The Chicago Blackhawks are absolutely loaded with NHL Draft capital over these next couple of years. They own the No. 4 overall selection and three second-round picks this summer, and next offseason, the Blackhawks will lay claim to three first-rounders.
For now, though, most Chicago fans are focused on the fourth overall pick next month, which could potentially net the team Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg.
Considerable buzz has connected the Blackhawks to Stenberg, who would fill a massive hole for the team. Chicago is in dire need of another wing alongside of Connor Bedard, and while the Blackhawks have been linked to several big-name wings both in free agency and on the trade market, securing Stenberg would still be a massive win.
But will Chicago actually have the chance to select Stenberg?
Well, there are conflicting rumors as to whether or not the 18-year-old will be available for Jeff Blashill’s squad.
Chicago Blackhawks land tough update on Ivar Stenberg
Jan 2, 2026; St. Paul, Minnesota, UNITED STATES; Sweden forward Ivar Stenberg (15) skates with the puck as Latvia forward Daniels Serkins (24) defends during the second period in the quarterfinals of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Again, we don’t know for sure exactly what is going to happen until draft night, so we should probably take all of these reports with a grain of salt.
But the WCJrankings X account seems pretty certain that Stenberg will come off the board before the Blackhawks pick at No. 4.
“To Blackhawks fans: Ivar Stenberg won’t be available at 4th overall, I’m 99% sure of this based off what I’ve heard,” the account wrote in an X post. “I have no idea where these rumors are coming from that he’ll drop to 4, but it just seems like engagement bait to me.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks are the three teams picking ahead of Chicago. The Maple Leafs are pretty much guaranteed to take winger Gavin McKenna, whereas most feel the Sharks will pick a defenseman (like Chase Reid). The Canucks, however, could be a problem for the Blackhawks.
Will Vancouver nab Caleb Malhotra? Or it will snatch Stenberg right from under Chicago’s nose?
While many mock drafts do, in fact, have Stenberg slipping to the Blackhawks, it is absolutely within reason that he could go earlier, and if we are being honest, it’s no sure thing that San Jose will select a defenseman. What if the Sharks decide to go best player available and think Stenberg fits the possible?
We’ll see what happen, but Chicago fans will definitely be sweating between now and June 26.
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