The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their 2026 NHL Draft by taking a swing on size and physicality, selecting Swedish forward William Sörbrand with the No. 200 overall pick.
welcome to the Chicago Blackhawks, William Sorbrand ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EhoerywfBW
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 27, 2026
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 203 pounds, Sörbrand has split his time playing both center and wing with a game that is built around a heavy, north-south style. He was widely viewed as one of the most physical forwards available in the later rounds of the draft.
Sörbrand spent the season in Sweden’s junior ranks, where his combination of size, compete level, and willingness to finish checks helped him stand out more than his offensive production. He started the year with Timrå IK’s U18 team but moved up to the U20 after less than 10 games. In 28 U20 games, Sörbrand put up 18 points (10 G, 8 A) in 28 games, and played well enough to get a handful of SHL games as a reward.
#Blackhawks select William Sorbrand 200th overall. I ranked him 198th overall. pic.twitter.com/M5DO2OVrGM
— Patrick Bacon (@TopDownHockey) June 27, 2026
Obviously, physicality is the defining trait of Sörbrand’s game: he’s an aggressive forechecker who finishes hits, separates opponents from the puck, and plays with the type of edge NHL teams often look for in bottom-six forwards. He also skates well enough for a player his size, allowing him to pressure defenders and keep plays alive in the offensive zone. Rather than relying on finesse, Sörbrand generates offense by getting to the middle of the ice, establishing position around the net, and making life difficult for opposing defensemen. Scouts consistently describe him as a power forward who enjoys playing through defenders, winning puck battles, and creating space for teammates.
The biggest question surrounding Sörbrand is how much offense he’ll ultimately produce. While he has shown flashes of playmaking and owns a solid shot, he isn’t viewed as a high-end skill player. Instead, his NHL projection will likely depend on whether he can develop enough puck skill to complement the physical, hard-working identity that already defines his game.