Chicago Blackhawks eye NHL draft with No. 4 pick after lottery drop

The Chicago Blackhawks will enter the 2026 NHL draft with the No. 4 pick after dropping two slots in the lottery, settling behind the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks. Despite the setback, GM Kyle Davidson remains optimistic about securing a top prospect to bolster the team’s future.

What’s the Blackhawks’ draft strategy?

Davidson joked about completing the set of top-four picks during his tenure, emphasizing the Hawks’ focus on selecting a player they love. With the draft just a week away, the team expects to add a key piece to their roster, whether through the draft or trades.

Who are the potential trade targets?

The Blackhawks have been linked to Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, a restricted free agent with a stellar track record of 39.2 goals and 88.8 points per season over the last five years. Acquiring Robertson would require significant assets, but the Hawks have the cap space ($40.16 million) and draft picks to make a move. Other trade options include Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk and Anaheim’s Mason McTavish.

What’s the outlook for the Blackhawks’ defense?

The Blackhawks’ defense struggled last season, with only Louis Crevier showing improvement. Sam Rinzel spent time in Rockford, Kevin Korchinski’s potential remains uncertain, and Artyom Levshunov had a forgettable rookie year. With Connor Murphy traded to Edmonton and Matthew Grzelcyk not expected to return, the team needs veteran reinforcements.

What’s next for the Blackhawks?

The Hawks are poised for a busy offseason, with Davidson exploring all options to strengthen the roster. The team, currently 15th in the Western Conference with a 29-39 record, will look to make strategic moves to improve their standing ahead of the 2026-27 season. Their next game is scheduled for September 20 against the Minnesota Wild.