With the 34th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks made defenseman Xavier Villeneuve the organization’s first pick of the draft.
Here’s a collection of what was said and written about Villeneuve leading up to the draft and shared again in the wake of the Blackhawks making him one of their newest prospects.
Xavier Villeneuve (LHD) Drafted 34th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks from Blainville Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)5’11 shifty skaterAbility to beat forecheckers one on oneGreat hands, elite motorCommitted to Boston UniversityPresented by Canadian Blood Services… pic.twitter.com/kEEa5CPlzM
— The Sheet with Jeff Marek (@thesheethockey) June 27, 2026 David St-Louis of Elite Prospects tweeted the general sentiment around the league after the Blackhawks took Villeneuve with the second pick in the second round: there’s some risk based on his size, but this could be an absolute home run for Chicago. If you’re one of those fans who has complained that the Blackhawks passed on Lane Hutson four years ago, this is the next player in that mold — and he’s going to the same school, Boston University, that helped develop both Hutson brothers.The selection of Xavier Villeneuve is perfect for the Hawks, erasing some of the concerns of the past couple of days. Elite upside, vision, skating potential, and playmaking skills. A top-10 value prospect with obvious risk (size, physical potential?), but franchise potential.
— David St-Louis (@DavidSt_Louis) June 27, 2026 Hadi Kalakeche at Elite Prospects broke down the tape of Villeneuve and labeled him “the NHL’s next elite undersized defenceman.”Check out @HadiK_Scouting's Film Room on Villeneuve, unlocked to read! t.co/NnsskOz34M
— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) June 27, 2026 Outstanding read here from Scott Wheeler at The Athletic, who profiled Villeneuve before the draft.Can Xavier Villeneuve be the next Hutson? “He’s got a special gift.”My unlocked feature, with insight and anecdotes from the Armada, BU, his skills coach, the kid and more: t.co/gdOI71CMy5 pic.twitter.com/2YDTJvi1Aq
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 21, 2026 Here’s a really good feature on Villeneuve from Steven Ellis as well:My Xavier Villeneuve feature from this week, Chicago Blackhawks fans: t.co/Y1OXTKTD6K #NHLDraft
— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) June 27, 2026 Look, there are a million people out there with their projection models that tell you how good prospects are eventually going to be. And I’ve questioned Byron Bader’s valuations in the past (specifically around Frank Nazar, who he compared to Brayden Point one summer and Kieffer Bellows the next). I say that as the grain of salt with which you can choose to accept and engage with his comments around two of the top blue line prospects in this year’s NHL draft: Chase Reid and Villeneuve.Love the Xavier Villeneuve pick by Chicago. Massive producer… that looks very similar to Chase Reid, taken 28 picks earlier. I believe 100% of dmen to register an NHLe of 24+ in their D-1 and DY have gone on to make the NHL… or will soon. Great get. pic.twitter.com/O8Oy0F5FUc
— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) June 27, 2026Hence then, the article about what they re saying about new blackhawks prospect xavier villeneuve was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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