The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of money to play with this offseason, and they are also stocked with assets they can use in potential trades.

Basically, this will be a pivotal summer for the Blackhawks, who have missed the playoffs six years in a row (their longest drought since 1952) and are starving for success.

The good news is that Chicago has shown improvement the last couple of years and has one of the NHL’s top rising stars in Connor Bedard, so there is absolutely hope for the future. The Blackhawks just need to make the right moves.

Chicago has been connected to a plethora of potential options in both free agency and on the trade market, so there should be no shortage of possible acquisitions at Kyle Davidson’s fingertips in the coming weeks and months.

But Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation just linked the Blackhawks to one compelling name in particular: Buffalo Sabres wing Zach Benson, a player Bamford himself compared to Chicago fan favorite Andrew Shaw.

Chicago Blackhawks linked to Zach Benson

The Blackhawks would have to sign Benson to an offer sheet and then hope that the Sabres don’t match, but with Buffalo hard up for cash, Chicago might have a chance to poach the exciting 21-year-old.

“The Sabres, like the Stars, don’t have a lot of cap space to play with this summer. And Benson emerged as one of the stars for Buffalo in these playoffs. They also have to make a decision on Alex Tuch, so a significant offer sheet here could force their hand on Tuch. Again, not a big player here (5-10, 177) but plays the Andrew Shaw-type game Blackhawks fans love,” Bamford wrote.

If the Sabres do ultimately decide to re-sign Tuch, it could certainly open the door for the Blackhawks to swoop in and steal Benson, who totaled 13 goals and 30 assists during the 2025-26 regular season and managed five scores and four assists in 13 playoff games.

Benson was originally selected by Buffalo with the 13th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft and posted 11 goals and 19 dimes during his rookie campaign. He followed that up with 10 scores and 18 assists in Year 2.

Shaw, of course, helped Chicago win a pair of Stanley Cup championships in 2012-13 and 2014-15, playing a pivotal role in both runs and establishing himself as a Blackhawks legend along the way.

If Chicago were to acquire Benson and he were anything like Shaw, expect Chicago fans to fall in love fast.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are absolutely loaded with NHL Draft capital over these next couple of years. They own the No. 4 overall selection and three second-round picks this summer, and next offseason, the Blackhawks will lay claim to three first-rounders.

For now, though, most Chicago fans are focused on the fourth overall pick next month, which could potentially net the team Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg.

Considerable buzz has connected the Blackhawks to Stenberg, who would fill a massive hole for the team. Chicago is in dire need of another wing alongside of Connor Bedard, and while the Blackhawks have been linked to several big-name wings both in free agency and on the trade market, securing Stenberg would still be a massive win.

But will Chicago actually have the chance to select Stenberg?

Well, there are conflicting rumors as to whether or not the 18-year-old will be available for Jeff Blashill’s squad.

Chicago Blackhawks land tough update on Ivar Stenberg

Again, we don’t know for sure exactly what is going to happen until draft night, so we should probably take all of these reports with a grain of salt.

But the WCJrankings X account seems pretty certain that Stenberg will come off the board before the Blackhawks pick at No. 4.

“To Blackhawks fans: Ivar Stenberg won’t be available at 4th overall, I’m 99% sure of this based off what I’ve heard,” the account wrote in an X post. “I have no idea where these rumors are coming from that he’ll drop to 4, but it just seems like engagement bait to me.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks are the three teams picking ahead of Chicago. The Maple Leafs are pretty much guaranteed to take winger Gavin McKenna, whereas most feel the Sharks will pick a defenseman (like Chase Reid). The Canucks, however, could be a problem for the Blackhawks.

Will Vancouver nab Caleb Malhotra? Or it will snatch Stenberg right from under Chicago’s nose?

While many mock drafts do, in fact, have Stenberg slipping to the Blackhawks, it is absolutely within reason that he could go earlier, and if we are being honest, it’s no sure thing that San Jose will select a defenseman. What if the Sharks decide to go best player available and think Stenberg fits the possible?

We’ll see what happen, but Chicago fans will definitely be sweating between now and June 26.

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The Chicago Blackhawks definitely need to get Connor Bedard some help this offseason, as he essentially has Tyler Bertuzzi and not a whole lot else assisting him on the wing.

Luckily, the Blackhawks possess a nice amount of cap space heading into the summer, so they can afford to land a top free agent.

Chicago also owns the No. 4 overall pick in the NHL Draft as well as three second-round picks. Plus, it lays claim to three first-rounders in 2027, so if the Blackhawks want to swing a blockbuster trade, they certainly have the goods to do so.

But they might not have to.

There will be plenty of intriguing names available both in unrestricted and restricted free agency, and in terms of the latter, Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation has floated a very interesting possibility for Chicago: Vegas Golden Knights star Pavel Dorofeyev.

Chicago Blackhawks could steal Pavel Dorofeyev

Dorofeyev is a restricted free agent, meaning the Blackhawks would have to sign him to an offer sheet and then hope the Golden Knights don’t match. But given the sizeable portion of money Chicago has to spend, it’s possible it could outbid Vegas for the winger.

“Dorofeyev, 25, is coming off a second straight 30+ goal season. Here’s the kicker: 20 of his 37 goals came on the power play this past season (13 of 35 the previous year). He’s got decent size (6-1, 194) and is Russian, which would be a nice addition with Ilya Mikheyev moving on and Roman Kantserov coming into the fold,” Bamford wrote.

The former third-round pick finished second in the league in power play goals this past season, which would be a welcome addition to a Chicago team which managed just 40 power play scores during the 2025-26 campaign.

Dorofeyev also racked up 37 goals and 27 assists as a whole, which would make him quite easily the Blackhawks’ second-best offensive threat behind Bedard. On top of that, he is still young and can grow alongside of Bedard moving forward.

It could potentially cost Chicago $10 million or more annually to snatch Dorofeyev on an offer sheet, but considering just how much help the team needs and how much it wants to cultivate Bedard, it might just be worth it.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into a critical offseason in which they have the goods to make some significant moves.

Not only are the Blackhawks armed with some hefty cap space, but they also boast some impressive draft capital, owning the No. 4 overall selection as well as three second-round picks. And remember: Chicago also possesses three first-rounders next year.

The Blackhawks have shown improvement each of the last two seasons, going from 52 points to 61 and 72, respectively. But now, it’s time for them to take that next step and get Connor Bedard the wing help he so desperately needs.

Chicago is expected to be a major player in both free agency and on the trade market, so it should not come as a surprise that the club has already been linked to some big names.

Most recently, Bleacher Report’s Lucky Ngamwajasat has named the Blackhawks one of the top contenders to land Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch, who was just eliminated from the playoffs and is now set to enter free agency.

Chicago Blackhawks named among favorites to sign Alex Tuch

Tuch will be one of the best options available on the open market this summer and could command a contract worth $64 million over eight years, but Chicago has the funds to absorb him. Ngamwajasat thinks the Blackhawks will be squarely in the mix, tabbing them as one of the top five landing spots for the 30-year-old.

“It might be finally time for general manager Kyle Davidson to open up the wallet and get Connor Bedard some badly needed help on the wing,” Ngamwajasat wrote. “… Money won’t be an issue for Chicago, which has over $40 million in cap space. The question is, will Davidson be desperate enough to make an offer large enough to lure Tuch?

Tuch scored 31 goals while tallying 33 assists this season and has racked up over 30 scores in three of the last four years. He topped out at 36 goals twice in 2022-23 and 2024-25, and during the former campaign, he also registered a career-high 43 assists.

Outside of Tyler Bertuzzi, Bedard has next to no help, so if the Blackhawks were able to snatch Tuch, it would be a major coup for the talented young center.

