4. Chicago Blackhawks
Carson Carels NHL Draft Profile
Position: Defenseman
2025-26 Team: Prince George
League: WHL
Carson Carels ESPN Draft Data
Big Board Rank: 3
NHL ceiling: Top pair
NHL floor: Top four
A 6-foot-2 left-handed defenseman known for his heavy, competitive style and impressive offensive instincts, Carels offers Chicago a stabilizing defensive prospect to build around alongside Connor Bedard.
“There is little doubt that Chicago would love for Stenberg to fall to them, and while that is a possibility, it shouldn’t happen. Instead, Chicago lands Carels, who has comparables such as Zach Werenski and Cale Makar.” — Kryshak