The Chicago Blackhawks might not land the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, but if they end up selecting third or fourth overall, they'll still have a chance to add a game-changing talent to their roster. While winning the lottery would almost certainly mean drafting either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg—two forwards who are locks at the top of the board—the real intrigue begins just below that.
If the Blackhawks find themselves picking third or fourth, the big question becomes: do they target another forward, or pivot to a defenseman? The answer could shape the future of the franchise. Here are five players Chicago could have its eye on if the lottery doesn't go their way.
Caleb Malhotra is a name that should sound familiar to Blackhawks fans. The son of former NHL forward Manny Malhotra, Caleb is a true center who could slot behind Connor Bedard in the lineup. That would likely push either Frank Nazar or Anton Frondell to the wing long-term—not a bad problem to have. Malhotra currently plays for the Brantford Bulldogs, a team Chicago has scouted heavily thanks to the success of Nick Lardis and Marek Vanacker. Drafting Malhotra would keep that pipeline strong.
On the blue line, the Blackhawks already have Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, both of whom could develop into a top-pairing defenseman. But whether either becomes a true number one—a Norris-caliber player who can dominate in his own zone while contributing offense at a high level—remains to be seen. That's where Keaton Verhoeff enters the conversation. Coming off a season at the University of North Dakota, Verhoeff posted 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 36 NCAA games. He also added four assists in five games for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, showcasing the puck skills and two-way potential that could make him a future franchise cornerstone.
Whether the Blackhawks go with a forward or a defenseman at third or fourth overall, one thing is clear: this draft class is deep, and Chicago is in a prime position to add a player who can make an immediate impact. The lottery may not guarantee a top-two pick, but the talent available at three and four is nothing to scoff at.