If Chicago wants to be taken seriously and wants to keep Bedard happy long term, it should absolutely make a strong push for Tuch this July.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are getting ready for one of their most significant offseasons in recent memory. They have a bevvy of salary cap space and some major draft capital to improve the roster. There are some decisions that general manager Kyle Davidson and his staff need to make, but could they get something for an impending free agent in six weeks? Let’s take a closer look at the rumors swirling around Chicago.

The Chicago Blackhawks could trade away Ilya Mikheyev’s rights

During Monday’s edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet’s Eliotte Friedman reported that the Blackhawks are making pending unrestricted free agent forward Ilya Mikheyev’s signing rights available via trade. Mikheyev is approaching the end of his four-year deal, which he signed in July 2022.

Mikheyev signed the contract with the Vancouver Canucks, but was dealt to Chicago alongside a second-round pick for a fourth-round selection. He spent the previous two seasons with the Blackhawks and had the best statistical production of his career. In 157 games in Chicago, he has 70 points (38 goals, 32 assists). The 31-year-old right winger can be a good player when on the ice, but is not going to put up major point totals.

There will certainly be a market to acquire Mikheyev this offseason, but having his rights puts that team in a better position to negotiate. Finding the right landing spot is critical for the winger, but an expiring asset is not going to net a big return.

Whatever the Blackhawks would get for this is not going to be much of anything. However, getting an asset of any kind for an expiring contract would be better than letting him just hit unrestricted free agency. It will be intriguing to see what a potential return for Chicago will be for the veteran winger.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have some moves they need to make this offseason to get into the contending window. After a season where they finished 29-39-14 record and received the fourth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, there is a chance to significantly improve the roster. There are different ways the Blackhawks can attack this offseason, but what free agent should they target? Let’s take a closer look at who one outlet believes they should go after.

The Chicago Blackhawks can target Mario Ferraro in free agency

The Athletic had their NHL staff create an article highlighting one player each team should target in free agency. For Chicago, they had San Jose Sharks left defenseman Mario Ferraro as the team’s target. Below is what Blackhawks writer Scott Powers wrote about this fit:

“The Blackhawks could use a veteran defenseman to bring some stability to their young group. They probably have a little more flexibility on the left side than the right, so someone such as Ferraro could make sense. From his defensive play to his toughness to his puck-moving ability, he could fit in well with what Chicago already has. The main question is whether the Blackhawks would be willing to sign him to a long-term deal.”

Ferraro has spent his entire career with San Jose. The former second-round pick in 2017 has 114 points (24 goals, 90 assists) in 390 career games. He has been the model of playing every game, only missing eight games over the course of the previous three seasons. Ferraro signed a four-year, $13 million extension with the Sharks following his rookie contract, so it will be intriguing to see how much more than the $3.25 million average annual value he will command on the free agent market.

Chicago has some depth at the left defense position with Alex Vlasic and Wyatt Kaiser, but they could certainly use some veteran leadership at the position. The Blackhawks have the cap space available to make upgrades like Ferraro happen, so it will be intriguing to see how general manager Kyle Davidson and his staff address ways to improve the roster this offseason.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have missed the playoffs six years in a row, representing their longest drought since 1952. But that doesn’t mean it’s all bad for the club.

The Blackhawks are set up pretty well this offseason, owning a fair chunk of cap space as well as a wealth of draft capital. Not only does Chicago boast the No. 4 overall selection in this year’s NHL Draft, but it also lays claim to three second-round picks. Plus, the Blackhawks have three 2027 first-round draft choices in their back pocket, as well.

As a result, Chicago has positioned itself nicely on the trade market. If the Blackhawks want to acquire a star player like Jason Robertson or Matthew Knies to put alongside of Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi, they certainly have the assets to make it happen.

And if Chicago really wants to, it could also move down from the No. 4 overall pick to further add to its growing stash of draft capital, and that is exactly what Nestor Quixtan of Blackhawk Up suggested in a recent piece.

Chicago Blackhawks linked to huge trade with St. Louis Blues

If the Blackhawks aren’t enamored with whoever is on the board when they are on the clock, they ultimately could choose to sell off the pick and reap a hefty return, and in Quixtan’s example, Chicago would send the fourth overall selection to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for three first-rounders.

“Then, there’s the possibility of another team looking to move up. For example, a team like the St. Louis Blues, that has three first-rounders, could look to weaponize that abundance of picks to move up,” Quixtan wrote. ” The Blackhawks could send St. Louis the fourth pick in exchange for the 11th, 15th, and 31st picks. For St. Louis, the move would allow them to bring in an impact layer to further their rebuild. For Chicago, three additional first-rounders would give the club more opportunities to draft solid prospects to complement the abundance of high-end talent.”

Such a move would also provide the Blackhawks with even more ammunition to use in trades, and they would then still have some draft assets left over because of it.

The question is whether or not Chicago would value three mid-to-late first-round picks over a top-five selection. For a team that is actually trying to consolidate, using all three selections may not be the best move. But again, the idea here is for the Blackhawks to stockpile as many assets as possible to use in potential trades and create flexibility.

If Chicago were able to swing such a deal, it would then possess six draft picks over the first two rounds, which would make the Blackhawks the envy of the league. It’s absolutely something they should consider in the coming weeks.

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The Chicago Blackhawks definitely need a boost this offseason, and they have the assets to do it. They are armed with a nice chunk of cap space and they also have a plethora of draft capital.

The problem is that if the Blackhawks really want to improve, they may have to swing a big trade. Why? Because the upcoming free-agent market is pretty thin, and Ben Pope of The Chicago Sun Times explained the grim reality in a recent piece.

“In terms of the total quantity of notable available players, this coming summer seems equally bleak,” Pope wrote. “Sabres forward Alex Tuch and Ducks defenseman John Carlson are two of relatively few notable free agents who should interest the Hawks.”

Pope went on to explain that the Blackhawks would strongly benefit to explore the trade market given the number of intriguing names that could be available, but obviously, making major trades is far easier said than done.

So what exactly should Chicago do in the coming weeks and months?

The Chicago Blackhawks have a tough offseason ahead

The good news is that the Blackhawks have showed improvement over the last couple of seasons, going from 52 points to 61 to 72. But the flip side is that Chicago still finished in last place in the Central Division by a wide margin, going 29-39-14.

The Blackhawks have Connor Bedard and a bunch of compelling young players, but the issue is that many of them are defensemen. Chicago has a glut of players at the position, so it would be surprising if it didn’t trade out of that surplus to try and acquire a wing.

Matthew Knies and Jason Robertson have both been tabbed as potential trade targets for the Blackhawks, but it remains to be seen if the Toronto Blue Jays and Dallas Stars, respectively, actually move either player. Plus, even if one of Knies or Robertson did become available, the price would be extravagant.

But Chicago has positioned itself in a way where it could afford to go all in on a trade because of its financial situation and the draft picks it has at its disposal, so because this free-agent market is not all that enticing, expect the Blackhawks to try and swing big.

Whether or not they are successful remains to be seen.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have seen some of their star players continue playing hockey after the NHL season concluded. There are international tournaments going on where players are representing their home country. One of the Blackhawks players are doing just that, but is finished playing after suffering an injury. Let’s take a deeper dive at who it is and what this means for the 2026-27 Blackhawks team.

Chicago Blackhawks’ Teuvo Teravainen suffers an injury during World Championship

Teuvo Teravainen will no longer be on the ice for Team Finland during the 2026 IIHF World Championship, per the team. It was announced that he suffered an undisclosed injury during the team’s win over Team Germany to begin the tournament. This is a major loss for Team Finland, as Teravainen led the team in scoring at the 2025 World Championships with 11 points.

Teravainen has showcased how dominant he can be in international play, but has not been able to have the same level of results with Chicago. He was able to step up with players like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, pairing with him on the top line for the Blackhawks.

