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More Mock Drafts Have Blackhawks Picking Stenberg Fourth Overall
TL;DR
Recent mock drafts suggest the Chicago Blackhawks may select Ivar Stenberg with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Analysts have adjusted their predictions following the draft lottery results.
Key points
- Blackhawks expected to pick fourth overall in 2026 NHL Draft
- Ivar Stenberg is a top prospect for the Blackhawks
- Analysts have released updated mock drafts
- Initial disappointment over draft position has shifted
Ivar StenbergChicago Blackhawks
More Mock Drafts Have Blackhawks Picking Stenberg Fourth Overall
As another day passed following the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, more mock drafts have been released by some of the top analysts and writers in the industry.
Craig Button (TSN), Sam Cosentino (Sportsnet), Steven Ellis (Daily Faceoff), and The Athleticâs Staff were among the first mock drafts that dropped once the Lottery results were announced, and two of the four had the Chicago Blackhawks selecting Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg with the fourth overall pick.
When the ping pong balls determined that the Blackhawks will be on the clock at No. 4 later this summer, the initial reaction was disappointment, as that likely meant missing out on both Stenberg and Gavin McKenna. However, based on the slew of mock drafts that have come out in recent days, the industry believes that Stenberg sliding to Chicago has a higher probability than first expected.
Chris Peters (FloHockey), Cam Robinson (Elite Prospects), and Scott Wheeler (The Athletic) each wrote up a mock draft over the last 48 hours, and all three also had Stenberg getting drafted by the Blackhawks fourth.
Peters had the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting McKenna at No. 1, the San Jose Sharks taking defenseman Chase Reid at No. 2, and the Vancouver Canucks picking center Caleb Malhotra at No. 3. Hereâs what Peters said about the Blackhawks drafting Stenberg at No. 4.
âThis would be almost too easy for Chicago, which has very few needs based on their prospect depth for years to come. A highly-skilled winger who can help drive play and make things happen offensively would be a nice add for Chicago. Stenberg is a little redundant in terms of Chicagoâs overall needs, but I think his talent is too hard to pass up at this stage if heâs there.â
Q&A
Who is Ivar Stenberg and why is he a top pick for the Blackhawks?
Ivar Stenberg is a Swedish forward projected to be selected by the Blackhawks with the fourth overall pick due to his impressive skills and potential.
What did the NHL Draft Lottery results mean for the Blackhawks?
The NHL Draft Lottery results placed the Blackhawks at the fourth overall pick, which initially disappointed fans as it likely meant missing top prospects like Stenberg and Gavin McKenna.
Which analysts are predicting the Blackhawks will pick Stenberg?
Analysts including Craig Button, Sam Cosentino, and Steven Ellis have predicted that the Blackhawks will select Ivar Stenberg with their fourth overall pick.
How have mock drafts changed after the NHL Draft Lottery?
Following the NHL Draft Lottery, mock drafts have increasingly suggested that Ivar Stenberg is a likely choice for the Blackhawks, contrary to earlier expectations.