I feel like we need to start this morning with a brief conversation about player projections. In the wake of Corey Pronman releasing his annual NHL under-23 pipeline rankings at The Athletic, there was some conversation on social media about how he perceives some Blackhawks prospects and their projected role(s). I wrote my take on the list. But, once again this year, there appears to be a phrase that isn’t sitting well with a segment of Blackhawks fans.
“Middle-six“
Pronman uses that phrase in a number of places when talking about Blackhawks prospects, and has for years. There was a hang-up when he used it talking about Frank Nazar for a couple years, and then when it was employed when discussing Oliver Moore. In this year’s edition, Pronman first uses it when projecting Václav Nestrašil.
Yes, there’s some nuance involved when separating a “top-six” and “middle-six” projection. But both include the second line. Nazar’s projection from Pronman now includes the following:
He projects as a second-line center who can play on both special teams and be a great supporting piece behind Bedard.
A second-line player is both top-six and middle-six. But organizational depth can lead to “top-six” players moving into a “middle-six” role because the top line is full. And the second line might be full, too. With the additions of “top-six” projected forwards Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov to the Blackhawks’ lineup this year (especially Frondell, whom is being worked at center — which could impact Nazar’s spot in the lineup), Chicago might end up with 12 “top-nine” players in the lineup at some point in the not-too-distant future. Which is the goal. Because that’s a problem for teams trying to match up every night.
I will note that Pronman ranked Anaheim defenseman Pavel Mintyukov tenth in their pipeline, and considers him to be a “middle of the lineup” player. This summer, the Ducks signed Mintyukov to an extension that has an AAV of $7.2M thru the 2030-31 season. Nazar’s AAV is $6,599,991 thru the 2032-33 season. It was a full Blackhawks takeover at Wrigley Field last night. I shared some of the hype that followed Patrick Kane into the ballpark for the first pitch last night earlier this morning. Chris Chelios handled the Seventh Inning Stretch. Friend of the program Nick Signore shared a video from the left field bleachers (where he was sitting right in front of me).Chris Chelios with the 7th inning and rocking a Troy Murray 19 #Blackhawks jersey for it. That one is for Muzz!!! pic.twitter.com/Rhg3ZGajNW
— Nick: Windy City Hawkey (@WCHawkey) August 19, 2026 Nick dropped by the Blackhawks Ice Center before making the trip up to Wrigley last night. He shared on Twitter that Kane was on the ice with new teammates Bowen Byram, Alex Vlasic, Landon Slaggert, Sam Rinzel, Wyatt Kaiser and Artyom Levshunov yesterday. The boys are already getting in the work. Marco D’Amico at RG Media wrote a terrific piece looking at some of the changes that will take effect in the new CBA on Sept. 15, and how they’re starting to impact contract negotiations now. I brought up the Sept. 15 “deadline” yesterday when discussing the negotiations between forward Drake Batherson and the Ottawa Senators; the player wants the longest term possible (which is eight years right now), but the two sides aren’t aligned (and, reportedly, aren’t close). Highly recommend this thorough read.Take 2!The NHL's final CBA changes take effect on Sep 16, and it's going to make things very interesting.I break down the changes in contract yrs, contract structure and signing bonuses + how they're impacting current contract talks in the NHL.⤵️⤵️ t.co/Ywe1KJ6n69
— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) August 18, 2026 Finally, the Blackhawks have a new official partner! Canon is on board.Proud to announce Canon is now an official partner of the @NHLBlackhawks! We're thrilled to support an organization with such a rich history and passionate fanbase. Together, we'll bring you closer to the game through world-class imaging. Here’s to a great season! ?? pic.twitter.com/g1QNHxYFCC
— CanonUSA (@CanonUSA) August 18, 2026BLEACHER NATION: Go Ad Free | Subscribe to the BN Newsletter
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