NHL mock – Misryoum breaks down why Malhotra profiles as a strong 2026 fit for the Chicago Blackhawks, with depth, defense and smart two-way play.
Chicago’s next big piece at center could be sitting in plain sight, and Misryoum’s look at a potential 2026 NHL Mock Draft landing spot makes a compelling case for Malhotra.
The scouting picture around Malhotra is built on two-way reliability rather than flash.. Misryoum notes him as a 200-foot center with few glaring weaknesses. combining high hockey IQ with strong defensive awareness and an ability to create useful interior positioning on both offense and defense.. Even without being a primary puck carrier. the profile suggests he can manage possession. support plays. and generate opportunities through timing and spacing. aided by above-average vision.
This matters for Chicago because the Blackhawks’ present and future hinge on how well they can stabilize the toughest minutes. A center who can consistently find the right spots can change the feel of a lineup without needing to dominate highlight reels.
Organizational fit is the tricky part, though, and Misryoum understands why.. Chicago already has a deep pool of centers in its system. including Bedard at the top of the list. along with other prospects who are expected to build NHL careers.. The practical question becomes whether any of those options can reliably function as a true second-line center behind Bedard. especially if the team wants to play the right roles consistently.
In this context, Malhotra is framed as a safer bet to assume that important support role.. Misryoum points to the notion that Chicago could reshuffle talent if needed. moving some players to the wing or using the surplus as leverage later.. That kind of roster flexibility is often what turns a “depth problem” into a long-term strength.
Meanwhile, Misryoum also flags the internal competition behind the scenes.. The discussion includes other possibilities. such as defenseman Keaton Verhoeff and the left-handed defensive attributes associated with Albert Šmits. an organizational need type.. Still. the case for Malhotra centers on a specific team-building requirement: supporting Bedard by handling harder matchups while offering steady. smart play.
If Malhotra’s development matches the upside described in the scouting snapshot. Misryoum argues the Blackhawks could be looking at more than just a depth option.. The projection leans toward an everyday presence at the low end of the first line. with the potential for leadership responsibilities if he continues to trend upward.
In the end, Misryoum’s takeaway is that Chicago doesn’t just need talent, it needs role clarity. A two-way center profile that can absorb tough minutes and keep the team structurally sound is the kind of foundation that can accelerate a rebuild, even before the biggest stars are fully surrounded.