The Chicago Blackhawks are tired of losing. Tied for the third-longest active postseason drought in the NHL at six seasons, the Blackhawks are trying to prove that the rebuild is nearing completion and that they’re ready to make big strides this year to become competitive.
With Connor Bedard absent until mid-November after undergoing shoulder surgery in July, this is the perfect time for other players to prove they can step up. If the Blackhawks want to jump back into the playoffs this season, the team’s youth will have to be a big piece of the puzzle.
Chicago’s Youth Movement
In the 2025-26 season, the Blackhawks were tied for the NHL’s second-youngest team by average age. It’s no secret that they have maintained one of the league’s most talented prospect pools since the start of their rebuild. The team has finished in the top 10 of The Athletic’s NHL prospect pool rankings list in each of the past four years.
Over the past two seasons, we have seen more and more of these prospects break into the NHL and ease into full-time spots on the Blackhawks’ roster. The question is: who will make the biggest leap in their development and establish themselves in the league?
With training camp just around the corner, there are already a few potential breakout candidates for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Breakout Candidate Honorable Mentions:
HM 1.) Artyom Levshunov | RHD | Age: 20
2025-26 Season Stats: | NHL | GP: 68 | G: 2 | A: 22 | P: 24 | +/-: -41
Although the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has not had the immediate impact that was expected, the upside for a player of his caliber is still very high. At 20 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop his game beyond this season. But after a lackluster rookie year, Levshunov will have to earn high-impact minutes under head coach Jeff Blashill.
HM 2.) Nick Lardis | LW | Age: 21
2025-26 Season Stats: | NHL | GP: 41 | G: 10 | A: 5 | P: 15 | +/-: -18
Now two years removed from his 71-goal season in the OHL, Lardis continues to prove he can become a premier goal scorer at the highest level. Last year, Lardis scored 18 goals with the Rockford IceHogs, good enough for second on the team despite only playing half the season. Lardis is poised to spend his first full year with the Blackhawks and could earn a permanent role on the team’s middle-six forward group.
HM 3.) Drew Commesso | G | Age: 24
2025-26 Season Stats: | AHL | GP: 37 | W: 13 | L: 20 | OTL: 2 | SV%: .901 | GAA: 3.08
Commesso has improved his game in every season of his development. A former 2020 draft pick, he’s been waiting quite some time to get his call to the big leagues. After a superb sophomore season with Rockford, Commesso is ready to show the Blackhawks that he’s no longer just a prospect. Expect him to battle with Arvid Soderblom for the Blackhawks’ backup goaltender position this season.
Top 5 Breakout Candidates:
5.) Oliver Moore | C | Age: 21
2025-26 Season Stats: | NHL | GP: 51 | G: 5 | A: 14 | P: 19 | +/-: -15
Moore worked to refine his defensive game near the end of last season, as he was mostly stuck playing middle-six minutes. He is becoming a great two-way speedster who can read the play and keep up. This season, Moore is expected to have a larger role with the Blackhawks as he looks to expand his game.
4.) Sam Rinzel | RHD | Age: 22
2025-26 Season Stats: | NHL | GP: 54 | G: 4 | A: 10 | P: 14 | +/-: -7
Although he has less than a full NHL season under his belt, Rinzel had a tall task in having to share top defensive pairing duties as a 21-year-old rookie. Now with Bowen Byram jumping into the mix, Rinzel will have some of the workload taken off his shoulders. This will give him the time and space he needs on the ice to find his game. As the defensive unit gets better around him, he will too.
3.) Roman Kantserov | RW | Age: 21
2025-26 Season Stats: | KHL | GP: 63 | G: 36 | A: 28 | P: 64 | +/-: +22
Kantserov has proven his explosive goal-scoring ability with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL over the past two years. Last season, he led the entire KHL in goals at just 21 years old. Accomplishing a feat that had not been done since Kirill Kaprizov in the 2018-19 season. Kantserov has a real chance to become a top goal scorer for the Blackhawks as soon as this season. However, because he stands at just 5-foot-9, Kantserov will likely need an adjustment period.
2.) Anton Frondell | C/LW | Age: 19
2025-26 Season Stats: | NHL | GP: 12 | G: 3 | A: 6 | P: 9 | +/-: -1
Frondell joined the Blackhawks at the end of 2025-26 and became a bright spot on a team struggling to score goals and win battles. His combination of size, speed and playmaking abilities makes him a dangerous player on both sides of the puck. This year, Frondell will likely get a chance to pair up with Patrick Kane or Kantserov on the wing. Surrounding Frondell with top-end talent on his line will help ensure he has everything he needs to stay productive.
1.) Frank Nazar | C | Age: 22
2025-26 Season Stats: | NHL | GP: 66 | G: 15 | A: 26 | P: 41 | +/-: -21
Nazar easily has the most to gain and the most to prove while Bedard is out recovering from injury. With a seven-year, $46.13 million contract extension to live up to, Nazar is the best option to take on top-line-center responsibilities. Last season, he tallied 11 points in his first 10 games before his production slowed. His ability to consistently create chances up the rush and finish plays earned him the top spot on this list. If he can stay healthy, he will be a real game changer for the team this year.
What’s Next for the Blackhawks?
Chicago has a strong list of up-and-coming players ready to take their game to the next level. The first month and a half without Bedard will give this group a chance to see how they can fit into this growing team. With all this young talent finally finding its footing in the lineup, the Blackhawks stand to prove that the rebuild was all worth it.
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