Ranking the Blackhawks’ top 40 prospects

The Blackhawks have been busy in recent months tweaking their prospect pool.

They let a few players become free agents. They signed a few players from North America and Europe. They’ll draft even more players in October.

After the draft, we’ll take another deep dive into the organization’s prospects. But for now, let’s take a look at their current prospect pool. I didn’t put any age limits on this list, mostly basing it on players who aren’t definitive NHL players yet. I included a couple who already could be deemed definitive NHL players, but are still young.

Without further ado, here are our top 40 Blackhawks prospects.

40. Victor Ejdsell, winger, acquired in trade

6-foot-5, 214 pounds, 25 years old

Ejdsell probably isn’t coming back to North America, but he remains one of the top goal scorers in Sweden and would certainly be among the Blackhawks’ top offensive prospects if he returned. The Blackhawks may continue to qualify him to keep his NHL rights.

NHL ETA: He’s been there and probably won’t return.

39. Max Shalunov, winger, drafted fourth round in 2011

6-foot-4, 216 pounds, 27 years old

It’s probably time to face reality. Shalunov isn’t likely to ever play with the Blackhawks. Those odds became slimmer after Shalunov decided to sign again with CSKA in the KHL for next season.

NHL ETA: Likely never.

Video: Shalunov (78) has some NHL skills, including his shot. He scores in this clip.

38. Ivan Nalimov, goalie, sixth round in 2014

6-foot-4, 209 pounds, 26 years old

Nalimov was willing to give North America a try this past season as he came over from Russia on a PTO to play with the Rockford IceHogs. The pandemic then arrived and cut his stay short. It’s unclear whether the Blackhawks will have him back over, but he has expressed some interest in returning at some point.

NHL ETA: Likely never as of now.

37. Mikael Hakkarainen, center, fifth round in 2018

6-foot, 194 pounds, 22 years old

Hakkarainen missed most of his first pro season due to injury. He played in eight games in the AHL and three games in the ECHL. He had zero points in the AHL, but he had four points in his brief ECHL stint. The Blackhawks knew he’d be a long-term project coming into the season. This next season will be important for him.

NHL ETA: He’ll have to really take some steps in the next two years for it ever to be a possibility.

36. Joni Tuulola, defenseman, sixth round in 2015

6-foot-3, 198 pounds, 24 years old

The Blackhawks may decide to let Tuulola walk as a restricted free agent this offseason, but he’s been a dependable defenseman for Rockford the past few seasons. He played in 56 games for the IceHogs this past season and often played major ice time. His ceiling might not be as high as some prospects, but he’s the type of veteran defenseman that could be good to keep around.

NHL ETA: Likely never with the Blackhawks.

35. Matt Tomkins, goalie, seventh round in 2012

6-foot-3, 194 pounds, 26 years old

Tomkins was a late bloomer and had to work his way up, but he did earn an NHL contract from the Blackhawks this past season. He’ll likely be the No. 2 goalie in Rockford next season.

NHL ETA: He’s coming a long way, but he’ll have to take another massive jump next season or a number of goalies would have to get injured.

Jake Wise may be a four-year player at Boston University. (Scott Powers / The Athletic)

34. Jake Wise, center, third round in 2018

5-foot-10, 190 pounds, 20 years old

Wise suffered multiple injuries the past few years that have derailed his development. Once considered a possible steal for the Blackhawks in the 2018 draft, Wise has a ways to go now to prove himself to be that player, but he is slowly getting back his game. He fared better his sophomore year at Boston University and had 11 points in 33 games. He and the Blackhawks will be hoping for more next season as a junior.

What others are saying about him: “A lot of young guys, they’ve been the best at every level they’ve played at, and they haven’t really faced adversity and the first adversity they face is in the pros, and a lot of them at the time don’t know how to handle it,” Blackhawks assistant general manager of player development Mark Eaton said. “It’s almost good, as long as he does he get through it, and he’s shown at times he’s picking up his play and starting to get to where he expects to be. I think the hope is a year or two from now he can look back at this experience and say it was tough but it made him better and prepared him more for pro hockey than have not gone through it.”

NHL ETA: He’s likely to stay four years at BU, so sometime after the 2021-22 season, if he ever gets there.

Further reading: Wise hoping to realize potential

33. Tim Soderlund, winger, fourth round in 2017

5-foot-9, 163 pounds, 22 years old

Soderlund had a rough first season in North America. He played in 29 games in Rockford and another seven games in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel. He had three points with the IceHogs and six points with the Fuel. The Blackhawks are hoping he can figure out how to better utilize his speed in his second season in the AHL.

