Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Blackhawks expected to pick at No. 4 in the 2026 NHL Draft?
Both Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times and Scott Powers of The Athletic have the Blackhawks selecting Chase Reid, a right-handed defenseman, at No. 4 overall. Reid is widely viewed as the best defensive prospect in the 2026 draft class.
Who is Chase Reid and what kind of player is he?
Chase Reid is an 18-year-old offensive defenseman who has the skill to quarterback a power play and has worked to round out his defensive game. He had an unconventional path to the draft, getting cut from the USHL before excelling in the OHL and starring for Team USA at the 2026 World Junior Championship with two goals and two assists in five games.
Who is expected to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NHL Draft?
It is considered all but certain that the Toronto Maple Leafs will select winger Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in Buffalo.
Have the Blackhawks already made contact with Chase Reid before the draft?
Yes, the Blackhawks have already visited Chase Reid at his family home outside Detroit, signaling strong interest in the defensive prospect heading into draft day.
Does Chase Reid fit on the Blackhawks' defense with Levshunov and Rinzel already on the roster?
The Blackhawks already have Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, and Louis Crevier locked in as long-term right-handed defensemen, so the fit is something to watch. However, by the time Reid reaches the NHL level, the makeup of Chicago's defensive corps could look very different.
Isaac Nielsen
Isaac Nielsen is a University of Nebraska–Omaha graduate with a degree in Journalism & Media Communication and four years of experience in sports journalism. He has spent the past two years as the Lead Blackhawks Writer at Sports Mockery, covering the team’s rebuild and focusing on roster construction, and has also reported on the Bears, Colts, Omaha Athletics, and Nebraska football.
View All Posts