Now that the 2026 NHL Draft Combine is in the books, we’re starting to get some more new mock draft thoughts from writers and analysts, some of whom were on the ground in Buffalo for the workouts and interviews. So it’s a good time to look around at what folks are saying about the Blackhawks’ pick at No. 4 overall.
And, for the first time in a while, we’ve got a new name projected to the Blackhawks. Let’s get into some new mock drafts since the Combine ended.
Carson Carels of the Prince George CougarsScott Wheeler (The Athletic) — June 9
Wheeler’s top 4 picks:
Toronto — Gavin McKenna, LW San Jose — Ivar Stenberg, LW Vancouver — Caleb Malhotra, C BLACKHAWKS — Carson Carels, LHDWheeler’s comments on Carels to the Blackhawks:
If the Sharks take one of the D, I think there’s a good chance Stenberg is available here. He feels to me and others like the perfect fit for them to secure Connor Bedard a worthy first-line running mate of the future. If Stenberg and the three top forwards are gone, however, I’d anticipate the Blackhawks will take one of Carels or Reid here (Verhoeff isn’t their type). Their trip to visit Reid has now been publicized, but don’t overlook Carels here. They’re very close in the consensus, and while you’re not making a decision on a No. 4 pick based on the handedness of your roster, I don’t think it hurts that he could play opposite righties Artyom Levshunov or Sam Rinzel someday, either.
Josh Wegman & Kyle Cushman (The Score) — June 8
Their top 4 picks:
Toronto — Gavin McKenna, LW San Jose — Chase Reid, RHD Vancouver — Ivar Stenberg, LW BLACKHAWKS — Carson Carels, LHDTheir comments on Carels to the Blackhawks:
The Blackhawks nab a Charlie McAvoy-type defenseman in Carels. The Manitoba native, who put together a splendid WHL campaign, is physical and has excelled at both ends of the rink. Carels’ 73 points in 58 games make for the highest scoring rate by a WHL defenseman in their draft year since Scott Niedermayer in 1990-91.
Sweden forward Ivar Stenberg Joe Yerdon at Bleacher Report published a post-combine mock draft on Sunday. He has the Blackhawks selecting Ivar Stenberg but did not provide explanations of his picks.Adam Kimelman (NHL.com) — June 8
Kimelman’s top 4 picks:
Toronto — Gavin McKenna, LW San Jose — Chase Reid, RHD Vancouver — Caleb Malhotra, C BLACKHAWKS — Ivar Stenberg, LWKimelman’s comments on Stenberg to the Blackhawks:
The Blackhawks could open next season with Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell as their top three centers, which makes finding wings who can score and support them imperative. Stenberg (5-11, 183) has the talent to do that as soon as next season. He had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games this season, the most by an 18-year-old Swedish Hockey League player since Daniel Sedin (42) and Henrik Sedin (34) in 1998-99. He’s an offensive dynamo who can drive play to create opportunities for others or finish chances and he’s reliable defensively. And he was named one of Sweden’s top three players at the 2026 IIHF World Championship with eight points (four goals, four assists) in eight games, showing he could stand out playing with and against older, more developed players.
Mike G. Morreale (NHL.com) — June 8
Morreale’s top 4 picks:
Toronto — Gavin McKenna, LW San Jose — Chase Reid, RHD Vancouver — Caleb Malhotra, C BLACKHAWKS — Ivar Stenberg, LWMorreale’s comments on Stenberg to the Blackhawks:
Just imagine how quickly the Blackhawks could take shape with foundational pieces already in place, including Bedard, Frondell and Nazar. Though Chicago could consider trading down to target a top defenseman, Stenberg stands out here as the best player available. He would address a need for a high-end complementary wing capable of matching Bedard’s pace and skill. He has excelled at every level this season and continues to prove he belongs among the elite prospects in this class.
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