NHL ETA: It’s unlikely as of now. He does have two years remaining on his entry-level contract.

32. Slava Demin, defenseman, 20, acquired in trade

The Blackhawks had seen plenty of Demin in recent years while watching Ian Mitchell at Denver and acquired Demin as part of the Robin Lehner deal. The Blackhawks like Demin’s skating and play with the puck. He’s especially effective at creating offensive zone entries. He’ll be a junior in college next season.

What others are saying about him: “He’s a good puck mover,” Eaton said. “He makes good decisions with the puck. Not a lot of risk to his play, but he’s able to read the play well, more often than not make a play when the puck is on his stick. That’s probably what stood out the most to me when I’ve watched him play.”

NHL ETA: The Blackhawks could sign him after next season. You could look to possibly the 2022-23 season or after if he takes the necessary development steps. He might never sign with the Blackhawks, too.

Video: Demin (17) nearly sets up a goal in this clip.

Further reading: Demin’s prospect breakdown

31. Reese Johnson, center, signed as free agent

6-foot-1, 193 pounds, 22 years old

Johnson’s road to the NHL will be as a fourth-liner who can win faceoffs, be good on the penalty kill and be defensively responsible. He can look at someone like Ryan Carpenter as a model. Johnson was consistently in the lineup for the Rockford IceHogs this past season and played in 52 games. He was also invited to the return-to-play training camp. Those are positive signs for him.

NHL ETA: Johnson could be a depth forward in the NHL in a couple years if he progresses. He has two years left on his contract.

30. Jakub Galvas, defenseman, fifth round in 2017

5-foot-11, 161 pounds, 21 years old

Galvas continues to be a defenseman prospect to watch. The Blackhawks have liked his development and the fact he played this past season in Finland for a new experience. He had an OK first year in Finland. His team, Jukurit, was among the league’s worst, which didn’t help. He averaged close to 20 minutes a game, had a 47.6 Corsi percentage and had two goals and 13 assists in 43 games. He’ll play again in Finland this season. The Blackhawks have until June 2021 to sign him. At his size, it’s a matter of how many smaller defensemen the Blackhawks are willing to have in the system at the same time.

What others are saying about him: “Another one who is such a smart player,” Eaton said. “Like Ian (Mitchell), undersized in terms of NHL size defensemen, he needs to use his smart and his quickness to win defensive battles and be effective. He’s gotten better every year since we drafted him three years ago. Again, I expect that trend to continue with him just because he’s such a smart player, loves hockey.”

NHL ETA: The Blackhawks probably won’t know whether Galvas has NHL potential until they get him to Rockford. He’s also someone they may not sign.

Video: Galvas (79) gets his first shot blocked, finds a better shooting lane for a second attempt and creates a scoring chance.

29. Andrei Altybarmakyan, winger, third round in 2017

5-foot-11, 183 pounds, 22 years old

Altybarmakyan broke the recent trend of Russian Blackhawks prospects wanting to stay in the KHL longer. He made some strides in the KHL in the past few seasons and started getting more ice time after being traded to Sochi. He had six goals and 11 assists in 49 games this season. He probably has a ways to go before being a true NHL prospect, but getting him over to North America was a step.

NHL ETA: Altybarmakyan is at least a few years away, if he ever gets to the NHL.

Video: Altaybarmakyan (46) stick-handles around a few opponents to create a shooting opportunity.

28. Chad Krys, defenseman, second round in 2016

5-foot-11, 185 pounds, 22 years old

The Blackhawks had a number of young defensemen in Rockford this past season. Krys was in his first pro season and had some ups and downs. He played 41 games and produced eight points. He’s going to have to show a lot more offensively if he’s going to jump some of the other prospects. That’s only going to get harder as the Blackhawks welcome even more defenseman prospects to the roster pool.

NHL ETA: Krys has a couple years left on his deal, but there isn’t a path to the NHL for him as of now.

27. Alexandre Fortin, winger, signed as free agent

6-foot, 184 pounds, 23 years old

Fortin probably was never going to meet expectations considering how he burst onto the scene a few years ago, but he still has NHL tools and did play 24 NHL games during the 2018-19 season. Consistency has been his main issue. He also hasn’t been able to stay healthy. When he’s focused, though, he has the speed and forechecking ability to wreak havoc on opponents. He had some positive stretches in Rockford. He doesn’t seem to be in favor with the current coaching staff either. He wasn’t even invited to the return-to-play training camp.

