Unearth this week's best of Chicago's prospects, waiting for their turn to join the Blackhawks.
With the Chicago Blackhawks passing the torch to the younger players, it's easy to get lost in the superstars already lighting up the United Center. In this weekly series, I break down the best performances from the next wave of Chicago Blackhawks. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Roman Kantserov: Forward, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL). 2023 2nd Round, 44th Overall.
Kantserov is off to a hot start gunning for his second Gagarin Cup. His 4 points (2 goals + 2 assists) helped No. 1 seeded Metallurg advance to the quarterfinals against Avangard Omsk., all while not taking a single penalty minute. The young yet experienced Russian has all the tools in the world with size, skill and physicality all making Kantserov an impact player. He could make an immediate NHL impact if he were in Chicago today.
Joel Svensson: Forward IK Oskarshamn (HockeyAllsvenskan) 2024 5th Round 138th Overall.
This 20 year old Swede is an enigmatic player in my book. Svensson has smooth skating, and good spatial awareness. He put up fair numbers 20 points (6 goals +14 points) throughout his first year of pro hockey in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second division. IK Oskarshamn was swept in the qualification tournament by IF Bjorkloven, meaning Svensson and his mates will stay in HockeyAllsvenskan for 2026-27. If Svensson makes considerable strides during his sophomore season, I could see Rockford floating him a contract for the 2027 Calder Cup Playoffs. Either way, this fall's importance for Svensson cannot be overstated.
Marek Vanacker: Forward Branford Bulldogs (OHL) 2024 1st Round 27th Overall.
Despite just touching on Vanacker winning the OHL scoring title last week with 47 goals, I felt it was imperative to highlight his opening round playoff performance to date as Brantford is currently up three games to none on the Sudbury Wolves. In those trio of contests, Vanacker has 6 points (3 goals + 3 assists) including the overtime winner in yesterday's outing. Here's the kicker: All three tallies were on the power play, showing when the stakes are highest, Vanacker is at his best. Blackhawks fans are in for a treat whenever he comes to the Windy City.