Teravainen finished the 2025-26 regular season with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists). The 31-year-old winger has been a pivotal veteran for the Blackhawks, but there is not much concern regarding his status for the NHL season. Teravainen is entering the final year of his contract and is hoping to improve on last year’s numbers.

With the fourth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a significant amount of cap space, the front office could continue to improve the roster. It will be intriguing to see how impactful Teravainen is during his contract year, especially as he recovers during the remainder of the summer.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have shown signs of improvement the last couple of years, but it’s blatantly obvious that they need to make some moves this summer to try and reach that next level.

After all, the Blackhawks still finished just 29-39-14 this past season, good for last place in the Central Division by a wide margin. And while Connor Bedard is one of the NHL’s top young players, he can’t do it alone. He needs some help (other than just Tyler Bertuzzi).

As a result, Chicago is expected to pursue a trade for an established winger this offseason, and it certainly has the assets to make a deal happen. The Blackhawks only four picks over the first two rounds of the NHL Draft this summer, and they possess a hefty three first-rounders in 2027.

Not only that, but Chicago is teeming with young talent up and down its roster, and there is no way that all of those players will be able to get extended minutes on the team. The Blackhawks might as well start consolidating.

As for potential targets? Toronto Maple Leafs wing Matthew Knies has been tabbed as a candidate, but Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation isn’t sure how palatable such a trade would be.

Chicago Blackhawks’ trade for Matthew Knies would be risky

Knies is unquestionably one of the top young talents in the league. This past season, he scored 23 goals and tallied 43 assists, and he is still just 23 years old. On top of that, he is under contract through 2031.

But for all of those reasons, Bamford is a bit concerned about the cost it would require to pry Knies away from the Maple Leafs.

“Get ready to have some uncomfortable thoughts about the package that might be asked for if Knies does become available, because Toronto has every right to ask for a lot — and a new general manager will undoubtedly want to show he knows what he’s doing if a blockbuster trade opportunity arises this early in their tenure,” Bamford wrote.

And remember: the Blackhawks were nearing a deal to land Knies four years ago, as they almost sent Marc-Andre Fleury and Brandon Hagel to Toronto in exchange for Knies — who was not even a year removed from being drafted at the time — and first-round draft picks.

Clearly, Chicago likes Knies, so it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see the club target him again.

But would the Blackhawks be willing to pay such an exorbitant price? We’ll see.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have already made one significant move to begin their offseason, signing 21-year-old forward Roman Kantserov to a three-year entry level contract.

Hopefully, that’s the first of many big additions the Blackhawks make this summer, and if the hot speculation is any indication, Chicago will probably be bringing in some more pieces.

The Blackhawks have a ton of assets to use in trades and are expected to aggressively explore the market in the coming weeks and months, and NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently pitched the idea of Chicago going out and swinging a blockbuster trade for Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.

Robertson has emerged as one of the top forwards in the league and is coming off of a 2025-26 campaign in which he racked up 45 goals and 51 assists for the Stars. He also totaled a career-high 15 power-play goals.

So could the Blackhawks actually make a push for Robertson this offseason?

Chicago Blackhawks linked to major trade for Jason Robertson

Chicago owns four draft picks this year, with three of them coming in the second round. However, the Blackhawks lay claim to a hefty three first-round draft choices for 2027, so they could absolutely put together an enticing package for Dallas.

Let’s also keep in mind that the Blackhawks are absolutely stocked with young talent, so if there is any team that can convince the Stars to part ways with Robertson, it’s Chicago.

Robertson is headed toward restricted free agency, and with his next contract expected to be a rather lucrative one, the Stars — who have maintained that they have no intention of moving the 26-year-old just yet — could ultimately part ways with him.

What makes Robertson even more tantalizing as a trade target is that he has played in all 82 games four years in a row. He has also rattled off over 40 goals three times thus far in his NHL career, and back in 2022-23, he accumulated 109 points en route to an All-Star appearance.

We know that Connor Bedard is one of the top young players in the sport, but he needs another player alongside of him. Tyler Bertuzzi has been impressive, but the Blackhawks definitely need another wing. Robertson could be the answer.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are in the midst of one of their worst stretches in franchise history, as they have missed the playoffs six years in a row. That marks their longest drought since 1952.

On the bright side, the Blackhawks have shown some signs of improvement the past couple of seasons, going from 52 points to 61 to 72. They still finished in last place in the Central Division by a rather wide margin this past year, but at least they made some progress.

Chicago is, for the most part, an incredibly young team that clearly has potential, but it absolutely needs to add some established talent in order to reach that next level.

The good news is that the Blackhawks have around $40 million in cap space this summer, and while extending Connor Bedard will probably be their top priority, they also need to put some serious pieces around him, as well.

On that note, Michael DeRosa of Heavy has linked Chicago to a very intriguing name in free agency: winger Alex Tuch.

Chicago Blackhawks linked to Alex Tuch in NHL free agency

Tuch is playing for a tough Buffalo Sabres squad that is currently in the NHL playoffs, and the Sabres might do everything they can to re-sign him. However, with Buffalo possessing just $13 million in cap room, that may prove difficult.

The 30-year-old racked up 33 goals and 36 assists this season and would represent a terrific complement to Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi, the latter of whom led the Blackhawks with a career-high 32 goals in 2025-26. Now, imagine adding Tuch on the other side?

Tuch is being projected by some to bag an eight-year, $64 million contract this offseason, identical to the deal Nick Schmaltz — who, like Tuch, is 30 years old — just received from the Utah Mammoth. Chicago can definitely afford that, so the question may come down to whether or not Tuch wants to play for a team that has been regularly missing the playoffs.

The Syracuse, N.Y. native began his NHL career with the Minnesota Wild in 2016 but spent just one season there before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. He resided in the desert for four seasons before being dealt to the Sabres in 2021, which was when he really broke out.

Tuch registered a career-best 36 goals during his debut campaign in Buffalo and equaled that mark in 2024-25, when he led the league with six short-handed scores.

Chicago would certainly be wise to pursue him, but would he be interested?

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The Chicago Blackhawks are in a position to significantly improve the roster with the fourth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. They have cap space and a premier pick to fill massive holes on the roster. We will not know who they are selecting until June 26, but there are a lot of different directions the franchise can go. Let’s take a look at one outlet’s mock draft and discuss what that selection would do for the team.

Ivar Stenberg is a Chicago Blackhawk in The Athletic’s latest mock draft

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman wrote a one-round 2026 NHL mock draft. Chicago has the fourth pick and selects left winger Ivar Stenberg from the Swedish Hockey League. Below is the section regarding the pick and why this makes sense:

“I think the dream for Chicago is to add a dynamic scorer to eventually pair with Connor Bedard. Stenberg’s electric puck skills fits the bill, though there are still mixed opinions on how high he ultimately goes. Some think he could be gone by No. 4, but history lacks precedent of two 5-foot-11 wingers going at the very top of the draft.”

The first three picks saw Gavin McKenna, Chase Reid, and Caleb Malhotra taken, so they had some choices to make. Chicago has holes they need to fill and a handful of players who could be selected if this is how the board falls.

Stenberg recorded 33 total points (11 goals, 22 assists) across 43 games for Frolunda HC in the 2025-26 season. He also participated in the 2026 World Junior U-20 Championships, and across seven games, Stenberg posted 10 points (four goals, six assists). This would be a major addition to the team, as he could compete with Frank Nazar for the starting spot. Another potential fit would be to move either him or Nazar to the right wing to get both on the ice.

The Blackhawks certainly could use another offensive weapon or two, as they finished 30th with 210 total goals (2.56 goals per game). Chicago has some weaknesses throughout the roster, but selecting Stenberg would significantly improve the franchise.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have certainly shown some improvement over the last couple of seasons, but they are still a long way away from contention.

The Blackhawks finished 29-39-14 this past year, good for last in the Central Division by a wide margin. They have also now missed the playoffs six seasons in a row, representing their longest drought since 1952.

