The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is in the books, and as we gear up for the second round, a few names have emerged as potential game-changers. With the Chicago Blackhawks holding both the 34th and 37th picks, General Manager Kyle Davidson has a golden opportunity to snag a standout talent. Let's break down three players who could make a splash.
Xavier Villeneuve, Defense - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
Xavier Villeneuve is a name that many expected to hear in the first round. His talent is undeniable.
Villeneuve brings a spark of creativity reminiscent of Lane Hutson and Erik Karlsson, with exceptional vision and passing skills that set him apart from other defensemen in this draft. But it's his skating that truly catches the eye.
While concerns about his size, raw defensive skills, and the "Q" factor linger, his potential is sky-high. In 37 games, Villeneuve tallied 38 points, adding another 14 in the playoffs.
His ceiling is one of the highest, and he could be the long-term answer for a top power-play unit.
Mathis Preston, Forward - Spokane Chiefs/Vancouver Giants
Mathis Preston is a workhorse on the ice, and watching him play is nothing short of exciting. His relentless effort and tenacity on the forecheck often force opponents into mistakes, creating scoring opportunities for his team.
Starting with the Spokane Chiefs, Preston notched 32 points before being traded to the Vancouver Giants, where he added 12 points in just 10 games. While he might not have a standout offensive trait, his reliable hands, above-average two-way game, and impressive speed make him a solid bet for the Blackhawks in round two.
Brooks Rogowski, Center - Oshawa Generals
Brooks Rogowski may not be the flashiest player, but his consistency and maturity on the ice make him a standout. As a prospect from 2008, his game is well beyond his years.
With 42 points in 45 games for Oshawa, followed by seven points in ten games with the USA U-18 team, Rogowski has a knack for cleaning up around the net and scoring those gritty goals. And let's not overlook his physical presence - at 6’7” and 240 pounds, he fits right into the trend Chicago has been setting with their recent picks like Valcav Nestrasil, Mason West, and Anton Frondell.
As the second round approaches, the Blackhawks have a chance to bolster their roster with one of these promising talents. Whether it's Villeneuve's creativity, Preston's work ethic, or Rogowski's size and consistency, Chicago is poised to make a significant addition to their lineup.
In Other News...
Blackhawks Fans Finally Get A Real Look At The Pipeline
The Blackhawks are about to give fans a much better look at the future. Chicago announced a 19-player roster for its upcoming Development Camp, and this years version will finally return to on-ice work at the Blackhawks Ice Center after the event had shifted to an off-ice format in 2023. The camp runs Tuesday through Thursday, with a mix of top prospects and recent draft picks set to take part as the organization starts putting its pipeline on display again.
There is plenty of intrigue in the group, too, with names such as Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West among those expected on the ice. Four of the Blackhawks five 2026 NHL Draft selections are also scheduled to attend, giving the team a chance to evaluate a broad slice of its prospect pool in one setting. Media availability is lined up during the week as well, offering a closer look at the players, coaches and management shaping what comes next. [Read more 🡒]