How will the Blackhawks look to take the next step this summer?
Despite a 2025-26 campaign that started out promising, the Chicago Blackhawks finished with a 29-39-14 record and 72 points, the second-worst mark in the NHL. They wound up with the No. 4 pick through the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, meaning they will have a top-five selection for the fourth straight year.
Connor Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, hit career highs with 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in just 69 games, and Frank Nazar, a 2022 first-round pick, broke the 40-point mark for the first time. While most teams would be happy with a top selection, Blackhawks fans and management were hoping to see some progress in 2025-26, only to have their season collapse in the second half.
On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL defenseman Colby Cohen are joined by The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta to discuss the Chicago’s upcoming offseason and what could be on the table via trade.
Tyler Yaremchuk: They’re a team that we know is going to try and take a step forward in the next season. You’ve talked a lot on this show about Chicago is likely going to be very aggressive: could they be aggressive with the fourth-overall pick? Or would they take the pick and do other stuff?
David Pagnotta: I think that piece is available. The word I got out of Chicago was that unless they won the draft lottery, even if it’s the second, third or fourth pick, they’re going to dangle that pick. And here we are, they’re at No. 4.
Obviously, there’s no guarantees they actually trade it, because you have to find the right deal. But Chicago is definitely going to explore the market and see if you can bring an immediate impact, young, NHL-caliber player who is proven by enticing a team to take a package that includes the No. 4 overall pick.
They’re going to circle back on Matthew Knies: I don’t know if Toronto has any interest in exploring it, but that’s not going to stop Chicago from inquiring. Clearly, that’s the caliber of player they’re looking at.
You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…