For a franchise that won three Stanley Cup championships between 2010 and 2015, it has been a depressing fall, to say the least.

But there is reason for optimism thanks to an impressive crop of young talent led by Connor Bedard and a group of incredibly young defensemen oozing with potential. However, not all of those players will remain in Chicago long term.

It seems likely — if not definite — that the Blackhawks will trade out of their surplus of defensemen, and perhaps the most notable trade candidate out of all of them is Kevin Korchinski.

Chicago Blackhawks could trade Kevin Korchinski

During a recent episode of Daily Faceoff, Tyler Yaremchuk and Steven Peters discussed Chicago’s offseason and what the Blackhawks can do to try and bolster their chances of making a run next season and beyond, and while extending Bedard was obviously a central talking point, Peters also brought up the possibility of swinging a big trade.

More specifically, Peters thinks Chicago should move at least one defenseman, and he zeroed in on Korchinski in particular.

“Right now, they’ve got seven or eight defensemen all under 25, all that could be NHL, everyday players. You don’t need eight of them,” Peters said. “So not only are they expendable, they are valuable assets. So you can take those assets, put a draft pick along with a Kevin Korchinski, trade that, get a player that can help you now.”

The Blackhawks own four draft picks this summer, with three of them being second-rounders. Next year, however, Chicago owns three first-round selections, so the Blackhawks absolutely can afford to put together a package featuring Korchinski and a draft choice to land an established player who can make Chicago better immediately.

Korchinski was originally selected by the Blackhawks with the seventh overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, but after playing in 76 games during his rookie campaign, the 21-year-old has appeared in a grand total of 29 contests the last two season combined.

There is no question that Korchinski still has trade value, so Chicago may be able to convince another team to move a good veteran in such a deal.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a pivotal offseason in which they have a nice chunk of cap room and plenty of assets to swing some trades, but the most critical part of their future is centered around Connor Bedard.

Bedard just completed his third NHL campaign and is now a restricted free agent, and while the Blackhawks can match any offer made to the young center, Chicago cannot ignore this elephant in the room.

The 20-year-old racked up 30 goals and 45 assists this past season and was the driving force behind the Blackhawks improving from 61 points to 72 points between the last two years, so why should general manager Kyle Davidson hesitate in securing Bedard’s contract?

Tyler Yaremchuk of Daily Faceoff thinks the Blackhawks should act now, not only to get Bedard locked up, but so they can get a better understanding of their future, as well.

Chicago Blackhawks urged to extend Connor Bedard now

Bedard has insisted that he isn’t really thinking about what his long-term deal could look like, but that is probably just diplomacy on his part.

There is no question that the former No. 1 overall pick has a chance to become the highest-paid player in the league, and Chicago obviously knows that, too. The last thing the Blackhawks need is a disgruntled Bedard, and Yaremchuk explained the situation very well.

“This summer, they have $40 million in cap space. They’re projected to have north of $80 million the following summer,” Yaremchuk said. “If it costs you [$16-18 million], I just think you need to go and get Connor Bedard locked up for the full max term, just to get that cost certainty so you can build around him and know exactly how much you have to spend in each of the next few summers.”

Yaremchuk makes a terrific point. Chicago has missed the playoffs six years in a row, its longest drought since 1952. The Blackhawks absolutely cannot screw this up. Not just in terms of Bedard individually, but also regarding their overall financial situation.

If Chicago acts quickly and signs Bedard to a lucrative extension now, it would keep its star player happy while also giving the Blackhawks a blueprint on how they can attack the rest of the roster.

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Chicago Blackhawks fans are longing for the days when they won three Stanley Cup championships within a span of six seasons between 2010 and 2015, which was also smack dab in the middle of a run where the Blackhawks made nine straight playoff appearances.

Things have not been quite as swell since.

Chicago has only made it to the postseason once since last winning a Stanley Cup and has missed the playoffs six years in a row, its longest drought since 1952. The Blackhawks went 29-39-14 this past season, finishing last in the Central Division by a significant margin.

However, there seems to be hope for the future in the Windy City, as the Blackhawks have shown improvement over the last couple of seasons. They have also positioned themselves for a pretty exciting offseason, as they own a nice chunk of cap room and could swing some trades.

Steve Peters and Tyler Yaremchuk discussed the latter during a recent episode of the Daily Faceoff.

Chicago Blackhawks could do some wheeling and dealing

Peters was encouraged with what he saw from Chicago in 2025-26 and thinks the Blackhawks are absolutely a team to watch this summer.

“So you can take those assets, put a draft pick along with a Kevin Korchinski, trade that, get a player that can help you now,” Peters said. “… You look at Anaheim, Utah and San Jose, all getting that youth and that speed, and they see the future. Chicago is there, they’re just two years behind, and they might be the best of the four teams that are in that group when they get through this rebuild, and you have to do it by sprinkling in the right pieces around the young talent.”

Chicago owns four draft picks this year, with three of them coming in the second round. Next summer, the Blackhawks will have a trio of first-round draft choices at their disposal, so between Chicago’s draft capital and its cap situation (it is slated to have around $80 million in cap room next offseason), there is no question that Jeff Blashill’s club finds itself in a pretty good situation a the moment.

Peters specifically thinks the Blackhawks may need to package some of their young talent for a proven veteran, noting that Chicago has a glut of young defensemen that should probably be utilized as trade bait — like Korchinski.

The Blackhawks could end up being one of the most active teams in the NHL this summer, so it’s certainly an exciting time for the fanbase.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are in critical need of a spark after having missed the playoffs six seasons in a row, and they are hoping to get it with the fourth overall pick of the NHL Draft.

There has been some buzz that winger Ivar Stenberg could slip to No. 4, which would be music to Blackhawks’ fans ears. And if the Toronto Maple Leafs do not pull the trigger on Stenberg with the top overall selection in the draft, Chicago may get its wish.

That’s assuming, of course, no other teams trade up to try and acquire him.

The biggest wild card here is the San Jose Sharks, who own the No. 2 pick and may be willing to trade out of it. That could mean another team may move up to snatch Stenberg from under the Blackhawks’ noses, and that appears to be a real possibility, according to a report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

Chicago Blackhawks could lose out on Ivar Stenberg

Chicago is in dire need of a winger to put alongside of star center Connor Bedard, and Stenberg could be the answer the club is looking for.

However, Pagnotta is getting the sense that the Sharks could sabotage those hopes in the Windy City.

“I think San Jose is serious about wanting to listen, excuse me, willing to listen on that second-overall pick,” Pagnotta said. “I could see Vancouver with motivation to move up. I could see the Rangers with motivation to move up. I think Calgary with motivation to move up. We’ll see kind of where that goes. It’s super fresh, and we’ve got what, five-six weeks? But there’s runway there where San Jose is going to be a pretty attractive team for clubs looking to move up to get basically, again, argument’s sake, [Ivar] Stenberg at No. 2.”

The St. Louis Blues are also a significant threat, as they own three first-round draft picks. That being said, their highest draft choice is at No. 11, and it’s debatable as to whether or not the Sharks would want to move down that far.

What San Jose decides to do with the No. 2 overall pick will almost surely have a major impact on what the Blackhawks can do at No. 4. Hopefully, things fall into place for Chicago, but at this point, it’s looking rather bleak.

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Chicago sports are not built around one team, one season or one kind of fan. The city has year-round coverage because the calendar never really goes quiet. When the Bears slow down, the Bulls or Blackhawks are in motion. When baseball starts, the Cubs and White Sox pull attention in opposite directions across town.

That is what makes Chicago different. Coverage stretches across leagues, neighborhoods, rivalries and media habits.

The Big Four Aren’t the Whole Map

Most people start with the Bears, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox. That makes sense. They carry decades of history, huge fan bases and national recognition. But Chicago sports coverage goes wider than that.

