How The Chicago Blackhawks Scored Not One But Two Steals In The 2nd Round
- After sitting out Friday's first round, the Chicago Blackhawks selected defenseman Xavier Villeneuve and center Ryan Roobroeck during Saturday's second round of the 2026 NHL draft in Buffalo.
- General Manager Kyle Davidson traded first-round picks to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday for defenseman Bowen Byram and wing Jordan Greenway, prioritizing immediate roster depth.
- Selected at No. 34, Villeneuve is a 5-11, 164-pound defenseman from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada who will attend Boston University for the 2026-27 season.
- At No. 35, the Blackhawks chose center Roobroeck, a 6-4, 216-pound Niagara IceDogs prospect who will skate for the Guelph Storm next season.
- Scouting director Mike Doneghey characterized the picks as 'boom-or-bust' prospects, noting Roobroeck struggled in his draft year but the team sees "a big body with nice skill.
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Chicago Blackhawks red sweater on the back, black cap screwed on the head, Xavier Villeneuve was shining in front of the cameras. "It's easy to say after all, but it was my favorite team, and by far."
Analyzing Blackhawks' five 2026 draft picks: Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Roobroeck are high-upside swings
After sitting quiet throughout the first round of the NHL draft Friday, the Blackhawks took two big swings on boom-or-bust prospects in the second round Saturday.Then general manager Kyle Davidson waited hours to eventually complete his 2026 class. Here's a breakdown of all five picks:No. 34: Xavier Villeneuve, defenseman, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)The Hawks seemed likely to target defensemen Saturday, and they did that right away with Villen…
The human rights defender had not heard his name on the first round on Friday night.
Ryan Roobroeck selected 45th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks - Guelph Storm
The Guelph Storm would like to congratulate Ryan Roobroeck on being selected 35th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2026 NHL Draft. The newly acquired Storm forward was originally selected in the first round (2nd overall) by the IceDogs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-4,…
Blackhawks select forward William Sörbrand in seventh round, No. 200 overall
The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their 2026 NHL Draft by taking a swing on size and physicality, selecting Swedish forward William Sörbrand with the No. 200 overall pick. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 203 pounds, Sörbrand has split his time playing both center and wing with a game that is built around a heavy, north-south style. He was widely viewed as one of the most physical… Source
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