What others are saying about him: “Fortin was probably one of our best forwards there right before all the injuries,” IceHogs coach Derek King said in February. “He’s come back, he’s slowly getting back to where he was. I don’t think he’s there yet. I think he’s made strides in the puck decisions and making plays. His skating is not (the issue). If he gets better at skating, I don’t know, he’ll be blowing the doors off everybody. That’s not his problem. The problem is the hands and making the right decisions with the puck and managing the puck.”

NHL ETA: Fortin has been to the NHL, but it may have to be with another organization if he wants to return.

Video: Fortin (26) forces a turnover on the forecheck.

26. Antti Saarela, winger, fourth round in 2019

5-foot-11, 187 pounds, 19 years old

Saarela is one of the faster prospects the Blackhawks have in their system. The Blackhawks will give him time to develop in Finland. He played in the top division last season as an 18-year-old and had 12 points in 40 games.

What others are saying about him: “As a 19-year-old over here in the Finnish pro league, just a phenomenal skater, I think he’s just beginning to tap the surface,” Eaton said. “I know when I saw him in October he didn’t play nearly as big a role as he does now, he’s was kind of down on himself, you can just see the confidence building now and it’s showing up in his play. He’s been really good over here.”

NHL ETA: The Blackhawks have until 2023 to sign Saarela. He has at least a few more years left in Finland.

Video: Saarela (25) shows off his speed and skill on this goal.

25. Niklas Nordgren, winger, third round in 2018

5-foot-9, 169 pounds, 20 years old

Nordgren’s path since being drafted has been bumpy due to injuries. He would have been likely playing all the time with HIFK’s senior team at this point, but his injuries have prevented that. He has continued to consistently produce at Finland’s U-20 level. This should be a big developmental season for him. He still has a ton of offensive upside.

NHL ETA: The Blackhawks have until 2022 to sign Nordgren. Unless he has a monstrous year this upcoming season, he’ll likely spend two more years in Finland.

Video: This video includes three shots and a goal by Nordgren (40) from late in the season.

Further reading: Nordgren is finally healthy

24. Cam Morrison, winger, signed as a free agent

6-foot-2, 201 pounds, 21 years old

The Blackhawks added Morrison and a few other free agents on entry-level contracts this offseason. Morrison was a Colorado Avalanche 2016 second-round pick and decided not to sign with them after his draft rights expired. He had 13 goals and 14 assists in 37 games as a senior at Notre Dame. The Blackhawks were attracted to Morrison because of his size. They don’t have a lot of players like him in their system. Morrison could get a look in the NHL sooner because of that.

What others are saying about him: “He’s a big, strong power forward,” a college scout said. “He has good hockey sense. He’s a very dependable 200-foot player. He’s not a great skater, but it’s acceptable.”

NHL ETA: The Blackhawks made it sound as if Morrison could win a spot out of training camp next season. He could be a call-up option out of Rockford otherwise. We’ll see how his skating translates to NHL competition.

Video: Morrison (26) isn’t afraid to use his size. He’s active around the net in this clip.

23. Michal Teply, winger, fourth round in 2019

6-foot-3, 187 pounds, 19 years old

Teply can produce offense. There’s no doubt about that. He was one of the Blackhawks’ top offensive prospects this season. He came over to North America from the Czech Republic and had 29 goals and 34 assists in 53 games in the WHL. It’s a question of whether that offensive game will translate to the next level. He has size and a great shot, but there are concerns about his skating. The Blackhawks saw enough to sign him to an entry-level contract. He could end up in Rockford or back to juniors next season.

What others are saying: “Michal Teply had a great year, his first year over from Europe,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “He assimilated very quickly, was a productive player offensively. It’s nice to see him turn pro. We’ll see where he plays next year, but he’s got a chance to come to training camp and show us that he’s ready to be in either Chicago or Rockford. If not, he has the ability to go back to junior hockey. Big steps forward for Michal Teply in one year.”

NHL ETA: An estimated guess is Teply returns to the WHL next season and begins his entry-level contract for the 2021-22 season. He would probably need to prove himself out of Rockford after that.

Video: You can see Teply’s shot (71) on a few different goals in this video.

22. Kevin Lankinen, goalie, signed as free agent

6-foot-2, 185 pounds, 25 years old

Lankinen came into this season with a lot of confidence after leading Finland to the World Championships. He excelled early for the IceHogs and took over the No. 1 spot. He earned an invitation to the AHL all-star game, too. His play dropped as the season went on, and he later suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. He finished with a .909 save percentage in 21 games. The Blackhawks gave him an extension and will give him a further look. He’ll likely be the No. 1 goalie in Rockford next season.

