NHL rumors: Will Blackhawks, Sharks swap 1st-round picks at 2026 Draft?

The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be fascinating, and the Chicago Blackhawks could be one of the teams looking to shake up the top of the board in Buffalo.

The Blackhawks currently hold the No. 4 overall pick, but according to The Athletic’s Scott Powers, there is a scenario in which general manager Kyle Davidson explores a move up to No. 2 with the San Jose Sharks.

“There will be a conversation between Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson and Sharks general manager Mike Grier about whether San Jose is open to flipping its No. 2 pick for the Blackhawks’ No. 4 pick,” Powers reported on Monday.

While moving up just two spots might not seem significant, it could allow Chicago to secure a specific prospect it believes won’t be available at No. 4. Many observers believe that player will be Swedish standout Ivar Stenberg.

The potential deal could also make sense from San Jose’s perspective, as the Sharks are flush with young forwards and could benefit from adding a top young defenseman to their blue line — someone like Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman Chase Reid.

“If the Sharks are targeting a defenseman, as many people assume, it could make sense for them to obtain the Blackhawks’ pick, gain another draft pick or two and still get the player they want,” Powers wrote.

Dropping from No. 2 to No. 4 would likely still leave the Sharks in position to select one of the top defensemen available while strengthening their overall draft capital.

Of course, moving up the board wouldn’t come cheap.

“According to PuckPedia’s draft pick calculator, the Sharks’ No. 2 pick is equivalent to a package of the Blackhawks’ No. 4 pick, another first-round pick in the No. 15-32 range (likely either the Edmonton Oilers’ or Florida Panthers’ 2027 first-round pick), and a 2026 third-round pick,” Powers explained.

Although trades involving top-five selections are relatively rare in the NHL, Powers believes this is a scenario worth monitoring.

“That type of NHL trade doesn’t happen that often, but it could make sense. We’ll see. It might not be discussed until days or hours before the draft.”

For now, the possibility remains speculative, but the Blackhawks and Sharks could be two of the most intriguing teams to watch as draft day approaches.

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