The Blackhawks, Fire and Sky all add their own layers. College sports, local prospects, minor-league updates and neighborhood-level fandom make the picture even broader. A good beginner’s guide to Chicago’s sports teams shows why the city is not easy to summarize in one season or one league.

The Coverage Stack

Chicago sports coverage works in layers.

• Live games: the obvious starting point.
• Beat reporting: daily updates from practices, injuries and roster changes.
• Analysis: what a trade, draft pick or coaching move actually means.
• Podcasts and radio: where fan arguments get louder and more personal.
• Social clips: highlights, quotes and reactions spreading in minutes.
• Fan forums: the place where optimism and panic often sit side by side.

That stack is why one game can turn into a full week of discussion.

Following Chicago Sports Across Devices

The modern Chicago fan rarely follows everything from one screen. Scores come through apps. Clips show up on social media. Podcasts play during commutes. Articles get saved for later. Some fans manage logins across phones, laptops, tablets and smart TVs.

For people who care about stable account access or consistent privacy settings across devices, a tool like PIA dedicated ip can sit inside the broader tech setup. It is not the center of sports coverage, but it can be one piece of how someone manages their online routine.

A City With More Than One Sports Identity

Chicago does not have one single sports personality. The North Side and South Side baseball split alone makes that clear. The Bears create a different kind of citywide noise than the Bulls. The Blackhawks bring another tradition. The Sky have built their own modern fan base.

A broader look at Chicago sports teams makes that variety obvious. The city’s coverage is wide because the teams serve different audiences, histories and rituals.

Where Local Networks Changed the Picture

The media side matters too. Local broadcasts, team-owned channels and regional sports coverage shape how fans follow games when they are not in the building.

Recent moves around comprehensive Chicago sports coverage show how networks are trying to serve fans who want more than live games. Pregame shows, postgame reaction and around-the-clock programming all expand the sports conversation.

The Real Width of the Chicago Sports Beat

Chicago sports coverage is wide because the city gives reporters and fans too much to ignore. There is always another matchup, another rumor, another rebuild, another hot streak, another collapse or another reason to argue.

The beat does not end when the game ends. In Chicago, that is often when it really starts.

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The Chicago Blackhawks were able to get the fourth pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, thanks to the ping-pong balls going against them. This was the furthest down they could wind up in the lottery, but there is still a bevy of talent available for them to select. The Athletic did a mock draft following the NHL Draft Lottery, but who did they have the Blackhawks taking? Let’s take a closer look at what general manager Kyle Davidson could do when the team is on the clock.

The Chicago Blackhawks add a solid defenseman in The Athletic’s 2026 NHL mock draft

The Athletic did a mock draft of the lottery teams, and each team’s writer would select the player. Chicago’s Scott Powers would have the Blackhawks taking defenseman Carson Carels of the Western Hockey League with the fourth pick. Below is what he wrote regarding the selection:

“The Blackhawks would love to add another elite forward to their roster pool, but they’d be left with little choice if the draft played out this way. In a draft with a lot of high-end defensemen, this would present the Blackhawks with the opportunity to draft whomever they see as the best defenseman. Carels would check a lot of boxes for them as a left-handed defenseman who is big, physical, competitive and possesses a hard shot. He could be na ideal defensive partner for Artyom Levshunov or Sam Rinzel, the Blackhawks’ two defenseman first-round picks. I do think the Blackhawks would listen to trade offers for this pick.”

The first three picks saw Gavin McKenna go to Toronto, Ivar Stenberg go to San Jose, and Caleb Malhotra go to Vancouver. With two wingers and a center off the board, this is not the ideal draft board for the Blackhawks. You’d like to think trading the fourth pick could be on the table if this is how things play out. He has played the previous three years in the WHL for the Prince George Cougars and really stepped up offensively this season. He played in 58 regular season games and recorded 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) with a +23 goal differential on the ice. In the 10 playoff games, he recorded 10 points (one goal, nine assists), so he can be an immediate impactful player.

It will be intriguing to see what the Blackhawks think of Carels if he’s on the board when they are on the clock.

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The Chicago Blackhawks entered the 2026 NHL Draft lottery with a good chance to pick inside the top two. They had the second-worst record and with lottery odds, they could pick no worse than fourth.

With a draft that features prospects Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, landing the top pick was the ideal situation. But as the lottery took place, the Blackhawks fell early, and kept falling as they revealed the picks.

Toronto took home the No. 1 overall pick and San Jose also moved up to No. 2. Both beat the odds to get where they ended up while both Chicago and Vancouver fell. It wasn’t ideal and now, the Blackhawks are being considered a loser from Tuesday night.

Chicago Blackhawks named a loser in 2026 NHL Draft Lottery

With the Blackhawks still in a rebuild, this was another chance to add a big player to the roster. Potentially a star, as well to go along with Connor Bedard on the front line. But that isn’t happening and now, they are being labeled as one of the losers in the draft.

The USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Brehm wrote on his winners and losers, here is what he said about the Blackhawks:

The Blachawks, the league’s second-worst team, could have had Stenberg or McKenna to play alongside Connor Bedard and Anton Frondell. But they drop to the fourth pick.

Picking fourth is a disappointment but it’s not the end of the world. The Blackhawks could still land a premier talent at No. 4 overall. Right now, they are being mocked to land Boston University’s Caleb Malhotra, a center that could provide a boost to the position.

The Blackhawks will certainly do their homework on the prospects. But for now, it’s hard to not feel a little disappointment.

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The ping pong balls have spoken, and the Chicago Blackhawks will pick fourth in the 2026 NHL draft. They dropped two spots from having the second-worst record in the NHL last season, with a 13.5% chance of winning the first overall pick heading into the draw. It was as far as they could drop in the draft.

Your 2026 NHL Draft Lottery results are LOCKED 🔒

Where did your team land? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/r41q8Af62f

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 5, 2026

The Maple Leafs won the draft lottery and will likely draft Penn State superstar Gavin McKenna, with the Sharks winning the second pick and the Canucks dropping to the third pick. All in all, it was a very disappointing night for the Blackhawks and their fans.

Chicago Blackhawks at pick No. 4

Several things are tough to swallow: going from the second pick to the fourth, and the fact that the Blackhawks won’t get that conditional pick from the Panthers. Not to mention it was the Blackhawks’ fourth straight year of last-place finishes. They got the fortune with Connor Bedard a few years ago, but this was quite the opposite of fortune.

What will the fourth overall selection look like? Several mocks have the fourth spot being a landing place for defensemen Chase Reid, Carson Carels, or Alberts Smits. Going with a defenseman would not necessarily be surprising for the Blackhawks.

There is also the possibility of using the pick in a trade. The Blackhawks have assets, and it’s really time to take a big step forward. Do they go bold? It really feels like they should; this rebuild process has inched along for six seasons now. A rebuild can only be inched along so long before making a big move, and the young core and team are over being bottom feeders.

Davidson showed he can gain draft picks and build a farm; now we see what he can do to take the next step. This fourth pick could be key ammunition for that next step.

The post Chicago Blackhawks drop to the fourth pick in 2026 NHL draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Blackhawks just went through another season of their rebuild, missing the playoffs again. Now, the Blackhawks enter yet another offseason which is critical to the future.

This year, they will have a guaranteed top four pick for the NHL Draft hoping to land No. 1 overall and top prospect Gavin McKenna. But what will they do in free agency? This won’t be a strong free agency class this offseason, so the options will be limited for the Blackhawks.

However, there are still some intriguing options and one reporter believes they will make a run at them.

Will Chicago Blackhawks make a run at top unrestricted free agents?

The big fish in the free agent market have already signed and won’t be hitting the market. With players like Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, Artemi Panari and Adrian Kempe off the market, it’s put a damper on the excitement of landing a big fish.

