As the NHL calendar inches toward the Olympic break, the Chicago Blackhawks are entering a pivotal stretch that could shape not just the rest of their season, but the foundation of their rebuild. Wednesday’s road game against Columbus will be their last action before a long pause until February 26. When they return, only 25 games remain-and with the March 6 trade deadline looming, the next two months are set to be anything but quiet in Chicago.
There’s growing buzz that the Blackhawks may once again be sellers at the deadline, and frankly, that tracks with where they are in their rebuild. Chicago has spent the last few years stockpiling one of the deepest prospect pools in the league.
Now, with several of those young players knocking on the NHL door, the front office faces a clear mandate: create space. Veterans like Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev have emerged as potential trade chips-players who could bring back assets while opening up ice time for the next generation.
The Blackhawks are expected to use the post-break portion of the season to give some of their top prospects a taste of NHL action. While not every high-ceiling youngster will make the leap this year, there are three names in particular that fans should keep an eye on. These players aren’t just call-ups-they’re potential cornerstones.
Anton Frondell: The Crown Jewel of the Pipeline
Let’s start with the headliner. Anton Frondell, the third-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is the kind of prospect that can change the trajectory of a franchise.
Just 18 years old, Frondell has already made waves in Sweden’s top league (SHL), scoring 14 goals in 32 games despite limited ice time. That’s no small feat in a league known for its structure and defensive discipline.
And then there’s his international résumé. Frondell didn’t just show up at the World Juniors-he dominated, earning honors as the tournament’s best forward while leading Sweden to gold.
He’s already signed his entry-level deal, and while he’s still raw, his offensive instincts are undeniable. If the Blackhawks are out of the playoff hunt by the time he’s available, there’s little downside to giving him a few games in the NHL spotlight.
Even in a limited role, Frondell’s skillset could inject some much-needed electricity into the United Center.
Nick Lardis: Ready for the Next Step
Nick Lardis may not carry the same hype as Frondell, but he’s quietly building a case to be a long-term piece in Chicago. The 20-year-old forward has already logged 21 NHL games this season, stepping in when Connor Bedard went down with an injury.
And he didn’t look out of place. Lardis brought speed, energy, and a willingness to compete in all three zones-traits that coaches love in a young player.
Back in Rockford, he’s continued to produce, tallying 27 points in 26 games. Sure, it’s not the jaw-dropping 117 points he put up in the OHL last season, but that’s to be expected when transitioning to the pro game.
What matters is that he’s shown he can hang-and contribute. If the Blackhawks move a forward at the deadline or suffer another injury up front, Lardis is the obvious next man up.
And even if the roster stays healthy, there’s a good chance he finishes the season in Chicago.
Kevin Korchinski: A Familiar Face with More to Prove
Kevin Korchinski may only be 21, but he already feels like a veteran presence in the Blackhawks’ system. Now in the final year of his entry-level contract, he’s set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
His AHL play has earned him a spot on the All-Star roster, and he’s had a brief NHL cameo this season-two games in early January. His first outing, against Washington, was rocky.
The next night against Nashville? Much better.
The jury’s still out on what the Blackhawks will do with Korchinski long-term, but it’s likely he’ll get at least one more shot in the NHL before any contract decisions are made. If he sticks, a bridge deal-something in the ballpark of two years at $2 million AAV-could make sense for both sides.
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks’ blue line could see some major turnover. Veterans like Connor Murphy and Matt Grzelcyk are expected to move on after the season, which would leave a clear path for Korchinski to claim a full-time role next year-assuming he’s under contract. His skating, puck-moving ability, and offensive instincts make him a natural fit for the modern NHL, but he’ll need to show more consistency to lock in that spot.
The next few weeks will be telling for the Blackhawks. With the Olympic break and trade deadline converging, Chicago has an opportunity to accelerate its rebuild by giving its top prospects meaningful NHL experience. Frondell, Lardis, and Korchinski aren’t just names on a depth chart-they’re players who could define the Blackhawks’ future.
And while wins may be hard to come by down the stretch, the real victory for Chicago could come in the form of development. If these young players can make the most of their opportunities, the Blackhawks might not be that far from turning the corner.