The buzz around the 2026 NHL Draft is heating up, and the Chicago Blackhawks are at the center of it all. After the recent draft lottery, the Blackhawks landed the fourth overall pick, sparking a wave of new mock drafts from top analysts. While early reactions were mixed—some fans feared missing out on top prospects like Ivar Stenberg and Gavin McKenna—the latest projections suggest Stenberg might still be within reach for Chicago.

In the days following the lottery, experts like Craig Button (TSN), Sam Cosentino (Sportsnet), Steven Ellis (Daily Faceoff), and The Athletic’s staff released their first mock drafts. Notably, two of those four had the Blackhawks selecting Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg at No. 4. Now, a second wave of mock drafts from Chris Peters (FloHockey), Cam Robinson (Elite Prospects), and Scott Wheeler (The Athletic) all agree: Stenberg is the pick for Chicago.

Here’s how the top four shakes out in Peters’ mock: The Toronto Maple Leafs take McKenna first overall, the San Jose Sharks grab defenseman Chase Reid at No. 2, and the Vancouver Canucks select center Caleb Malhotra at No. 3. That leaves Stenberg for the Blackhawks. Peters explains, “This would be almost too easy for Chicago, which has very few needs based on their prospect depth. Stenberg is a highly-skilled winger who drives play and creates offense—his talent is too hard to pass up at this stage.”

Robinson’s mock follows a similar pattern, with the Leafs picking McKenna and the Canucks taking Malhotra, though the Sharks go with Carson Carels over Reid. Robinson echoes the sentiment: “The fall stops here. Ivar Stenberg is a first-line talent who fits Chicago’s long-term vision. He’s a dynamic forward who can elevate the players around him, and that’s exactly what the Blackhawks need as they continue to build their core.”

For Blackhawks fans, this consistency across multiple mock drafts is encouraging. Stenberg, known for his elite hockey IQ and offensive instincts, could be a perfect addition to a young, promising roster. Whether he’s the final piece of the puzzle or the start of a new era, one thing is clear: Chicago’s future is looking bright at No. 4.