The Chicago Blackhawks didn't get the lottery luck they were hoping for, slipping two spots to the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NHL draft. It's a tricky position—they may miss out on the franchise-altering talent they envisioned, but general manager Kyle Davidson isn't rushing to trade down either. Still, Davidson insists every option is on the table, and the Hawks are focused on taking the "best player available."

With top prospects like Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg likely off the board by the time Chicago picks, the teams ahead of them—Toronto, San Jose, and Vancouver—could shake things up. The Maple Leafs and Sharks are both desperate for defensemen, while the Canucks have needs across the board. That could open the door for the Hawks to land a difference-maker.

Here are five prospects Chicago should have on their radar at No. 4:

1. Matthew Reid (Defenseman)
This draft is loaded with quality blue-liners, and Reid might be the best of the bunch. At 18, he missed six weeks with an upper-body injury in February but didn't miss a beat upon returning. He finished with 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) in 45 regular-season games and added six points in 10 playoff contests. In 2024-25, he led all OHL rookies with 33 assists. Reid excels at breaking up opposing breakaways and retrieving loose pucks—skills that could keep possessions alive for a Blackhawks team that struggled mightily at 5-on-5 last season. At 6-foot-2 and 187 pounds, he's not the most physical defender, but his skating and playmaking set him apart. The idea of him quarterbacking a power play that finished 29th in the NHL (16.9%) is tantalizing. Reid is committed to Michigan State and expected to join the Spartans in 2026-27.

2. Ivar Stenberg (Forward)
Stenberg is the kind of player who could step in and make an immediate impact. A dynamic playmaker with excellent vision, he's been climbing draft boards all season. If he's still available at No. 4, the Hawks would be wise to grab him. He has the skill set to become a top-six forward and could help spark an offense that ranked near the bottom of the league.

3. Logan Hensler (Defenseman)
Hensler is a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman who thinks the game at a high level. He's not flashy, but he's reliable in his own end and has the offensive instincts to contribute on the rush. For a Hawks team that needs to build from the back end out, Hensler could be a foundational piece.

4. Malcolm Spence (Forward)
Spence is a power forward with a scoring touch. At 6-foot-3, he uses his size to create space and drive to the net. He's not just a banger, though—he has soft hands and a quick release. The Hawks need more physicality and net-front presence, and Spence could bring both.

5. Cameron Schmidt (Forward)
Schmidt is a bit of a wild card—undersized but electric. He's a pure goal-scorer with elite speed and a knack for finding open ice. While his size (5-foot-9) might scare some teams off, his offensive ceiling is undeniable. In a draft where the Hawks might swing for the fences, Schmidt could be the home run pick.