New Pipeline Rankings Heavily Feature Blackhawks, But Not Enough

As the hockey world begins to stir in preparation for the 2024-25 season coming in just over a month, Elite Prospects released its annual Top 100 affiliated prospects list over the weekend. With countless young players having been drafted or acquired by NHL teams over the past few years, to make it into the top 100 is a big honor.

The Blackhawks had seven prospects make the list this season, which is a terrific sign that their pipeline is in good shape compared to an average system. Chicago’s pipeline, from recently drafted USHLers all the way up to the stars in Rockford, is as full of talent as anyone could ask for. Four forwards and three defensemen made the list:

7. Artyom Levshunov, RHD
8. Frank Nazar, C
9. Oliver Moore, C
10. Sacha Boisvert, C
11. Ethan Del Mastro, LHD
12. Sam Rinzel, RHD
13. Marek Vanacker, RW

Even though the Blackhawks were seen throughout the list, a few glaring issues and omissions stick out. For starters, fans in Chicago who were scrolling to find Nazar’s name may have found themselves shocked at how long it took to get to him. I understand he was drafted 13th overall a few years back and a few higher-drafted skaters are also deserving, but there’s no question at this point that Nazar is one of the best prospects in hockey. After taking on a difficult leadership role at the University of Michigan last season, he quickly rose to the occasion, logging 41 points in 41 games and displaying everything to prove he belongs at the game’s next level. After he was signed to a surprising contract, Nazar scored on his first shot in his first NHL game, marking his arrival with a bang. He certainly needs to be higher.

Additionally, my recent top 25 Blackhawks prospects rankings show a large disparity in the placement of Ethan Del Mastro, which was surprising in this list. There aren’t 68 better prospects than EDM in the NHL system at the moment, nor are there four in Chicago’s. The IceHogs’ most recent All-Star is one of the most NHL-ready prospects in the pool and many see him as a potential All-Star at the next level.

Although those rankings disputes are a bit disappointing, they’re nothing compared to the shocking omission of players like Nick Lardis, Gavin Hayes and perhaps Landon Slaggert. Leaving off the latter is understandable because he projects as a career bottom-six guy who will make a career of his elite intangibles and adequate skill. For Lardis and Hayes, though, there’s no excuse to not put them on the list. Lardis is headed back to the OHL this fall after a 50-point year in the same spot; he’s primed for an absolutely monstrous campaign this year before turning pro. Hayes, who has done so already, picked up 76 points last season and is going to Rockford this fall. Each of those players should eventually be skating in the top six, and to not include them in the top 100 list is a glaring omission.