Local boy Marek Vanacker made the Bulldogs faithful proud in 2026 as he jumped into the seat vacated by Nick Lardis on Jake O’Brien’s wing, and drove to a familiar location- the top of the OHL’s goal scoring leader board- with 47 goals and 35 assists for 82 points in 60 games. Blackhawk fans and fantasy managers alike will begin turning out to Jake O’Brien appreciation nights after he helped raise the profiles of two Chicago prospects in as many seasons, but those concerned about Vanacker being a passenger can look to Lardis’ success in the NHL as a positive sign.

Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

8 – Marek Vanacker Marek Vanacker is a prospect who fell in many rankings due to a lackluster, shortened draft +1 season. Vanacker was coming off of a 36-goal, 82-point season when he got drafted, and followed up with only 42 points in 45 games. This season, however, Vanacker led the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in goals with 47 and finished with 82 points in 60 games. Vanacker plays a team-focused game, not too often taking matters into his own hands. Vanacker led the OHL not only in goals last year, but also in scoring chances with 321. This upcoming season will be Vanacker’s first taste of professional hockey, likely with the Rockford IceHogs. With a loaded pipeline and limited roster spots, watch for Vanacker to make a push for a full-time NHL spot in the 2027-2028 season.

Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

Malhotra remained a difference-maker in Game 2. On an early power play, Marek Vanacker recovered a broken play and found Malhotra alone at the backdoor for an easy tap-in to open the scoring. Later, with under five minutes remaining in the second period, Malhotra led the rush and threaded a pass across the zone to Cooper Dennis, who quickly set up a teammate in front to restore the lead. The Bulldogs added an empty-net goal late to secure a 2-0 series advantage.

Vanacker was starting to find his stride before injuries interrupted a promising draft-plus-one season. His speed and ability to create off the rush remain his calling cards, and he still managed 45 games and a solid playoff showing despite the setback. Now healthy, he’s expected to play a key role for a Brantford team chasing an OHL title. Vanacker’s offensive tools are clear, but his overall play-driving needs work. If he can tighten up his game play that in that area, he has the skill and pace to emerge as a strong long-term fantasy option.

Marek Vanacker had a strong year in Brantford, racking up 24 goals and 42 points in 45 games while playing with pace and bite. He was top five in team scoring being teammate such as Nick Lardis (71 goas on the season) and recently drafted Jake O’Brien (32 goals) and followed it up with 11 points in 11 playoff games, showing up in the moments that matter. His game mixes skill, speed, and compete, and he is starting to take shape as a legit middle-six winger. With his offensive progression and mature approach, Vanacker looks like a solid bet to crack the AHL lineup next season if the Blackhawks feel he is ready.

Analyzing the rest of Kyle Davidson’s Tenure as GM of the Chicago Blackhawks

Now that we’ve talked about free agency, let’s move onto the 2024 entry draft. The Blackhawks selected three players during the first round, 2nd overall Artyom Levshunov, 18th overall Sacha Boisvert, and 27th overall Marek Vanacker. Other players from this class that are worth mentioning are AJ Spellacy a former two sport athlete who I believe can turn into a good bottom six energy player in the future, John Mustard a speedy winger with size and a good shot who’s currently PPG during his sophomore season at Providence, and Jack Pridham who has looked solid during his limited time with the Kitchner Rangers of the OHL. I think it’s fair to say that the Levshunov pick is probably the most controversial pick Davidson has made up to this point, mostly because of the fact that it meant passing on Ivan Demidov. He has had a weird start to his pro career, he missed his rookie season training camp due to injury, he performed ok as an 18 year old rookie in Rockford 52GP 5G 22P but he was far from spectacular most nights, but then he played 18 games for the Blackhawks to end the season and looked ok in those games as well. All in all his rookie season was a mixed bag but he did show promise, he needs to work on his understanding of the game and what is going on around him. If he can improve in that area I have little doubt that he can be a top pair defenseman in the NHL. Sacha Boisvert was the Blackhawks next pick in this draft and I cannot wait for him to be a Blackhawk. He had a very strong freshman season on an average NDSU team and then transferred to BU for his sophomore season. He started PPG at BU but unfortunately has picked up an injury that has seen him miss the last few games. Still with a heavy shot, a big frame, and good passing ability I think Boisvert will be a key player going forward for the Blackhawks once he decides to sign his ELC. Lastly, we have Marek Vanacker who despite missing the first 23 games of his D+1 season still played well. Vanacker is off to a phenomenal start in his D+2 season he has 11G in 11GP and is currently on pace for a 108-point season in his final year in the OHL, I expect that he’ll probably be on Rockford’s first line next season.

Vanacker was selected 27th overall, the teams’ third first round selection.

DRAFTPRO – 2024 7-ROUND CONTRIBUTOR MOCK DRAFT

55. Nashville Predators – Marek Vanacker, LW, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) SUMMARY: The Nashville Predators take another swing on upside with Marek Vanacker. Vanacker is an opportunistic scorer, often unnoticed until he’s skating past the defense for a breakaway pass. He anticipates possession changes and gaps in coverage, excelling in quick possession plays with defense-breaking passes. His well-rounded offensive skills and potential make him a valuable top-9 prospect. – Seth Ditchfield

As per Instat, Vanacker led the OHL in scoring chances (321) and was 6th in shots on goal (310), while measuring high in zone entries and breakouts. Vanacker showed to be a contributing force to a well balanced team attack rather than just the benefactor of a solid pivot feeding him. Look for Vanacker to showcase at Blackhawk’s training camp, but with Lardis likely earning a regular NHL role and Roman Kantserov coming to Chicago for the upcoming season, Vanacker will need to bide his time and continue his development in 2026-2027.

Vanacker is another player who took major strides over the course of the season. Vanacker is a good skater and projects as an above average skater at the NHL level. He has a good shot, good hands, and plays a decent two-way game as well. I’m not sure there’s enough high-end hockey sense or playmaking for him to find his way into a top 6 or PP1 at the NHL level, but his ability to score and play off the puck suggest he could be a solid 3rd line option on the wing. Jordan Harris

April Ranking: 56th