Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Pyramid: Rising Stars in 2025

Prospect Pyramid System Explained

• 🎯 Mario Tirabassi explains his prospect pyramid system as an alternative to traditional numerical rankings, aiming to avoid nonsensical arguments.
• 📊 The pyramid consists of five tiers: Level 5 (Everybody Else), Level 4 (Depth Guy), Level 3 (Complimentary Player), Level 2 (Long-term NHL Player), and Level 1 (Franchise Cornerstone).

Level 4 Prospects: Depth and Development

• 📈 In Level 4, prospects are considered average or depth guys with a longer shot at NHL impact. This tier includes Nathan Bem, John Mustard, Paul Lewinsky, Gavin Hayes, Martin Misak, and Tae Harding.
• ⚠️ Paul Lewinsky, a former second-round pick, moved down from Level 3 to Level 4 due to a slower-than-expected translation of his speed and motor to the professional game in his first year with the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Level 2 Prospects: Key Organizational Pieces

• 🌟 Level 2 features players considered long-term NHL players and important pieces to the organization. This tier includes Ardum Levanov, Anton Fondell, Frank Nazar, Drew Kchao, Oliver Moore, Sam Renzel, Sasha Bav, and Nick Lardis.
• 🚀 Nick Lardis moved up from Level 3 to Level 2 after an impressive 70+ goal season in the OHL, showing potential as a significant goal scorer.
• 🏒 Players like Patrick Sharp, Niklas Hjalmarsson, and Brian Campbell are cited as examples of perennial All-Star type players that fit into the Level 2 category.

Level 3 Prospects: Organizational Depth

• 🧩 Level 3 is described as the "meaty" tier, crucial for organizational depth, with players who have the potential to move up or serve as solid middle-of-the-lineup contributors.
• 🏒 This tier includes Landon Slaggert, Colton Dach, Aiden Thompson, Ryan Green, Roman Canerov, Nolan Allen, Adam Gajan, Samuel Savoie, Mike Vaner, Ethan Delmastro, Vaclav Nesteral, Adam, Mason West, AJ Spellecy, and Jack Pritum.
• 💥 AJ Spellecy, a third-round pick, moved up from Level 4 to Level 3, impressing with his raw tools, speed, physicality, and potential role as a physical presence and difference-maker.

Franchise Cornerstones and System Gaps

• 💎 The Blackhawks currently lack a true franchise cornerstone player in their prospect pool since Connor Bedard entered the NHL.
• 🏆 While the organization has had high draft picks like Ardum Levanov, Kevin Kchinsky, and Anton Fondell, none are considered to possess the unquestionable, franchise-changing skill level of a generational talent like Bedard.