With the 34th overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected defenseman Xavier Villeneuve. When noting that many expected him to be selected in the first round, the Blackhawks were fortunate that he was still available for the taking once they were on the clock. 

There is a lot to like Villeneuve's game. The 18-year-old blueliner has the potential to emerge as an impactful offensive defenseman at the NHL level. With this, he is exactly the kind of prospect that the Blackhawks need in their system right now. 

If Villeneuve can tap into his full potential later down the road, it would be significant for the Blackhawks.

Villeneuve spent this past season in the QMJHL with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, where he posted six goals, 32 assists, and 38 points in 37 games. This was after he had 12 goals and 62 points in 61 games with the QMJHL club during the 2024-25 season. With this, he has shown a lot of promise as an offensive defenseman at the junior level, and Blackhawks fans should be excited about his future with the club because of it. 

It will now be interesting to see how Villeneuve develops his game after being selected by the Blackhawks from here.