NHL ETA: Lankinen has been recalled to the NHL, but he’s yet to appear in a game. He could have that chance next season.

21. Alec Regula, defenseman, acquired in trade

6-foot-4, 208 pounds, 20 years old

The Blackhawks made a concerted effort to add more size on their defense. They drafted Alex Vlasic and traded for Regula in exchange for Brendan Perlini. Regula played a key role for London in the OHL this past season. He had 27 goals and 33 assists in 57 games. A lot of his production did come on the power play while playing at the net. The Blackhawks will want him to take strides in his exits and how he defends entries, but he knows how to use his size in the defensive zone.

What others are saying about him: “For as big as a kid he is, he moves so well,” Eaton said. “He has such good hands on him. It seems like every time the puck is on his stick, he’s able to make a good play. I think what we’ve been focusing on is just embrace the mindset of being a defenseman that other forwards don’t want to play against, really taking pride in your defensive play because the offensive part, not offense, but the puck-moving part of his game is pretty well established. He’s really good in that area. It’s about using his size, using his reach to be a dominant defender.”

NHL ETA: Regula probably needs a season in Rockford. With his size, the Blackhawks could give him a look next season.

Video: Regula’s hat trick from this season.

20. MacKenzie Entwistle, winger, acquired in trade

6-foot-3, 184 pounds, 21 years old

Entwistle has a real chance of being a depth forward for the Blackhawks. He has good size. He makes smart plays and can create a bit. He had 11 goals and 15 assists in 56 games for the IceHogs. He’s solid defensively. If he keeps progressing, he could play himself into the NHL in the next few years.

NHL ETA: Entwistle could get his first call-up next season if he plays well in Rockford.

Video: Entwistle (44) finds space in the slot, receives a pass and scores.

19. Matej Chalupa, winger, signed as free agent

6-foot-2, 194 pounds, 22 years old

Chalupa isn’t as polished as some European free agents the Blackhawks have signed, but he definitely has some NHL tools. His speed is the one attribute the Blackhawks hope will translate to North America. With his size, he could be effective on the forecheck. He showed some offense in some big games for Mountfield HK in the Champions League last season. He’s also on the younger side as he turned 22 in July.

What others are saying about him: “Matej Chalupa made some interesting progress in the last season, moved up higher in the lineup of Mountfield HK team, a Champions League finalist, and impressed with work ethic, use of size, tireless skating and energy,” a Czech Republic scout said. “Not a gifted scorer, but chips in offensively with some ugly important goals in big-game moments because of his honest effort, drive and competitive approach. He will need some time in farm team but he can reach bottom 6 forward role down the road. Decent signing.”

NHL ETA: Chalupa is another potential call-up option next season.

Video: Chalupa is aggressive on the forecheck and eventually sets up a goal.

Further reading: Chalupa’s prospect breakdown

No. 18 Wyatt Kalynuk, defenseman, signed as free agent

6-foot-1, 180 pounds, 23 years old

Kalynuk signed with the Blackhawks this offseason after finishing his junior season at Wisconsin. He’s a puck-moving defenseman and skates well. Mitch Brown tracked some of Wisconsin’s game this season, and Kalynuk had slightly above-average numbers on zone exits. Brown did think that had to do with Wisconsin’s breakout structure and said Kalynuk was more effective the season before. Within the offensive zone, Kalynuk also created more of the shot than pass. He’s projected as a third-pairing defenseman.

NHL ETA: Kalynuk will likely start in the AHL, but he could make his NHL debut next season.

Video: Kalynuk nearly scores on the rush.

17. Dennis Gilbert, defenseman, third round in 2015

6-foot-2, 216 pounds, 23 years old

Gilbert got more NHL time this season than he was probably expecting. With the Blackhawks having some injuries, Gilbert ended up playing 21 NHL games. He had some highs and lows in there. When he plays simple and effectively uses his size, he can be a depth NHL defenseman. He got caught out of position too often this season, which led to his 42.36 expected goals percentage and 34.48 actual goals percentage. It was a learning season for him.

What others are saying about him: “He’s happy to play a defensive style,” Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton said. “Physical, wants to defend, realizes that’s an important part of the game and that’s good for our group. Guys who can get out of D zone, get a stop, keeps the opponent honest as well, he’s had some big collisions out there and I think the team enjoys having him on the bench.”

