Blackhawks prospect rankings: Sam Rinzel jumps to No. 1 while Anton Frondell enters at No. 3

The Blackhawks' prospect pool, once barely 10 players deep, has now swelled so large that it's difficult to rank only 20.

After adding in the 2025 draft class, this might be as large as it gets, because a decent number of prospects are expected to graduate to the NHL in 2025-26.

They'll join youngsters Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Landon Slaggert, Lukas Reichel, Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier and Arvid Soderblom, who have graduated off this list over the past several years.

These rankings, as always, are determined partially by upside and partially by NHL readiness.

1. Sam Rinzel, defenseman, age 21

It's bold to rank Rinzel as the Hawks' top prospect, considering his draft position (25th) compared to the two top-three-overall selections beneath him. But he deserves it, coming off a spectacular college season and extremely encouraging nine-game NHL cameo.

He averaged more than 23 minutes and recorded five assists and 22 shots on goal, several of which should've gone in. His poise, mobility, playmaking, stick usage and confidence to take charge of situations all stood out. He set expectations very high for this season.

2. Artyom Levshunov, defenseman, 19

Levshunov accumulated his first 18 games of NHL experience this spring, simultaneously demonstrating his immense talent, improvisational skills and unrefined decision-making (necessitating such improvisation).

Whether he starts this season in Chicago or Rockford will be determined during training camp, but it regardless should be another year of substantial growth for the Belarusian, who simply needs to keep maturing.

3. Anton Frondell, forward, 18

Frondell has already declared his goal is to make the Hawks' roster, but it's more likely the No. 3 pick returns to Sweden for one more year with Djurgarden before making the jump in 2026.

The Hawks envision Frondell as an ideal complementary power forward and sniper. He loves the Aleksander Barkov comparison, and his Swedish production mirrored David Pastrnak. But his consistency, skating and ability to drive play are uncertainties that will take time to evaluate.

4. Kevin Korchinski, defenseman, 21

Korchinski has yet to record anything close to the point totals once expected of him in pro hockey, and his progress last season resembled more of a step than a leap forward.

But he's still a very talented top-10 pick who just turned 21, playing a position where it takes longer to develop, particularly for guys like him who need years to build up weight and strength. He will compete for an NHL job.

5. Oliver Moore, forward, 20

Although Moore recorded the same point total (33) in each of his two college seasons, he felt he got more comfortable and patient offensively, learning how to hold onto pucks and wait for plays to unfold.

He also held his own in his nine-game NHL stint this spring, even if he didn't stand out as much as Rinzel, and his speed is unquestionably a weapon. He will compete for an NHL job.

6. Nick Lardis, forward, 19

It will be fascinating to see how Lardis, who turns 20 this month, will fare against pros for the first time this season. It'll help answer this burning question: how much of his earth-shattering 71-goal, 117-point OHL season was a product of his level of competition? Not every player who previously torched the OHL like that has turned into an impactful NHL forward, but plenty have.

7. Roman Kantserov, forward, 20

Kantserov was one of the best forwards under age 24 in Russia last season, tallying 38 points in 47 KHL games — highlighted by a torrid stretch from November to January. The undersized 5-9 winger will spend one more season in Magnitogorsk before likely signing with the Hawks in 2026.

8. Sacha Boisvert, forward, 19

After averaging nearly a point per game at North Dakota and earning their conference's freshman of the year award, Boisvert — a well-rounded center — has transferred to powerhouse Boston University.

9. Ethan Del Mastro, defenseman, 22

Del Mastro is a likely bet to graduate from prospect to NHL defenseman this season after making 24 appearances last season. He separates opponents from the puck using his 6-4, 210 pound frame, and he also skates and moves the puck well for his size.

10. Drew Commesso, goalie, 22

As soon as the Hawks acquired Spencer Knight, Commesso went on a torrid run in the AHL, posting a .923 save percentage over his last 12 regular-season starts and a .926 in seven playoff games. He'll spend at least one more season in Rockford, but if he maintains this momentum, he'll push the NHL envelope relatively soon.

11. Colton Dach, forward, 22

Injuries have plagued Dach, and after making 25 NHL appearances last season, he missed the final month due to a hyper-extended elbow. He brings a physical edge unlike most other Hawks forward prospects, though. He will compete for an NHL job.

12. Ryan Greene, forward, 21

Greene will compete for an NHL job after appearing in the last two games last season, and he might have an inside track to earn the fourth-line center role. He's not flashy but reliable, boasting defensive and faceoff acumen.

13. Marek Vanacker, forward, 19

Vanacker, Lardis' Brantford teammate, didn't have the OHL season he hoped for after recovering from shoulder surgery, but he felt it "started to pick it up" toward the end. He'll likely play there again next season.

14. Vaclav Nestrasil, forward, 18

New first-round pick Nestrasil is a longer-term project, but the Hawks like his 6-5 height and abundant raw tools. In his words, he just began learning how to play physical hockey last season in the USHL after not doing so previously in Czechia. He'll continue learning how to use his size over the new several years at UMass.

15. Mason West, forward, 18

West profiles similarly to Nestrasil, despite growing up a world away in Minnesota. He'll play for the USHL's Fargo Force again this season, but it'll be interesting — from a curiosity standpoint — to follow his high school football season first.

16. Samuel Savoie, forward, 21

Savoie's AHL stat line last season ended up unremarkable — 22 points in 72 games — but his role isn't predicated on offense. He’s a rat who can get under opponents' skin and forecheck tenaciously. He will compete for an NHL job.

17. Nolan Allan, defenseman, 22

Allan logged 43 NHL appearances last season, but his play seriously declined toward the end and he spent the second half of the season back in Rockford. The Hawks hope the physical, defensive defenseman can learn from that setback.

18. AJ Spellacy, forward, 19

Spellacy is difficult to rank because he was so impressive in Hawks camp last fall, nearly making the team, but he didn't do much of note during his OHL season. Like Savoie, his role isn't predicated on offense, and he also plays more of a pro style than junior style.

19. Jack Pridham, forward, 19

Pridham substantially elevated his stock last season by jumping to the OHL in November and tearing it up. Kitchener turned out to be such a perfect fit that he decommitted from Boston University to play there again this season.

20. John Mustard, forward, 18

The speedy Mustard enjoyed a solid freshman year at Providence, where he'll remain this season.

Others to follow: Gavin Hayes, Aidan Thompson, Martin Misiak, Paul Ludwinski, Taige Harding, Nathan Behm, Julius Sumpf, Adam Gajan