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Blackhawks Prepare for 2026 NHL Draft After Lottery Win The Chicago Blackhawks won the fourth overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft after the lottery and are now considering their options for the draft, including trading up or trading the pick for an established NHL player.
from SUN 7:00 PM CDT until TUE 4:00 AM CDT, Central Cook County, Porter County, Lake CountyThe Blackhawks won the fourth overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft after the NHL Draft lottery.
General manager Kyle Davison discussed the team's options in a press conference.
The Blackhawks will be on the clock a few times.
They have three picks in the top 40 selections.
One in the first round and two in the second round.The Hawks have three total picks in the second round.
With that much capital, the Blackhawks have the chance to move around a bit.
Its one of their options.
Trade up in the 2026 NHL DraftAfter the Blackhawks were awarded the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Davidson said there were plenty of moves to consider."Im open to talking to anyone about anything," Davidson said in May.
"Its pretty rare those kinds of picks are traded.
"The Chicago Blackhawks found out where they'll pick in the NHL Draft.
Here's where they'll pick, and what to know about the selection.The Blackhawks should be eying options, especially if it means getting the guys they want.
If the team did trade up, it would most likely have to be with the San Jose Sharks to land a player like Ivar Stenberg.This would land the Blackhawks a top offensive prospect next to Bedard, but it would also be an act from the front office to the fanbase that shows the team is doing what it can to lift itself out of the rebuild.
Trade the No.
4 overall pick for an established NHL playerIf the Blackhawks trade their pick for an established NHL player, that would accelerate the rebuild timeline exponentially.It remains to be seen who might be available, and for what price, but the Blackhawks have the draft capital and perhaps a prospect or two theyd be willing to part with to make it happen.
If something like this happens, it would immediately place higher expectations on the Blackhawks for next season.
Those expectations would be to be determined, but there would have to be immediate improvement.Stand pat and pick at No.
4 overall This is a likely scenario for the Blackhawks.
As mentioned before, its not because trading the fourth overall pick isnt impossible.
Thats just something that rarely happens in the NHL Draft cycles.
Here are four prospects that are consistently around No.
4 overall in mock drafts found on The Athletic and NHL.com.Malhotra is a fast player who can push the pace from the center position.
That would add to the Blackhawks top-six, but would also have us asking the same question we consistently ask every offseason.
Carson Carels - LHD, Prince George If it comes down to it, the Blackhawks would be fine with the best left-handed defenseman in the draft.
Davidson would get that in Carels.Not only is Carels a solid defensive player, but he brings two-way value as well.
According to The Athletics prospect rankings, Carels projects as a first-line power play defenseman because of his offensive abilities.
Like Carels, this would be the Blackhawks investing to make sure their blue line has a bright future.
The only difference is Reid is a right-handed defenseman.You cant ignore Reids offensive skills, though.
Reids scouting report lauds his hands, speed and vision in creating offensive chances.
Thats a two-way player who can help the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks could use more left-handed defensemen, but Reid is also a good defenseman prospect.Hes probably the best defenseman in the draft.
Fortifying the blue line isnt a bad choice, regardless.
The Blackhawks have been trying to locate the player they believe can be a top-line mate alongside Connor Bedard.
Stenberg already projects as an NHL-ready forward who can be a top six player.If Stenberg falls to No.
4 which is possible, some experts believe Stenberg can fall to four Davidson might be the happiest general manager in the league outside of Toronto.
Thats only because Toronto won the lottery AND drafted Gavin McKenna.