The Chicago Blackhawks are once again in the spotlight as the NHL draft lottery approaches Tuesday evening, guaranteeing them a top-four pick for the fourth consecutive year. With the second-best odds at 13.5% to snag the No. 1 overall selection, the Hawks are hoping to strike gold for the third time in franchise history—following their legendary picks of Patrick Kane in 2007 and Connor Bedard in 2023. Only the Vancouver Canucks (25.5%) boast better odds, while the New York Rangers (11.5%) and Calgary Flames (9.5%) round out the top contenders.
This year's draft class is brimming with talent, particularly on the blue line, but two forwards have emerged as the clear front-runners for the top spot: Gavin McKenna of Penn State and Ivar Stenberg of Sweden. If the Blackhawks land the No. 1 pick, which one should they choose? Let's break it down.
Gavin McKenna entered his freshman season at Penn State as the consensus top prospect, sparking "Tank for McKenna" chants among fans of struggling NHL teams. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, put up jaw-dropping numbers in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers—226 points (75 goals, 151 assists) over his final two seasons—and seamlessly transitioned to the college game. In 34 regular-season games with the Nittany Lions, McKenna registered 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists), including a spectacular eight-point outing (one goal, seven assists) against Ohio State on Feb. 20. He also showcased his relentless offensive pressure during a four-game stretch from Feb. 13-27, firing a combined 31 shots on goal.
McKenna is widely regarded as a generational offensive talent, praised for his elite ice vision, dazzling puck handling, and exceptional playmaking ability. However, his game isn't without flaws—his defensive play and forechecking can be a liability, leaving him exposed without the puck.
Off the ice, McKenna made headlines for the wrong reasons. Following Penn State's outdoor loss to Michigan State at Beaver Stadium, he was involved in an altercation that led to charges including felony aggravated assault—carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence. Though the felony charge was dropped days later, he still faces lesser charges, adding an element of uncertainty to his draft stock.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Ivar Stenberg has been making waves in Sweden. The skilled forward offers a different profile, blending speed, hockey IQ, and a two-way game that could make him a more complete prospect. While McKenna's offensive ceiling is sky-high, Stenberg's versatility and maturity might appeal to teams seeking a safer, more well-rounded pick.
For the Blackhawks, the decision boils down to a classic draft debate: do you swing for the fences with a potentially transcendent offensive star like McKenna, or opt for the steadier, all-around game of Stenberg? With the No. 1 pick in their grasp, Chicago's front office will have a tough—but enviable—choice to make.