NHL ETA: Gilbert has played in the NHL and will likely be a depth option again next season.

Video: Gilbert scored his first NHL goal in this clip.

16. Nicolas Beaudin, defenseman, first round in 2017

5-foot-11, 168 pounds, 20 years old

Beaudin had a difficult transition to pro hockey this season after being a first-round pick and excelling in the QMJHL. His greatest asset is how he thinks the game. He’s not as physically gifted as some players, but he had shown an ability to be a few steps ahead of the competition and move the puck in ideal places. He struggled to display those skills in the AHL this season. He was often on a third pairing for the IceHogs. The Blackhawks did give him his first NHL game right before the shutdown, and he had a couple notable moments that night. No one is closing the door on Beaudin. He is still just 20 years old and his contract will slide. The Blackhawks are hopeful he’ll eventually figure it out.

What others are saying about him: “He’s a very smart player,” Colliton said. “Thinks the game, move the pucks really well. He’s got an offensive side of him. It’s something we’ve been talking a lot about in our group and our team, we got to break the puck out better, cleaner, find a way to get out, but also to get some entries to the other end because of how we break the puck out, break pressure and a little bit more of the offensive blue line too. He does bring some of those things.”

NHL ETA: Beaudin made his debut this season. He could be a few years away from being considered for a consistent chance in the NHL

Video: Beaudin nearly scored his first NHL goal in his first game.

15. John Quenneville, winger, acquired in trade

6-foot-1, 195 pounds, 24 years old

The Blackhawks going to Quenneville twice in the postseason tells you a lot about how the organization views him. They like his size. They like his dependability. They like how he complements other players. He wouldn’t have played on the top line as much as he did this season if that wasn’t the case. He went pointless in 11 NHL games this season, but he did have some offensive success in Rockford. He’s likely a depth forward in the coming years, and those are important, too.

What others are saying about him: “We liked him during the season,” Colliton said in the playoffs. “He had a good stretch of games. He went down to Rockford basically because of the roster situation and he got injured and we didn’t get a chance to get him up again. Came to camp and got injured again. Took us a while to sort of get him up to speed and available for us. But just the size. He provides some physicality, he’s got a great shot and I thought he did well today.”

NHL ETA: Quenneville will likely continue to be a depth option next season.

Video: Quenneville carries the puck in and later redirects a shot for a goal. This goal started a four-game goal streak for him.

14. Brandon Hagel, winger, signed as free agent

5-foot-11, 174 pounds, 21 years old

The pandemic came at the worst time for Hagel. He finally made his NHL debut and was likely going to get some more games. He was one of the most consistent players in Rockford this past season. His game is about playing nonstop. He’s consistently active, and that’s something the Blackhawks could use more of in their NHL lineup. If he can prove himself to be a solid forechecker and bring some offense to the table, there could be a depth spot for him in the NHL. Someone like Matthew Highmore is probably blocking his path right now.

What others are saying about him: “A scrappy player, has a little bit of skill, works hard,” Colliton said. “I think he’s had a really good first year (as a) pro, good for him that we’ve had him here a bunch of times, take the shine off it in a lot of ways”

NHL ETA: Hagel made his NHL debut this past season. He should push for more opportunities next season.

Video: Hagel does his part on the forecheck and sets up a goal.

Further reading: Hagel’s prospect breakdown

13. Alex Vlasic, defenseman, second round in 2019

6-foot-6, 199 pounds, 19 years old

Not much has been said about Vlasic, but he has a lot of potential with his size and skill. He got better as his first season went along at Boston University, too. He’ll probably need a few more years in college, but he has a chance to be a top-4 defenseman in the long run.

What others are saying about him: “Vlasic just needs to find a game a little bit,” one league source said. “But he has tons of upside and could be a 4-6 NHL D-man.”

NHL ETA: Vlasic is likely to spend two more years in college. After that, he could be ready for the NHL.

Video: Vlasic (7) shows off his size and reach in a few different ways in this clip.

12. Artur Kayumov, winger, second round in 2016

5-foot-11, 176 pounds, 22 years old

The good news is Kayumov has been developing in Russia and looking like he could be a future NHL player. The bad news is he decided to sign a two-year extension with Lokomotiv in the KHL and won’t be able to sign with the Blackhawks until the 2022-23 season. He probably isn’t going to develop into a star in a few years, but he could be an NHL-ready player when he and the Blackhawks discuss a contract the next time around. There’s some offense to his game — he scored 16 goals this past season — and he’s defensively responsible.

