Get to Know Your Future Core of Blackhawks!

With the Chicago Blackhawks currently sitting 2nd to last in the NHL standings, many fans have turned and looked forward to the NHL Entry Draft. A big part of the Blackhawks is their Prospect pool which is getting deeper and deeper. The Hawks will likely have another top 4 pick, and they also have another first round pick via TBL in this year’s draft.

We all know our guys Connor Bedard, Lukas Reichel and Kevin Korchinski which have currently graduated from being labeled “Prospects”. The 3 are a huge part of the Blackhawks future and still very young with Reichel being the oldest at 21, and the other two still being teenagers. Now for getting into the future of the Chicago Blackhawks, here are 5 Prospects that will be very important to our future playoff runs!

1.Frank Nazar

Currently at Michigan, center Frank Nazar has posted 14/23/37 in 37 Games. Nazar played a huge part at the World Juniors representing the United States. Many highly respected people believed Frank Nazar was the best player on team USA in Sweden. He may be the best future line-mate for Connor Bedard, with Nazar’s use of speed, vision and playmaking he will make a living feeding Bedard.

2. Oliver Moore

The USA born speedster had quite the Freshman year at the University of Minnesota posting 9/24/33 in 37 games. Moore was also named to the All-Freshman Team in the big 10. Oliver was also on team USA in this past world juniors that won gold! While starting the tournament being on the outside looking in he stepped up and earned himself a starting role in all the games. Moore will most likely return to the university of Minnesota for his sophomore year.

3. Sam Rinzel

The 6”4 Right Handed Defenseman is currently playing at the University of Minnesota along side Oliver moore. Sam took a different route after being drafted in 2022, he went on to play for the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL before taking on his freshman year this past season. Rinzel posted 2/25/27 in 37 games. Just like his other Blackhawk teammates, he went on to Represent team USA at this past world juniors. Sam was also named to the All-Freshman team while also being honoured by getting named 2nd team All-Conference. Sam will most likely return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore year.

4. Nick Lardis

Maybe the most intriguing Blackhawks Prospect and my favourite Nick Lardis can score goals in all different ways. Lardis is currently playing in the OHL for the Brantford Bulldogs. Starting red hot posting 29/21/50 in only 37 games, he suffered an injury that has sidelined him for past couple weeks. Nick was well on his way to scoring 50 goals this year, hoping he has a nice recovery and returns to his same form of being a pure a goal scorer. Lardis only 18 will return back to the OHL next year.

5. Ethan Del Mastro

Del Mastro in his first pro stent has gained a lot of attraction. The 21 year old has currently posted 7/27/34 in 58 games. With a little over 10 games left Ethan and the hogs are gearing up for a playoff run which he is a huge part of. I think Ethan will be given every chance to make the Blackhawks outta camp next year. With his big frame of 6”4 and 205 LBs he already has NHL size. His skating has been one of my biggest surprises, his ability to walk the blue line has been nice. His 2 way game has really broken out in Rockford. Del Mastro will make a good bottom pair defenseman on a good Blackhawks team.