But Matt Larkin of the Daily Faceoff, the Blackhawks are expected to make a run at some other top free agents:

Chicago could take a run at the top remaining UFA, Sabres right winger Alex Tuch, or breakout Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh, and they have the cap space to overpay and win a bidding war, but Davidson also needs to consider the trade route. He’s in an advantageous position with a prospect pool so incredibly deep that his 10^th-best youngster might be a top prospect on several other NHL teams. You can spare a Moore or a Sacha Boisvert, for instance, when Frondell and probably Kantserov project to be fixtures next season and beyond.

There’s some room for Davidson to make a splash. But as Larkin notes, it could be through the trade market. Getting one of the top two in McKenna or Ivar Stenberg would be huge for the Blackhawks. Even so, they need to find a way to build around Connor Bedard and get more talent for the young star.

It should be another interesting offseason for the franchise.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have been looking to find ways to improve the roster after finishing the regular season with the second-worst record. They have a lot of cap space and draft capital to help them improve during the offseason as well. Whether they decide to make selections or look at adding a big fish via free agency or trade, Chicago could be massive players in the offseason.

After the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the annual tradition of trying to move off one of the top stars in the sport continues. Let’s take a look at why one outlet believes the Blackhawks could be the landing spot for a superstar.

Bleacher Report names the Chicago Blackhawks as a potential Connor McDavid landing spot

Bleacher Report’s Lyle Fitzsimmons wrote an article highlighting some potential landing spots for Connor McDavid if he were to be traded this offseason. Buckle up, Blackhawks fans, as they were listed as a possible home for the three-time Hart Trophy winner. Below is a snippet of what Fitzsimmons wrote about Chicago:

“The Blackhawks are loaded with cap space and prospects, and it’s hard to imagine just how much league boss Gary Bettman would relish seeing the game’s best player in an Original Six market alongside a young star like Connor McDavid. But they’re not nearly as close to contending as the Sharks, having finished 31st of 32 teams in 2025-26, which won’t help entice McDavid if he’s in on the would-be destination decision.”

The Blackhawks still can be a massive destination for McDavid, as they will have a major 1-2 punch on the front line with him and Connor Bedard. They have a projected $40.2 million in cap space for the 2026-27 season, so they can easily absorb the $12.5 million hit on McDavid’s contract, as well as signing Bedard as a restricted free agent this summer. In terms of enticing Edmonton, the Blackhawks have that too. They have four first-round picks and five second-round picks in the next two drafts.

It takes two to make a trade happen, but if the Oilers are ready to build for the future, Chicago can land a superstar. It will be intriguing to see if general manager Kyle Davidson wants to swim in those waters.

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Sportsbooks price probability, not passion. They build models on injury reports, roster depth, historical ATS records, and Vegas sharp money. What they have never fully been able to price is Chicago. Across five major franchises, the Windy City has produced some of the most disorienting moments in betting history: championship droughts that ended with stunning violence, dynasties that materialized out of nowhere, and single games that wiped out entire books of carefully calculated lines.

This article maps seven of those moments in chronological order, from the 1985 Bears’ historic Super Bowl demolition to the 2016 Cubs’ unforgettable Game 7 comeback. Each one is a case study in why the biggest upsets in sports history so often carry a Chicago area code.

When Chicago rewrote the odds: a city built on upsets

Few American cities have as complicated a relationship with sports betting markets as Chicago. With the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and White Sox all competing at the highest level across different decades, the city has given bookmakers more than enough data to work with. And yet, again and again, that data has been proven insufficient.

The pattern is consistent: a Chicago team enters a high-stakes moment either undervalued, dismissed, or caught in a drought so long that oddsmakers treat a title run as a statistical impossibility. What follows is rarely what the models predicted. Whether it was Jordan’s Bulls dismantling established dynasties, the Blackhawks ending a half-century of failure, or the Cubs finally breaking a 108-year curse, the city has repeatedly demonstrated that championship narratives resist algorithmic prediction.

These are the seven moments that made bookmakers rethink their spreadsheets.

The 7 Chicago moments that left bookmakers speechless

1. The 1985 Bears: a perfect season that ended in a 46-10 demolition

The 1985 Chicago Bears were heavily favored heading into Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots, and most of the betting market reflected that. What no sportsbook adequately priced was the sheer scale of what was coming.

Coach Mike Ditka’s team finished the regular season 15-1, surrendered just 10 points in three postseason games before the Super Bowl, and then proceeded to dismantle New England 46-10, which at the time was the largest margin of victory in Super Bowl history. The Bears held the Patriots to seven rushing yards for the entire game.

Bettors who backed New England not only lost their wager but watched one of the most one-sided championship performances the NFL had ever seen. That season marked a turning point in how Chicago fans engaged with betting markets, and it planted the seed for a city-wide relationship with sports wagering that endures today. As the landscape evolved, so did the ways fans placed their bets, moving from smoky back rooms to offshore books, and eventually to the modern wave of non-AAMS online casinos that accept Paysafecard, offering faster transactions and greater privacy for players.

2. The 1991 Bulls: Jordan at +300, nobody believed it

This one’s wild with hindsight. By 1991, Jordan had already won five straight scoring titles. He’d won the MVP in ’88. Everyone on earth knew who Michael Jordan was. Still, the books had the Bulls at +300 to win it all before that season.

Why? Detroit had knocked them out two years in a row, that’s why, and the market was fixated on the Pistons’ physical style shutting down MJ. The lines didn’t notice just how much Scottie Pippen had leveled up, or how locked-in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense had become.

Chicago swept Detroit and beat the Lakers in five to win their first of six championships in eight years. Anyone who had faith and took +300 got paid, big time. Looking back, it’s hard to believe the books missed that badly.

3. The 1995–96 Bulls: 72 wins and a betting line that defied history

The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls are widely regarded as the greatest team in NBA history, and yet the preseason market did not price them that way. Coming off Jordan’s return from his first retirement, the Bulls were not the prohibitive favorites that hindsight would suggest.

Once the season began, it became clear that the market had miscalculated. Chicago finished 72-10, the best record in NBA history at the time, went 46-33-1 against the spread during the regular season, and steamrolled through the playoffs to their fourth championship. The addition of Dennis Rodman alongside Jordan and Scottie Pippen created a roster imbalance that most models had not fully accounted for.

The 1995-96 Bulls remain the standard against which all dominant NBA seasons are measured, and they remain one of the clearest examples of a team whose ceiling was structurally underpriced before a single game was played.

• Regular season record: 72-10, best in NBA history at the time
• ATS record: 46-33-1 across the regular season
• Playoffs: 15-3, culminating in a six-game Finals win over the Seattle SuperSonics
• Combined record: 87-13, the best combined regular season and postseason mark in NBA history

4. The 2010 Blackhawks: ending a 49-year drought nobody saw coming

When the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010, it ended a 49-year championship drought stretching back to 1961. For nearly five decades, the franchise had been priced accordingly: long odds, low expectations, and minimal betting action on futures markets. The 2009-10 season changed everything.

Led by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and a deep defensive core, Chicago navigated a brutal Western Conference bracket before defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games, with Kane scoring the overtime winner in Game 6 to clinch the title.

The win shocked a market that had spent years treating the Blackhawks as a non-factor in Stanley Cup futures. More significantly, it announced the beginning of a dynasty that bookmakers would spend the next five years trying to correctly price, and largely failing.

5. The 2013 Blackhawks: 17 seconds that broke Boston’s heart

If the 2010 Cup was the upset that announced the dynasty, the 2013 Stanley Cup Final was the moment that defined it. Chicago entered Game 6 against the Boston Bruins holding a 3-2 series lead but trailing 2-1 with just 76 seconds remaining in the third period. Boston was moments away from forcing a Game 7 at the United Center, and live betting markets had shifted heavily toward the Bruins. What followed became one of the most devastating sequences in NHL history for anyone who had money on Boston.