What others are saying about him: “Kayumov has a chance to be in the NHL for the Blackhawks,” a Russian scout said. “He’s a good two-way prospect with good skating and high hockey IQ.”

NHL ETA: Kayumov should be ready for the 2022-23 season.

Video: Kayumov uses his speed and sneaky shot to score this late-season goal.

11. Lucas Carlsson, defenseman, fourth round in 2016

6-foot, 189 pounds, 23 years old

Carlsson has been one of the Blackhawks’ most consistent defenseman prospects the past two seasons. He had to wait his turn, though, to get an NHL chance. He got that late this season and could be in the mix for a spot next year. What he does better than a lot of the organization’s prospects is pass the puck. He’s accurate with it and makes smart decisions. He’s not a great skater, but he’s gotten better and has a good feel for the game. It’s unclear where he fits into the Blackhawks’ NHL picture with so many defensemen.

What others are saying about him: “I think he’s done everything he can really (to make the NHL),” King said. “He’s probably one of our, if not our best D, consistently all year. I think the big thing with him is just his boots, his first two strides. Once he gets going, he’s fine.”

NHL ETA: Carlsson got a taste of the NHL this past season. He may compete for a spot out of camp next season.

Video: Carlsson moves the puck out of the defensive zone and ends up in the play later.

Further reading: What to expect from Carlsson in the NHL

10. Dylan Sikura, winger, sixth round in 2014

5-foot-11, 166 pounds, 25 years old

Sikura may not have a definitive future with the Blackhawks, but he’s still among the most skilled prospects they have. He led the Rockford IceHogs with 0.73 points per game. He showed in the return-to-play training camp his ability, too, and was one of the top players in camp. His game hasn’t translated to the NHL, but he’s not worth writing off yet. At 25, though, he isn’t a young prospect anymore.

What others are saying about him: “He’s been more active finding a way,” Colliton said of Sikura in January. “The Calgary game was his best game, I thought. Made a lot of plays, won pucks along the wall, won races. Those things are very big. That can shape the next three minutes for the team if you win one battle. That’s what we want from him more consistently. Do it every night. He can make plays, he’s a smart player. That has to be his focus.”

NHL ETA: Sikura will probably continue to get NHL games, but he’ll have to really excel to stay there.

Video: Sikura (15) works a 2-on-1 to perfection and scores for the IceHogs.

Further reading: Sikura’s long path to his first NHL goal

9. Matthew Highmore, winger, signed as free agent

5-foot-11, 188 pounds, 24 years old

Highmore is on the fence of still being considered a prospect. He may be a permanent NHL player after this season. He played 36 regular-season games and another nine postseason games after starting the season in the AHL. He played mostly as a bottom-6 forward in the NHL and held his own. That’s probably where his future will be. He’s defensively sound and has some offensive ability, which he showed with three goals in the playoffs. He does a lot of things the coaching staff likes and he built a trust this season.

What others are saying about him: “Highmore is a perfect example,” Colliton said after the season. “He doesn’t play 25 shifts in a game, but the shifts he gets he knows exactly what he’s supposed to do. He goes out there, he does it 100 miles an hour, he doesn’t cheat, he wins 50-50s, he advances the puck, he gets it in, he goes to the net. That line scored three or four goals at least in the series playing against top-line competition. It’s just because he’s willing to do the right thing. I thought the other guys did too, and then he gets off. He doesn’t extend his shift, he doesn’t hang around in the offensive zone hoping to get a goal or get a second assist or get a plus (rating). If he started in D-zone, gets it out of D-zone, gets it in and 35 seconds in the alarm bells are going off in his head that he’s got to get off so that Patrick Kane can step off in a good spot, maybe playing against tired guys or in the offensive zone or on an offensive zone faceoff. We need more of that, we need it up and down the lineup.”

NHL ETA: Highmore will likely start next season on the fourth line.

Video: This is the type of shift the Blackhawks want from Highmore (36). He’s active on the forecheck, then gets himself to the net and redirects a puck for a goal.

Further reading: Highmore rides the wave in the playoffs

8. Evan Barratt, center, third round in 2017

6-foot, 188 pounds, 21 years old

Barratt probably would have turned pro if he hadn’t required hip surgery last offseason. Going back for another college season didn’t hurt him. He didn’t produce as much as he did the season prior, but he still ended up with a point a game and consistently produced. He had points in 22-of-34 games and finished with 12 goals and 22 assists. His defense and play away from the puck are often mentioned, but he’s capable of making the highlight play. He had a few memorable goals at Penn State.

