The future of the Chicago Blackhawks’ top two prospects were in question entering this offseason.
Nick Schmaltz, the organization’s top prospect, was considering returning to North Dakota for his junior year. Gustav Forsling, the Blackhawks’ second-best prospect, was possibly going to remain in Sweden for another year.
Fast forward a few months: the Blackhawks have both players signed, and it’s not out of the question for both players to begin next season in the NHL.
Forsling, who turned 20 on June 12, has been among Sweden’s most promising young defensemen the past few years. He excelled in the SHL and continued to impress Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman.