The Chicago Blackhawks are tired of losing. Tied for the third-longest active postseason drought in the NHL at six seasons, the Blackhawks are trying to prove that the rebuild is nearing completion and that they're ready to make big strides this year to become competitive.
With Connor Bedard absent until mid-November after undergoing shoulder surgery in July, this is the perfect time for other players to prove they can step up. If the Blackhawks want to jump back into the playoffs this season, the team's youth will have to be a big piece of the puzzle.
In the 2025-26 season, the Blackhawks were tied for the NHL's second-youngest team by average age. It's no secret that they have maintained one of the league's most talented prospect pools since the start of their rebuild. The team has finished in the top 10 of The Athletic's NHL prospect pool rankings list in each of the past four years.
Over the past two seasons, we have seen more and more of these prospects break into the NHL and ease into full-time spots on the Blackhawks' roster. The question is: who will make the biggest leap in their development and establish themselves in the league?
With training camp just around the corner, there are already a few potential breakout candidates for the Chicago Blackhawks.

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