2026 OHL In The System: Chicago Blackhawks
This 32-part series will spotlight OHL players who are either signed to an NHL or AHL contract or are recently drafted, and are 25 years old or younger with 50 or fewer NHL games played. Join us for OHL in the System!
Today, we explore the prospect pool of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Ryan Roobroeck (LW) – Niagara IceDogs (2023-26), Guelph Storm (2026-27)
Selected: 2nd Round, 35th Overall (2026)
OHL Career Stats: 176 GP, 99G, 97A, 196 PTS., -40
Age: 18
After trading up to select Ryan Roobroeck with the 35th overall pick, the Blackhawks added the late-born 2007 winger shortly after he was dealt from the Niagara IceDogs to the 2027 Memorial Cup-hosting Guelph Storm. The former second overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection has scored 99 goals over three OHL seasons, including 58 points (30-28–58) in 49 regular-season games last season.
Parker Holmes (LW) – Brantford Bulldogs (2024-26), Sarnia Sting (2026-27)
Selected: 4th Round, 107th Overall (2025)
OHL Career Stats: 70 GP, 7G, 11A, 18 PTS., -1
Age: 19
Recently acquired by the Sarnia Sting, Parker Holmes spent parts of two seasons with the Brantford Bulldogs. The 6-foot-4 winger set career highs with 17 points (6-11–17) in 49 regular-season games during his sophomore campaign.
Marek Vanacker (LW) – Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs (2022-26)
Selected: 1st Round, 27th Overall (2024)
Signed: Aug. 5, 2024
OHL Career Stats: 228 GP, 111G, 111A, 222 PTS., +37
Age: 20
In his fourth season with the Bulldogs organization, Marek Vanacker nearly doubled his offensive production from the previous year, recording 82 points (47-35–82) in 60 regular-season games while helping Brantford capture the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as OHL regular-season champions. He added 18 points in the postseason and is expected to join the Rockford IceHogs for the 2026-27 season.
AJ Spellacy (C) – Windsor Spitfires (2022-26)
Selected: 3rd Round, 72nd Overall (2024)
Signed: Jan. 23, 2025
OHL Career Stats: 227 GP, 59G, 65A, 124 PTS., -20
Age: 20
AJ Spellacy wrapped up his fourth OHL season by recording 32 points (13-19–32) in 51 regular-season games before adding eight points in the playoffs. The Westlake, Ohio, native also represented Team USA at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording four points in five games. He is expected to join the IceHogs for the 2026-27 season.
Ty Henry (D) – Erie Otters (2023-26)
Selected: 6th Round, 163rd Overall (2024)
OHL Career Stats: 120 GP, 1 G, 23 A, 24PTS, -6
Age: 19
Ty Henry suffered an ankle injury during the Chicago Blackhawks’ rookie camp last September that sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-4 defenceman recorded 17 points (1-16–17) the previous year with Erie and is committed to the University of St. Thomas for the 2026-27 season.
Martin Misiak (C) – Erie Otters (2023-25)
Selected: 2nd Round, 55th Overall (2023)
Signed: May 28, 2024
OHL Career Stats: 120 GP, 46 G, 60 A, 106 PTS, -28
Age: 20
In his first full professional season with the IceHogs, Martin Misiak recorded 15 points (4-11–15) in 63 regular-season games. The Slovak forward is expected to remain in Rockford for the 2026-27 season.
Nick Lardis (LW) – Peterborough Petes (2021-23), Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs (2022-25)
Selected: 3rd Round, 67th Overall (2023)
OHL Career Stats: 234 GP, 155 G, 114 A, 269 PTS, +39
Age: 20
Following a historic final OHL season, Nick Lardis carried that momentum into his rookie professional campaign. After recording 32 points (18-14–32) in 35 regular-season games with Rockford, he earned his first NHL call-up in December and scored his first career NHL goal in just his fourth game with Chicago. Returning to the IceHogs, he was named to the AHL All-Star Game in January. Between his NHL and AHL time, Lardis finished with 15 points (10-5–15) in 41 NHL games and was named the Blackhawks’ Rookie of the Year.
Paul Ludwinski (C) – Kingston Frontenacs (2021-24)
Selected: 2nd Round, 39th Overall (2022)
Signed: Mar. 25, 2023
OHL Career Stats: 174 GP, 48 G, 98 A, 146 PTS, -14
Age: 22
The former Kingston Frontenacs captain had his sophomore professional season cut short after suffering a left knee injury in October. Limited to just three regular-season games with Rockford, Ludwinski still managed to record a goal and an assist before being sidelined.
Gavin Hayes (RW) – Flint Firebirds (2021-24), Soo Greyhounds (2023-24)
Selected: 3rd Round, 66th Overall (2022)
Signed: Apr. 3, 2023
OHL Career Stats: 186 GP, 97 G, 109 A, 206 PTS, +45
Age: 22
In his second full season with the IceHogs, Gavin Hayes established a new professional career high with 26 points (13-13–26) in 57 regular-season games. A former 40-goal scorer in the OHL, Hayes remains an intriguing offensive piece within the Blackhawks’ prospect pipeline.
Ethan Del Mastro (D) – Mississauga Steelheads (2019-23), Sarnia Sting (2022-23)
Selected: 4th Round, 105th Overall (2021)
OHL Career Stats: 177 GP, 14 G, 100 A, 114 PTS,+44
Signed: RFA (June, 2026)
Age: 23
Ethan Del Mastro continued his development in his third professional season, splitting time between Rockford and Chicago. In 45 games with the IceHogs, the defenceman recorded 20 points (2-18–20), while head coach Jared Nightingale described the 23-year-old as a “horse,” relying on him in all situations at even strength, on the penalty kill, and on the power play. The Freelton, Ont., native also appeared in 19 games with Chicago, recording an assist, and was named Rockford’s Defenceman of the Year.