What others are saying about him: “I like him a lot,” a scout said. “He’s strong inside the dots and around net. He plays hard and on the edge at all times. Obviously he can score points, but his overall game is real solid and honest. He’s very smart.”

NHL ETA: Barratt will likely start next season in Rockford, but he’ll be a call-up option at some point.

Video: On this goal, Barratt bats the puck right out of air.

Further reading: Barratt leaves Penn State early

7. Philipp Kurashev, center, fourth round in 2018

6-foot, 190 pounds, 20 years old

Kurashev may be the prospect the Blackhawks are most excited about beyond the top-tier ones. There’s a creativity and offensive awareness to his game that you just don’t see in a lot of the organization’s prospects. He’s certainly more of a playmaker than a scorer. He had an incomplete season due to an injury and struggled early on, but there was a stretch this past season in the AHL where you could see his potential. He had seven goals and 12 assists in 36 games this season, and four goals and eight assists came during a 17-game stretch in November and December. He got injured in December and didn’t play again until late February. He did look sharp during the recent training camp. He probably won’t be given an NHL spot to begin next season, but he should make his debut next season. The Blackhawks have to hope he’ll develop into a center or winger who can play up and down the lineup.

What others are saying about him: “I think he was one of our best forwards,” King said in February. “You know what he’s a funny kid. I think he just gets comfortable. If he’s not comfortable and not sure of the surrounding, he gets a little drawn, he gets quiet, puts up a little bit of fence. Now you come in, he’s laughing, he’s joking around, I think that helped him with his game. He felt comfortable on the ice. You could put him out for all different situations. Looking at him right now, if he’s not a possible call-up guy by next year, there’s something wrong. He’s a pretty special player.”

NHL ETA: Kurashev could be among the first call-ups next season if he plays well early.

Video: Kurashev (25) shows off his puck-handling and passing ability to set up this goal.

6. Collin Delia, goalie, signed as free agent

6-foot-2, 208 pounds, 26 years old

Delia may be on the older side, but goalies have different paths. Jordan Binnington was the same age as Delia when he got his chance with the St. Louis Blues. Delia has been one of the top goalies in the AHL the last two seasons. He struggled out of the gate this past season as he dealt with some things off the ice, but his numbers were near the top of the league after his first seven games. There’s a good chance he’s the Blackhawks’ No. 2 goalie next season.

What others are saying about him: “I’m sure he learned a ton from being up (in the NHL before),” Blackhawks goalie development coach Peter Aubry said. “Again, he really is a year older and more mature. He continues to learn from the challenges or the difficult times he has, I would say no question. I think he knows I’m going to get another shot at it some time, I need to maintain consistency, I need to go out there and have good performances, great performances and that has to become my norm and show I can be an everyday player up there. His track record has shown that he needs a second crack at things because he’s shown he can adapt and improve.”

NHL ETA: Delia will likely start next season in the NHL.

Video: Delia makes a few highlight saves for the IceHogs this past season.

Further reading: How Delia turned his season around

5. Alex Nylander, winger, acquired in trade

6-foot-1, 192 pounds, 22 years old

Nylander’s game can be dissected in so many ways. Some of it is positive. He was sixth on the team in points per 60 minutes in 5-on-5. He had a positive relative Corsi. He and Patrick Kane had some chemistry. But he also disappears in stretches and struggles with consistency. There isn’t always an ideal place for him in the lineup. Overall, Nylander had a solid first full NHL season. The question is whether there’s another level for him to get to. He’s still young, but he’s been a pro for some time now, too.

What others are saying about him: “He’s got the ability to make plays and buy time and space with the puck and he can shoot the puck,” Colliton said. “We’ve seen flashes of it but it’s not the full picture yet, so hopefully we can see him build on becoming not just an NHL player but an offensive NHL player. That’s what we’d like him to take that next step at some point.”

NHL ETA: Nylander is expected to be a top-9 forward for the Blackhawks again next season.

Video: This is the type of play that makes the Blackhawks optimistic about Nylander’s future.

4. Pius Suter, winger, signed as free agent

5-foot-11, 170 pounds 24 years old

Suter is the latest European addition for the Blackhawks. He probably doesn’t have the offensive upside of Dominik Kubalik, but Suter seems to have the tools to play in the NHL immediately and contribute in a top-9 role. Suter is an intelligent player and puts himself in opportunistic positions to produce. He led the National League in Switzerland in points this past season, and he largely did it by scoring goals around the net. He should be able to hold his own defensively, too.

