Get ready for some intense NHL draft talk! As we approach the end of January, the NHL community is buzzing with excitement. While some fans eagerly await their favorite players' return to the Olympics, others are diving into the thrilling world of mock drafts and trade deadline discussions.
The NHL Mock Draft Season is Here!
For those whose teams won't be represented at the Olympics, it's time to shift our focus to the upcoming draft and its potential impact on our beloved clubs.
I've been keeping an eye on mock drafts throughout the season, and I must say, the latest one from Steven Ellis at Daily Faceoff has got me intrigued. Ellis has the Chicago Blackhawks making some interesting picks, and I can't wait to dive into his selections and the rationale behind them.
Blackhawks' Potential Draft Picks
In his first edition of the 2026 NHL Mock Draft, Ellis has the Blackhawks selecting sixth overall with their own pick and 15th overall with a pick acquired from Florida. Before we get into the Blackhawks' picks, let's take a look at the top five selections leading up to the Hawks' turn:
- Vancouver Canucks - Ivar Stenberg, LW
- St. Louis Blues - Gavin McKenna, LW
- Calgary Flames - Tynan Lawrence, C
- Winnipeg Jets - Keaton Verhoeff, RHD
- New York Rangers - Chase Reid, RHD
With these top picks already off the board, let's see who Ellis has the Blackhawks selecting at sixth overall:
- Chicago Blackhawks - Ethan Belchetz, LW
Ethan Belchetz: A Human Wrecking Ball?
Ellis describes Belchetz as a 6-foot-5, 228-pound power forward with incredible skill. He dominates around the net and possesses a powerful shot. If the Blackhawks were to draft Belchetz, he could bring a physical presence and create chaos on the ice alongside players like Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar.
My take on this pick? I'd say Belchetz and Caleb Malhotra are both intriguing options at the top of my board. Both forwards showcase the skill and playing style that the Blackhawks have favored in recent drafts. It's an exciting prospect to consider, especially with Belchetz being a current teammate of Blackhawks prospect AJ Spellacy.
Blackhawks' Second Pick: Viggo Björck
With the 15th overall pick acquired from Florida, Ellis has the Blackhawks selecting Viggo Björck, a center. While the Hawks already have a solid group of centers, there's a possibility that Björck could transition to the wing. Imagine the power play potential with Björck setting up Bedard for one-timers!
Björck's performance at the World Juniors, despite being a short event, showcased his talent and ability to thrive when surrounded by skilled players. His size (5-10, 170) has been a topic of discussion, with some ranking him as a mid- to late-first-round pick. However, his skill package is undeniable, and his World Junior Championship performance may have quieted some of those concerns.
Other Noteworthy Prospects
When Ellis has the Blackhawks selecting Björck, there are a few other talented prospects still available in his mock draft. These include Oscar Hemming (LW, Boston College), Ilia Morozov (C, Miami University), Nikita Klepov (LW, Saginaw Spirit), and Simas Ignatavicius (RW, Geneve Servette).
And Here's Where It Gets Controversial...
The potential fit of Björck within the Blackhawks' top 6 (or 9?) forwards is an intriguing debate. With his skill set, he could be a valuable addition, but where exactly would he slot in? And this is the part most people miss: the impact of these draft picks on the team's overall strategy and future direction.
So, what do you think? Are you on board with Ellis' picks for the Blackhawks? Or do you have your own ideas about who the team should target? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this exciting draft season!
