The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading the third overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.
The move would mark a shift in strategy as the team transitions from stockpiling prospects to building around franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard.
With eight first-round picks over the last three years, plus the 25th overall pick this year and two more in 2027, Chicago's prospect pool is one of the league’s deepest.
Trading the No. 3 pick could help the team acquire a top-six forward or top-four defenseman key components for a franchise eager to return to playoff contention after missing the postseason since 2020.
While Swedish forward Anton Frondell is the current betting favorite to be selected third overall, the Blackhawks are not locked in. Other names in the mix include Caleb Desnoyers, Porter Martone, Michael Misa, and James Hagens.
Seravalli notes the team isn't desperate to move the pick, but they're ready to be aggressive if the right deal emerges. For a team with a generational talent in Bedard, the future could arrive sooner than expected.
Per THE SCORE 670AM