Blackhawks’ Future Defense Takes Shape: Top Prospects Emerge
Young Talent Poised to Bolster Chicago’s Blue Line
The Chicago Blackhawks are strategically building a formidable defensive corps for the future, with several highly-touted prospects showing significant progress. As the team navigates a period of rebuilding, these young players represent the cornerstone of its long-term vision.
Defense on the Rise
Emerging as a key component of the Blackhawks’ defensive future is Artyom Levshunov, selected second overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old has already gained valuable experience, splitting his 2024-25 season between the NHL club and its AHL affiliate in Rockford. Levshunov showcased remarkable development during his NHL stint.
“You look at his first month and then look at his last month, I think the growth was tremendous. A lot of it is learning how to be a pro, learning the pro game on the ice, off the ice. It’s a big transition that he went from the (United States Hockey League) to college, AHL and then got some NHL experience. It’s not easy for any 18-year-old, let alone someone who isn’t from North America. So, he handled it well and I think you saw the maturation as the season went on, kind of what’s expected of defensemen at the pro level and started to build that foundation.”
—Mark Eaton, Assistant General Manager of Player Development, Chicago Blackhawks
Levshunov is projected to make a full-time NHL arrival this season.
Another defenseman making waves is Sam Rinzel, chosen 25th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. The 21-year-old made his NHL debut last season after completing his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota, where he registered 32 points in 40 games. Rinzel’s physical development and poise have impressed the Blackhawks’ staff.
“I think that’s a gift, the ice in your veins—and that was a huge reason we drafted him where we did with his size and his elite, elite skating ability. That’s really what you saw with his short stint in the NHL and really the two main assets that allow him to excel the way he did. When you have that kind of size and mobility, it’s a lot easier to play with the poise that he showed, the confidence, and really it’s a testament to him, his years in Minnesota, really taking control of his physical development, taking that seriously and I think that allowed him to get stronger, grow physically.”
—Mark Eaton, Assistant General Manager of Player Development, Chicago Blackhawks
Rinzel is also expected to arrive in the NHL this season.
Forward Potential
On the offensive front, William Frondell, the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is demonstrating promise in Sweden’s top league, the SHL, with Djurgarden. The 18-year-old forward recorded 25 points in 29 games during the 2024-25 season and harbors ambitions of playing alongside star center Connor Bedard. He is slated for an NHL arrival next season.
Gavin McKenna, drafted 19th overall in 2023, also made his NHL debut last season. The 20-year-old center, who can also play wing, showcased his speed and compete level in a brief NHL stint. He is expected to be an NHL regular this season.
“He’s one, his game is predicated on speed and high-level compete. That showed every night in Minnesota and his short time in Chicago. That’s his foundation, something that’s always going to be there. It’s continuing to grow offensively, get comfortable making plays at the NHL level, continuing to learn to use his elite speed and quickness to generate at the NHL level vs. the college level.”
—Mark Eaton, Assistant General Manager of Player Development, Chicago Blackhawks
Future Outlook
The Blackhawks also added Sacha Boisvert, selected 18th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. After a strong season with the University of North Dakota, the 19-year-old forward has transferred to Boston University to further refine his game under former NHL forward Jay Pandolfo. Boisvert is projected to join the NHL ranks next season.
“He’s going to play a huge role. I know Jay Pandolfo personally, played with him, so I know what he’s about with instilling pro habits in guys, playing a 200-foot game, being responsible on both sides of the puck. Sacha is that already, but it’s just going to be driven home even further at BU.”
—Mark Eaton, Assistant General Manager of Player Development, Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks’ pipeline of young talent, particularly on defense, signals a promising future, aligning with league trends where skilled, mobile defensemen are increasingly valued. For instance, defensemen who entered the NHL at 20 or younger in the 2023-24 season saw an average ice time increase of nearly two minutes per game compared to the previous season, highlighting the value teams place on developing this talent early (Natural Stat Trick, 2024).