Bryan Bickell tied the game with 76 seconds left on a feed from Jonathan Toews. Then, 17 seconds later, Dave Bolland scored to give Chicago a 3-2 lead. The Bruins could not respond. Chicago won the Cup on the road, and the phrase “17 seconds” entered the permanent vocabulary of sports betting as a reminder of how quickly an implied probability can collapse.

6. The 2015 Blackhawks: three Cups in six years, a dynasty the books kept mispricing

By 2015, the Blackhawks were no longer an underdog story. They were recognized as one of the most dominant franchises in the sport and entered the season as co-favorites to win the Stanley Cup at 13/2. And yet the market continued to underestimate the full scope of what Chicago was building. Winning three championships in six years is an achievement that places the Blackhawks among the greatest dynasties in NHL history, alongside the 1980s Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens of the 1970s.

2015 title, won against the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games, validated a model of sustained excellence that futures bettors who had backed Chicago in the early years of the dynasty had profited from consistently. The broader lesson for the market was clear: dynasty pricing is systematically conservative, and Chicago had exploited that gap repeatedly.

7. The 2016 Cubs: baseball’s most surreal betting story

Start with 11-1 preseason odds. That’s what the Cubs faced in 2016, talented, yes, but still carrying 108 years of misery. As the team rolled through summer, odds got shorter. By the World Series, Chicago was the favorite. But after dropping three of the first four to Cleveland, live markets were all-in on the Indians.

Then the Cubs tied the series. Game 7 was bonkers. Chicago leads 6-3, blows it, rain delay, extra innings, and then the Cubs finally win. The curse is dead, futures tickets suddenly worth a small fortune. A good number of winners never even cashed out. They framed those slips instead. That says it all: some paydays mean more than money.

What Chicago’s biggest upsets tell us about sports betting and what comes next

Every one of these moments shows the same thing. Bookmakers leaning on old data, missing what was right in front of them, and getting burned as Chicago’s teams showed up with something new. The market lagged when the Bears shattered records in ’85. It took Vegas years to believe the Bulls were inevitable, and even longer to accept that the Blackhawks’ run was not a fluke. The pattern keeps repeating, and it keeps costing people money.

So who is next? The Bears are the obvious pick. After Ben Johnson’s first season, 11-6 with a playoff run and Caleb Williams breaking franchise passing records, oddsmakers still placed Chicago at +2500 for 2026. Analysts called it disrespectful. That gap between what this team showed on the field and what the books assigned them is precisely the kind of mistake that has preceded every major Chicago moment on this list.

The Cubs deserve attention too. They enter 2026 as NL Central favorites, added Alex Bregman at third base, and have spent two seasons consistently outperforming their projected win totals. As for the Blackhawks, Connor Bedard turns 21 this season. The last time Chicago had a generational talent that young, the books spent a decade playing catch-up.

Vegas will get it wrong again. Chicago teams have a way of making sure of that. The only open question is which jersey it happens in, and how long the market takes to notice.

The post Biggest upsets in sports history: 7 Chicago moments that shocked the bookmakers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Despite their fourth straight last place finish, the Chicago Blackhawks were still among the top in NHL attendance in 2025-2026. They drew 776,908 fans at the United Center, the fifth-most in the NHL, and averaged 18,949 fans per home game. Per the Chicago Sun Times Blackhawks beat Ben Pope, they sold out 18 games last season.

Blackhawks attendance: 20,397

Hawks finish out the season with their 18th sellout. This crowd is LOUD, too. pic.twitter.com/wb9hPpjPSJ

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 16, 2026

The Blackhawks were still well attended.

One can argue there is a bit of a mislead with those attendance numbers. The United Center’s non-standing-room seating capacity is 19,717, the fourth-highest in the league. The capacity percentage for the season was 96.1%, which was around middle of the road in the NHL. The point being, the Blackhawks drew more fans than most teams because they could hold more, but they filled the arena to capacity or above only a handful of times.

On the other hand, the fact that the Blackhawks could still draw that many people after being more than a decade removed from playoff success shows that the games are still a place people like to go. There are plenty of bad teams that drew far fewer fans, both in total and in capacity percentage terms, than the Blackhawks. Just because the amphitheater is big does not mean it will draw (X) people. Many recall 20 years ago, when the United Center was lucky to get 16,000 spectators inside. The Blackhawks drew under 17,000 fans only five times, mostly on weeknights against non-rival or premier matchups.

All things considered, it was a well-attended season for the Blackhawks. While the results were not there in terms of wins, and patience is waning thin, there were some things to watch with Connor Bedard and young prospects. The team’s centennial anniversary likely also helped draw some people to the games. With all that being said, it’s time for the Blackhawks to win because the fans are more than ready for that again.

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The topic of a looming contract extension for Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard was hard to avoid on Thursday during the team’s exit meetings.

Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, finished the season with a career-high 75 points on 30 goals and 45 assists through 69 games. Chicago finished the season with a 29-39-14 record, the second-worst record in the league.

Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bedard made it clear that he thought he was ready to be named a team captain for next season.

On the subject of a contract extension with Chicago, Bedard gave a terse response to a question about his future. He wants to stay with the Blackhawks.

“I know I want to be here, and we’ll get it done soon,” Bedard said. “I don’t think if it’s not done in a month, there’s any worry.”

General manager Kyle Davidson, who recently signed a contract extension with the organization, suggested the team will have to balance giving Bedard a “fair” salary and keeping enough cap space to build a championship-caliber roster around him.

Contract negotiations could test how much Bedard wants to win, because Davidson appears ready to give his star forward a lesser salary in the promise of putting together a roster that can make the playoffs, something Chicago hasn’t participated in since 2020.

Connor Bedard wants the Chicago Blackhawks to win

Bedard said he’s tired of playing on a team that doesn’t have a chance of making the postseason.

“This kind of has to be the last year of, obviously the games aren’t meaningless, but not playing until the end of the year,” Bedard said, via the NHL. “Playing for something in the playoff standings. That’s on us as individuals. I take a lot of responsibility for that and feel like we can all just pull with the same rope.

“You saw that for kind of the first half of the year. We were in that (playoff) spot and then things kind of, we slid a little bit. As my production went down, I feel responsible for that, which adds motivation. I think all our guys are ready to make that push.”

Now it’s on Davidson to make that push in the offseason.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks will finish their season on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks, but the future of general manager Kyle Davidson was decided before the contest.

The Blackhawks entered the game with a 28-39-14 overall record. Chicago’s 70 points are the second worst in the league. It will be the fourth year in a row the team has finished eighth in the Central Division.

The Blackhawks took off the interim tag and named Davidson the full-time general manager in March of 2022. He has not helped the Blackhawks make the playoffs since navigating a lengthy rebuild. Chicago’s last postseason appearance was in 2020.

On Wednesday, Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz revealed on CHSN that Davidson was extended before the offseason. Chicago believes Davidson is building the best talent pipeline in the league.

“Kyle’s in everything we’ve expected when he got the job,” Wirtz said. “His first task was to rebuild our prospect pool–if you remember, and you were all there, our cupboard was pretty bare. We didn’t have a lot coming in. And he very systematically and very confidently rebuilt that to where I truly believe right now we have the best prospect pool in the NHL.

“Many of those prospects are now actual NHL players, contributing, and, you know, highly impactful on our team. And then, of course, you know, I think we have a really nice visibility to a pipeline of players that will continue to join the Blackhawks over the coming years.”

#Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz announced that the team has extended GM Kyle Davidson: pic.twitter.com/P1mysQX9tU

— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) April 16, 2026

The Blackhawks’ 70 points and 28 wins are the most the team has had under Davidson by nine points. The 2024-25 team earned 61 points.

Chicago Blackhawks believe in Kyle Davidson

Wirtz thinks Davidson will build a championship-caliber team.

