The most recent set of games for the Chicago Blackhawks have been some of the more entertaining efforts from the team all season, thanks to the youth movement.

Fans are now seeing the young talent integrated into the lineup even more as of late, with 2024 second-overall pick Artyom Levshunov being the most recent to make his debut in the team’s matchup against the Colorado Avalanche.

These exciting changes to the lineup have resulted in the Blackhawks playing much better as a team with a more competitive spirit behind each effort whether ending in a win or a loss.

This has led fans wanting more and wondering who the next players could be entering the mix and getting their chance to prove themselves in the NHL.

The Blackhawks have been patient with their young players and are not shy to let them over-ripen in the AHL to ensure they are truly ready for NHL action. However, there has been some pull-back on this mindset with players such as Levshunov getting called up much earlier than expected.

Certain prospects such as Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene, Dominic James, etc. will likely be among those starting next year in Rockford (AHL). A player like Rinzel could make a strong argument to get NHL games, though it would be expected for him to get reps as a top player in Rockford first as he transitions to the professional game.

These are three Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects who have a fighting chance at seeing NHL games next season:

Ilya Safonov

Safonov is a player who was seen as a long shot when he was drafted but has established himself as a potential bottom-six player for the future.

The former sixth-round pick in 2021 is nearing the conclusion of his KHL season with Ak Bars Kazan, an organization he’s been with since the 2018-19 season.

He’s become a solid contributor in the KHL over recent seasons, the 23-year old has 21 points in 48 games this season while also being a plus twenty in the plus/minus category.

While not a high-end scorer, the six-foot-four inch center brings a reliable defensive game with a physical edge which are all traits that could fit well into the Blackhawks’ bottom-six when he comes over to North America.

Report here from @DariaTuboltseva indicates Ilya Safonov is heading to North America following the end of his KHL season with Ak Bars Kazan, unconfirmed by his agent #Blackhawks https://t.co/T6lJiL3vaq

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) February 22, 2025

With there being some potential roster spots opening up after this season, Safonov could find himself battling for a place on the team out of camp as a physical shutdown center.

Oliver Moore

Moore is a player that Blackhawks’ fans have been excited about since he was drafted. Though he was struggling to rack up points early on, he has found his scoring touch once again.

Moore’s natural talent needs no introduction, he is a beyond gifted skater and uses it as his strongest asset. His elite skating ability is what allows him to generate chances and be a reliable player at both ends of the ice.

Though he had a slower start to his season, Moore’s offense has been coming on more as of late with 12 points in his last 10 games, totaling 32 points in 37 games on the season.

What makes Moore such an intriguing player is his ability to play in different roles throughout a lineup, similar to a player like Ryan Donato. Moore can play center or wing and is a strong playmaker who works to generate chances and will not shy away from getting a loose puck.

His determination to being a two-way player, along with his speed, results in Moore being a versatile player who utilizes his abilities to be effective from wherever he is on the ice.

When playing for team USA in the recent World Juniors, Moore saw himself primarily on the third line in more of a checking/defensive role where his line played an important role in wearing their opponents down. That level of consistency to being effective in different roles is certain to win over coaches at any level.

However, it is possible that Moore starts off in Rockford to get acclimated to the schedule of a professional. The Blackhawks’ did the same with Frank Nazar until he proved he was ready for the NHL, it wouldn’t be surprising if Moore had a similar path.

Nick Lardis

Lardis may be the most talked about Blackhawks’ prospect in recent weeks due to the enormous season he is having in the OHL, and he is a player many are eagerly waiting to see in a Blackhawks’ uniform.

Lardis is in the nearing the conclusion of his final season of junior eligibility and has posted surreal numbers with 70 goals and 113 points in 61 games for the Brantford Bulldogs.

The speedy and lethal winger’s goal totals has put him alongside historic names in hockey’s history as the eighth player all-time to score 70 goals in an OHL season.

With production like that, Lardis has at least put himself in conversations to make his NHL debut as soon as possible in order to see how he fends at the next level. At five-feet-eleven inches and one hundred and eighty-five pounds, Lardis’ size was always a concern for scouts and whether his scoring would translate to the NHL level.

Lardis brings high-level speed and shooting ability to his game which could fill a hole on the Blackhawks’ roster of a pure goal-scorer. He uses his great speed to generate chances off the rush and has a strong powerplay presence as well due to his pin-point accuracy.

The Blackhawk’s don’t have a finisher quite like Lardis in their system and he is becoming one of the most hyped up prospects in the organization because of that. His play style should give him a strong chance of earning a roster spot next year and he could end up becoming an important member of the future core.