Investing in College Hockey Talent
In recent years, the Chicago Blackhawks have notably invested in college hockey talent, especially since Kyle Davidson assumed the general manager position. They have consistently selected first-round draft picks from the NCAA ranks or players committed to collegiate play. Prominent figures such as Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Drew Commesso, and Ryan Greene have all made their mark in university hockey as part of the Blackhawks’ scouting considerations.
Upcoming College Hockey Season
As the 2025-26 college hockey season approaches, fans can anticipate a roster of Blackhawks prospects competing in various NCAA programs, while team scouts diligently monitor prospective athletes eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. Highlighting this point, Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News has compiled a list of the top 100 NCAA players to keep an eye on over the coming season, where Blackhawks’ interests are evidently present.
Standout Prospects
Among the standout names are Gavin McKenna, a forward from Penn State, and defenseman Keaton Verhoeff from North Dakota. These undrafted players are generating buzz, particularly among those speculating about the Blackhawks’ possible second overall pick in the upcoming draft. McKenna holds the top spot on Kennedy’s ranking and is touted as a generational talent, while Verhoeff, who ranks fifth, is expected to evolve into a significant NHL player. Should the Blackhawks secure a high draft pick, they may prioritize McKenna due to his exceptional potential, despite a solid pool of underage defensemen already in their system—and Verhoeff could be too valuable to pass up, depending on the draft scenario.
Top Blackhawks Prospects to Monitor
The Chicago Blackhawks also have four prospects listed within the top 100 NCAA players to monitor this season:
- Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, U-Mass: A first-round selection (25th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, Nestrasil is expected to adapt his scoring prowess from the USHL successfully to Hockey East, aiming for future contributions at the NHL level.
- Sacha Boisvert, C, Boston University: Picked 18th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Boisvert transferred from North Dakota after a stellar freshman campaign and will focus on developing his two-way game under the guidance of BU head coach Jay Pandolfo.
- Julius Sumpf, C, Providence: Selected in the fourth round (98th overall) in the 2025 Draft, Sumpf is already making a name for himself at Providence, joining a competitive program that is enhancing its talent pool.
- Adam Gajan, G, Minnesota-Duluth: The Slovakian goaltender, chosen 35th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, is entering his second season with Minnesota-Duluth. After a tough previous season, Gajan hopes this year will see him bounce back as a promising netminder.
Looking Ahead
While this year’s cohort may not rival previous seasons in terms of overall strength, the talent remains noteworthy, and all four prospects harbor aspirations of making it to the NHL with the Blackhawks. As college hockey kicks off this weekend, fans can catch Gavin McKenna’s debut with Penn State, which will be broadcast on NHL’s YouTube channel and NHL Network. For enthusiasts looking to track the latest developments surrounding the Blackhawks, The Hockey News has a dedicated team page filled with timely updates, game analyses, and player stories.
