The Chicago Blackhawks have definitely shown improvement over the last couple of seasons, but the fact of the matter is that they have still missed the playoffs six years in a row, representing their longest drought since 1952.
Something needs to change for the Blackhawks, and fortunately for Kyle Davidson and the front office, they are absolutely loaded with assets this offseason, ranging from impressive cap room to tremendous draft capital.
Chicago owns the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft as well as three second-rounders, and next summer, the Blackhawks will possess a trio of first-round selections.
Fans have long been hoping that Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg will be the top pick for Chicago here in 2026, but recent speculation has indicated that the 18-year-old might not be on the board by the time the Blackhawks are on the clock.
Scott Powers of The Athletic has provided an update on the situation, and it isn’t pretty.
Chicago Blackhawks probably won’t land Ivar Stenberg
Jan 5, 2026; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Sweden forward Ivar Stenberg (15) is all smiles after defeating Czechia in the final of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey tournament at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks are all drafting ahead of Chicago, and while the Maple Leafs and Sharks are both expected to pass on Stenberg, the Canucks could end up swiping the star forward right from under the Blackhawks’ noses.
Powers didn’t specifically name Vancouver as the top threat, but it’s easy to see that the Canucks will probably be landing Stenberg.
“The Blackhawks aren’t as confident as a lot of draft experts that Ivar Stenberg will still be available at No. 4,” Powers wrote. “They’re obviously preparing for every scenario, but they don’t expect him to be there.”
Toronto will almost certainly be selecting Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick, and San Jose is expected to go with a defenseman (Chase Reid has been a popular choice in mock drafts). Vancouver, though, seems like a good bet to snatch Stenberg.
Given how much Chicago needs another wing to put alongside of Connor Bedard, such an outcome would be very disappointing and would give the Blackhawks all the more reason to pursue a major trade or make a significant signing in free agency.
Bedard needs some help, but it’s looking more and more like it may not come in the form of Stenberg.
Blackhawks could flinch on top trade target for one critical reason
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