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Chicago Blackhawks acquire top 2026 NHL eligible prospect in draft projection
Photo credit: NHL.com
If this 2026 NHL Entry Draft projection holds true, it would mean the Chicago Blackhawks would once again get the top overall pick.
It's been 3 years in a row now that the Chicago Blackhawks have gotten themselves a top-3 pick in the NHL Entry Draft, starting in 2023 when they picked Connor Bedard with the 1st overall pick.
In 2022, they took defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the 2nd overall pick, and earlier this summer, they took Swedish forward Anton Frondell with the 3rd overall pick.
Based on the latest projection from Tankathon, they could once again get a top pick for next summer, and it would be the 1st overall.
Per Heavy.com, the Blackhawks were named the likely winners of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and would have the chance to take Gavin McKenna 1st overall.
The Chicago Blackhawks could land the top overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The selection is arguably the most coveted one in a decade, as the presumptive first overall prospect, Gavin McKenna, could be a generational talent.
That level of talent could hit the Windy City, according to Tankathon's 2026 NHL Draft projections. The site's model shows the Blackhawks landing the first pick, with the San Jose Sharks getting the second-overall selection.
That level of talent could hit the Windy City, according to Tankathon's 2026 NHL Draft projections. The site's model shows the Blackhawks landing the first pick, with the San Jose Sharks getting the second-overall selection.
Gavin McKenna is the expected consensus 1st overall pick, and he's playing this year at Penn State.
The Blackhawks beat the Blues in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase
The Blackhawks overcame the Blues in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase in Minnesota, 3-2.
Oliver Moore scored the OT GWG for Chicago, who will play the Minnesota Wild prospects on Sunday.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 185 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks acquire top 2026 NHL eligible prospect in draft projection Do you think the Blackhawks will get the 1st overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft again? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 35.1 % |
| No | 120 | 64.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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