps his development. Worst-case scenario, Moore is an excellent Carl Hagelin-type player who uses their speed on the PK to make chances. A line consisting of Moore-Spellacy-Vanacker or another could be dangerous.
Where To Watch:
Moore likely gets the Frank Nazar treatment in terms of his development. A Rockford IceHog for this year, look for Moore to blossom in a Top 6 role for the first time since his days in juniors.
Photo Credit: Bjorn Franke
5. (69) Sacha Boisvert, Forward
Draft 2024: R1 P18
To say Sacha Boisvert has looked great has been an understatement. The freshman from North Dakota recorded 32 points (18G 14A) in 37 games for a struggling Fighting Sioux squad. Off the heels of a great year, Boisvert transferred to Boston University, where, under the leadership of Jay Pandolfo will look to break out for the Terriers. With his size and physicality, Boisvert finds himself open often and has greatly improved his skating woes. Boisvert will have a huge D+2 year out east, but keep an eye out for the former first-rounder.
Where To Watch:
Boisvert will suit up for Boston University this year. On a strong team defensively with the likes of Carter Amico and Sacha Boumediene, and skill players such as Cole Eiserman up front. Sacha will be a first liner for a Boston team that is ready to go the distance.
Photo Credit: Russel Hons
6. (77) Vaclav Nestrasil Jr, Forward
Draft 2025: R1 P25
No sugarcoating how I feel about Vaclav, one of my favorite prospects in the Blackhawks system. The Czechia National put up 19G and 23A in 61 regular-season games. Stats don’t tell the whole story with Vaclav, as he looked significantly improved after using his body more around Thanksgiving. Stepping it up in the playoffs, Vaclav recorded 7G and 6A in 14GP en route to a Clark Cup Championship. After moving up his commitment, Nestrasil is off to UMASS to continue his development. Recently, I was able to interview the 6’6 185 185-pounder, which I will link below.
Where To Watch:
Vaclav will go from Michigan to Massachusetts this year. As a freshman, Vaclav will have a shot at Top 6 minutes but will mostly be utilized as a line 3 player this year. With as much potential as they come, Nessie’s road to the NHL will be worth the wait if it takes time.
7. (100) Nick Lardis, Forward
Draft 2023: R3 P67
After a great DY+1 where Lardis has 50P in 37 GP, it looked like the ‘Hawks found a pretty good player in round 3.
They might have found a great one.
In his DY+2, Lardis put home an insane 71 Goals for Brantford, the most by far across the three CHL leagues. A first-team all-star in the OHL and Second Team CHL. Lardis has been a pleasant surprise for Hawks fans. Now 20 years old, Lardis has a lot to prove this season. Was last year a fluke? Or did Kyle Davidson find a star?
Where To Watch:
Nick Lardis is officially Coming To America. Nick will play his first full professional season for Rockford this year, likely getting games for Chicago along the way. It will be a year of proving himself for the young Canadian.
Photo from the CHL
8. (HM) Ethan Del Mastro, Defenseman
Draft 2021: R4 P105
One of the last remnants of the Bowman era, Del Mastro looked more than solid in the NHL this year. A defensive defenseman Del Mastro excelled at keeping structure in the defensive zone and kept the blueline at a high level offensively. After recording 6 points in 24 NHL games and 9 points in 47 AHL games, Del Mastro proved he can play at the NHL level through the rebuild. Now, can he elevate his game enough to stick around? Time will tell, but Niklas Hjalmarsson never lit up the box score either.
Where To Watch:
EDM will be one of the defensemen leading the youth movement that we saw at the NHL level. Ethan will be making the jump to the NHL level this year. A strong year could solidify a spot for the 22-year-old for years to come.
Jenna Spanola/Rockford IceHogs
The Cowboy’s RoundUp
Entering year four of the rebuild, the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place more. Once again, a Top 3 pool in the league, Chicago can only wait and see what players, not only on this list, but others such as Spellacy, Vanacker, West, and others, do. It will be another bad year for the Blackhawks, but the transition from rebuild players to a youth movement is underway.
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