The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for the 2026 NHL Draft, a moment when the franchise traditionally leans on its scouting depth to uncover talent beyond the first round.
Scouting the Steel Defensemen
Two standout blue‑liners from the Chicago Steel, Jayden Kurtz and Cole Tuminaro, have emerged as players who could provide the depth the Blackhawks are seeking in the middle and late rounds.
Kurtz, a 6‑foot‑3, 194‑pound defenseman, impressed in the USHL with a goal and two assists across 16 games before committing to the NCAA’s Wisconsin Badgers, a program known for its national‑championship pedigree.
Tuminaro, meanwhile, brings a 6‑foot‑4, 225‑pound frame and a rugged style of play, having recorded five goals, 11 assists and 148 penalty minutes in 54 Steel games last season, before signing with Cornell University, a perennial ECAC contender.
Both prospects will join college programs that emphasize development, giving the Blackhawks a chance to evaluate their growth over the next few years while they remain draft‑eligible.
If the Blackhawks decide to select either Kurtz or Tuminaro, their size, defensive reliability and potential for offensive contribution could add a new dimension to Chicago’s back end, especially as the organization continues to hunt for value in later rounds.