The Chicago Blackhawks have plenty of good prospects spread out through many leagues, but here we are going to look at three that have impressed in the CHL this season, whether they're making the jump to college or pro hockey next season or not.
Marek Vanacker is a top prospect that the most eyes are on in the CHL. He is also one of three prospects, along with Anton Frondell and AJ Spellacy, who are signed and not currently playing in the NHL or AHL. Vanacker is dominating in his final OHL season for the Brantford Bulldogs, and that's a great sign as he's progressed and should be playing as well as he is. The 19-year-old has 39 goals and 65 points in 48 games and should head to the AHL next season.
The Blackhawks have had a lot of high draft picks and later draft picks, so some get lost in the shuffle and we don't hear much about them. Nathan Behm seems to be one of them and could have a similar path as Nick Lardis had. Behm was also drafted in the third round, but drafted just last year. He is playing in the WHL and has 31 goals and 75 points in 54 games for the Kamloops Blazers. What's more impressive is that he is likely to get better in another season of the WHL before turning pro too.
Finally, Jack Pridham may be on the older side for the OHL, so it means a little less, but he's still having a strong season and gives the Blackhawks something to think about. It is likely he will head to the AHL next season as well since he's 20 years old right now. Playing for the Kitchener Rangers, Pridham has 35 goals and 71 points in 53 games. He was drafted in the third round as well, but in 2024.
The Blackhawks have good prospects wherever you look, even if not all of them are going to make it and have an impact in the NHL.
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