The Chicago Blackhawks picked their third defenseman in a row at the 2026 NHL Draft by selecting Russian blueliner Alexander Ivanov in the seventh round.
with the 194th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft the Chicago Blackhawks select Alexander Ivanov‼️ pic.twitter.com/GsNzDO221b
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 27, 2026
Ivanov, who just turned 18 this month, is a physically mature, well-rounded defenseman with professional experience, but his projection hinges more on the complete package than any one high-end trait.
The 6-foot-2, left-shot defenseman suited up primarily for Ak Bars Kazan in the VHL while also earning a handful of KHL appearances, an impressive accomplishment for a 17-year-old. He finished with three assists in 36 VHL games and zero points in seven KHL games. Scouts viewed his willingness to hold his own against men as a positive, though some also thought it might have limited offensive growth. Ivanov also represented Russia at two U18 Five Nations tournaments during the season, where he played a steady, defense-first game.
#Blackhawks select Alexander Ivanov 194th overall. I ranked him 163rd overall. pic.twitter.com/rU0yWZoBZG
— Patrick Bacon (@TopDownHockey) June 27, 2026
The latter part is key because Ivanov’s game hinges on his defensive reliability. A smooth skater with decent mobility, he plays a patient, reliable style that will earn coach’s favor while being about as non-flashy as possible. He rarely overcommits defensively, relying instead on strong positioning and hockey sense to force attackers into difficult areas. Ivanov is not particularly physical: he tends to use an active stick, rather than strength, to disrupt plays before they become dangerous. His skating and defensive instincts allow him to play a calm, controlled style that could project well.
Ivanov applies that no-frills style to his transition game as well: he moves the puck efficiently, making good outlet passes and supporting transition without trying to do too much. He’s more of a facilitator and not a play or offensive driver, preferring simple, effective plays over high-risk decisions. Again, that steady approach has helped him earn the trust of his coaches despite being one of the youngest players in the league.
The biggest question surrounding Ivanov is that he doesn’t currently possesses any dynamic caliber tools, particularly on the offensive side of the puck. There are flashes of some puck-rushing ability, but his shooting and passing leave a lot to be desired. While his defensive game should serve him well in the KHL, he’ll likely need to develop a defining NHL-caliber trait to make the jump across the Atlantic.