Story perspectives

Blackhawks Trade Up, Draft Villeneuve, Roobroeck at 34-35

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Blackhawks drafted Xavier Villeneuve at No. 34 and Ryan Roobroeck at No. 35 after trading up, giving up a fourth-round No. 119 pick, with GM Kyle Davidson and scout Mike Doneghey describing both as high-upside, high-risk prospects.
Villeneuve posted 38 points in 37 games for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and was ranked 18th among North American skaters.
Roobroeck recorded 58 points in 49 OHL games for Niagara IceDogs and will join Guelph Storm in 2026-27.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 NHL Entry Draft on July 8 1995 in Edmonton introduced a lottery that let the Los Angeles Kings jump four spots to third overall, while the Ottawa Senators kept the first pick (Bryan Berard). Chicago’s current GM Kyle Davidson and scout Mike Doneghey now trade up for Xavier Villeneuve and Ryan Roobroeck, hoping to recapture the impact of early-round picks.

1 of 2

Story summary

Blackhawks drafted Xavier Villeneuve at No. 34 and Ryan Roobroeck at No. 35 after trading up, giving up a fourth-round No. 119 pick, with GM Kyle Davidson and scout Mike Doneghey describing both as high-upside, high-risk prospects.
Villeneuve posted 38 points in 37 games for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and was ranked 18th among North American skaters.
Roobroeck recorded 58 points in 49 OHL games for Niagara IceDogs and will join Guelph Storm in 2026-27.

1 / 2