What others are saying about him: “Kubalik is a great shooter, great release, one-timer, snap and precise,” a Switzerland scout said. “Pius can shoot, of course, but not going to be the guy just waiting for the finish, waiting for the shot. He’s more of a complete player. You can put him on any spot and he’ll do well. He’s defensive responsible too. He’s a good hockey player.”

NHL ETA: Suter is expected to begin next season in the Blackhawks’ lineup.

Video: Suter has a knack for being at the right place at the right time, as you can see in this clip.

Further reading: What the Blackhawks are getting in Suter

3. Ian Mitchell, defenseman, second round in 2017

5-foot-11, 173 pounds, 21 years old

Mitchell is the most well-rounded defenseman prospect the Blackhawks have in their system right now. He doesn’t have the offensive ceiling of Adam Boqvist, but he brings enough offense to the table and he’s further along defensively after spending three years in college. Mitchell will have to make up for his size with his skating, stick and instincts. The Blackhawks certainly believe in his potential. They wouldn’t have traded Henri Jokiharju if they didn’t.

What others are saying about him: “For him, it’s just going to be a matter of learning to deal with playing against big, strong men every shift game in and game out,” Eaton said earlier in the year. “I’ve said that’s the No. 1 thing for development for defensemen is just experience at the next level. He’s proven he’s such a focused and hard worker off the ice, puts in the time, that I think the learning curve is far less steep for a guy like Ian because he does put in the work in and he’s able to learn from mistakes, learn from talking to coaches and whatnot and figure out what he needs to be successful. It’s just going to be putting in the time for him. I don’t think it’s a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. I expect him to make a quick transition.”

NHL ETA: It’s unclear where the roster spot will come from, but it’d be surprising if Mitchell didn’t start next season in the NHL.

Video: Mitchell (15) is consistently active in the offensive zone.

Further reading: Blackhawks future series on Mitchell

2. Adam Boqvist, defenseman, first round in 2018

5-foot-11, 179 pounds, 20 years old

You can argue Boqvist was brought to the NHL too quickly this season. In the long run, this year’s experience should help him. He certainly went through some ups and downs. He especially showed off his potential late in the regular season while being comfortable in the defensive zone and gaining his confidence with the puck again. The defensive side may never be perfect, but he has the offense to make up for it. They need him to be more assertive in the future. The postseason was a step back for him, but that wasn’t completely surprising.

What others are saying about him: “I like playing with him, he moves the puck well, we read off each other really well, skates good and positioning,” Duncan Keith said. “I just like the fact that we can make plays and we need to keep it simple sometimes, but when the play’s there to pass tape-to-tape, that complements my game. I think we work well together and I think it’s helped the team.”

NHL ETA: Boqvist will be an NHLer again next season.

Video: Boqivist (27) played more conservatively this season, but he’s capable of making these types of plays.

Further reading: Shift-by-shift breakdown

1. Kirby Dach, center, first round in 2019

6-foot-4, 197 pounds, 19 years old

The Blackhawks had a lot of options with the third overall pick in the 2019 draft. While some of those other players may pan out just fine, the Blackhawks seem to have made the correct choice in Dach. From making the NHL as an 18-year-old to his consistent play, he opened some eyes this season. He’s not a finished product, but you can see the ways he should be able to affect games in all zones in the coming years. He took another step in the playoffs, too.

What others are saying about him: “Once we saw him play you could see the raw material there,” Colliton said. “When you watch him in the Western League you felt like he wasn’t going to learn lessons he needed to learn as a pro and as an NHL-er there. He needed to be challenged. He wasn’t perfect early, and I’m sure when you’re used to playing a lot it’s sometimes hard to play a little bit less. One thing you really enjoy about Kirby is you only have to tell him something once. If you give feedback to him he’ll kind of look at you and take it in. He doesn’t say much and then you never have to deal with it again. He really blossomed as the year went and became an important player for us. Going forward, I think this year there was a little bit of adversity, a little bit of up and down for him, but he got through it. And I think he came out the other side tougher mentally and he’s an NHL-er. He’s close to being an impact player in the league.”

NHL ETA: Dach will be a key player in the NHL again next season.

Video: In this clip, Dach (77) steals the puck in the neutral zone, carries it into the offensive zone and sets up Dominik Kubalik for a goal.

Further reading: Kirby Dach is just flat-out good

(Photo of Kirby Dach (77) and Adam Boqvist (27): Chase Agnello-Dean / NHLI via Getty Images)