“We didn’t hire Kyle to be the prospect GM,” Wirtz said. “He is building a championship-caliber team, and so I think, you know, probably goes to the point of we’ve extended Kyle’s contract.

“We are committing to Kyle to continue the plan that he has put in place, we feel confident in that we believe that he has the right insight, the right team around him.”

When that team comes around is anyone’s guess.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks have officially clinched a top-four pick in the upcoming NHL draft, with a 13.5% chance to win the lottery. And it’s a draft that has prized prospect Gavin McKenna.

They locked themselves at the 31 spot with 70 points heading into their final two games, only ahead of the Vancouver Canucks. It’s the fourth consecutive year the Blackhawks get a top-four pick, though it’s the first time since 2019-2020 they eclipsed the 70-point mark.

The Blackhawks are now locked into 31st place. They're guaranteed a top-four draft pick for the fourth consecutive year.

They'll have a 13.5-percent chance at winning the lottery, 14.1 percent for the No. 2 pick, 30.7 percent for No. 3 and 41.7 percent for No. 4.

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) April 13, 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks have a shot at Gavin McKenna

If the Blackhawks win the lottery, sitting for the taking is Penn State’s Gavin McKenna. The 18-year old Canadian winger tallied 51 points in 35 games with Penn State this past NCAA season, as well as 14 points in seven games in the 2026 World Juniors tournament. Previously, he tallied 129 points in 2024-2025 with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. The ultimate dream for any Blackhawks fan would be Connor Bedard and McKenna on the same team.

https://Twitter.com/PSUBarstool/status/2025414616113688857/video/1

Picks 2-4 will still have some intriguing talent for the taking. There is a collection of defensemen projected to go high in the draft. Some names include Soo Greyhounds (OHL) Chase Reid, North Dakota’s Keaton Verhoeff, Prince George Cougars (WHL) Carson Carels, and Jukurit Mikkeli’s Alberts Smits. With the Blackhawks building a blue line with prospects, one of these kids could be an anchor for the group.

Least mesmerizing Chase Reid shift #MyFirstOverall pic.twitter.com/NdQqH1mqqM

— Justin Giampietro (@justingiam) April 4, 2026

In terms of other forwards, one of the highest projected players (not named McKenna) is Frolunda HC’s Ivar Stenberg. The 18-year old from Sweden recently scored 10 points in seven games in the 2026 World Juniors. More notably, he was teammates with Blackhawks first-rounder Anton Frondell on the World Juniors Swedish team.

Ivar Stenberg on Anton Frondell

"He has like everything; he is smart on the ice… He is a powerhouse. He can do whatever the coach tells him to do."

After seeing the connection Frondell & Bedard have, I can only imagine how good the #Blackhawks would be if they took Stenberg pic.twitter.com/0fZi4k1VV6

— The Prospect Don (@TheProspectDon) March 28, 2026

This has got to be it with high picks.

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson took over in October 2021 after Stan Bowman left. Since he took over, he has led a full rebuild that is now finishing season five. He’s worked to build draft capital and stack up prospects to rebuild the team primarily through drafting and development.

Rebuilds in the NHL take time, but it’s time to take a big step forward. They simply cannot be a bottom-feeder again next season.

Asking for playoffs might not be realistic, certainly not a Stanley Cup run, but this team should ideally be competitive within the 80-90 point range. They have been inching this rebuild along the past few years, but eventually that leap has to be taken. It might be hard, as the free-agent market does not have many in-prime free agents ready to sign. It might require a combination of getting creative with trades, and these kids take a big step on the ice. That’s on the staff to help develop them to get there, and the talent evaluation to find the right personnel to complement them on a team.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are getting ready for their season to officially come to an end. As a result, they need to figure things out in order to improve for next year. With their young talent, they could be prime candidates for a trade this offseason with a team looking to hit the reset button. Let’s take a closer look at one star player who can wind up pairing with Connor Bedard in the Windy City.

The Chicago Blackhawks could trade for Brady Tkachuk this offseason

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The Chicago Blackhawks have been struggling to figure things out this season, being in the basement of the NHL standings. They have some young talent, but will be without one of those players for an unknown amount of time. Let’s take a closer look at who suffered an injury and what it means going forward.

Chicago Blackhawks rookie Artyom Levshunov suffers a left hand fracture

Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill talked to the media on Sunday and gave an update on one player’s status. He mentioned that rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov suffered a hand fracture and there’s no timetable for his return. The injury took place on Tuesday against the New York Islanders, and he was able to play through it for two games. However, after more imaging was done, the injury was diagnosed as a fracture and took Levshunov out of the lineup.

Levshunov has been struggling a bit to find his footing in the NHL. The second pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has played in 86 career games and recorded 30 points (two goals, 28 assists) thus far. He had not seen any drop in usage, averaging 19:35 of ice time per game. The rookie has some outstanding tools, but they also need him to live up to the hype.

However, he has shown signs ofn the power play, with his ability to be a top defenseman. With nine games remaining in the regular season and no playoffs once again, it will be intriguing to see if the Blackhawks decide to shut down Levshunov for the remainder of the season. Chicago has the most cap space in the NHL this offseason, so getting some players to help him mature into the player he is projected to be will be interesting.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are in a position where they can make a significant addition this offseason. There are some integral players who can be available for the right price. Chicago has strong draft capital after another struggling season. The Toronto Maple Leafs could be looking to move a young star, so let’s take a closer look at why one outlet believes Chicago could be a trade destination for a budding star.

The Chicago Blackhawks are a trade destination for Matthew Knies

The Blackhawks are looking to improve the team this offseason, and there is one way this can happen. Bleacher Report’s Joe Yerdon wrote an article discussing potential landing spots for Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies. Below is what he wrote about this potential scenario:

“Whether you put Knies on Bedard’s wing or Frank Nazar’s wing, it would be a major improvement to what they’re working with now. While Tyler Bertuzzi has had a strong season with Bedard, Chicago just needs more, period. Getting a guy like Knies, who can help rush up the wing and use his strength to get to the net, would only be a boost.

“Sure, adding him in a trade would cost some of their prospects or picks, but Chicago has amassed so many of them at this point that using some to add a quality players is part of the reason why you accumulate draft picks in the first place. They need quality players to better surround Bedard and get back to the playoffs and this would be one way to do that.”

Knies can be a star in waiting as he has recorded 57 points (18 goals, 39 assists) through 68 games this year. Pairing him with Bedard would be an excellent duo that can develop together as they approach their primes. Knies just signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension, so it will not be a low price for him. It will be intriguing to see if general manager Kyle Davidson can pull off a trade of this magnitude.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are wrapping up another season in a rebuild as they enter Tuesday’s game with 65 points, tied for second-worst in the league. While the Blackhawks are struggling this season, the future is looking bright in terms of the rebuild.

And now, fans will get a look at the organization’s top prospect right away.

Chicago decided to call up top prospect Anton Frondell who was playing in the Swedish League Playoffs this past weekend. Once his team was eliminated, he made his way to the team and now he’s ready for his debut.

Anton Frondell to debut against Islanders

After the call up, Frondell is now expected to play on Tuesday and will do so on the top line with Connor Bedard. This comes nine months after he was taken with the third overall pick in the draft.

For Bedard, he’s excited to play alongside Frondell.

“It’s great,” said Bedard via ESPN. “Just throw him in there and give him the minutes, power play and just have him in the same role he was playing in all year.”

This isn’t a case of rushing up a prospect too soon, either. The Blackhawks need to see what they have and it’s clear that Frondell has done enough for Jeff Blashill to bring him up.

If you’re wondering what to expect from Frondell, here was the scouting report for him following the draft selection:

After registering 0.86 points per game in the Allsvenskan, Frondell is without peer among U18 players at that level of hockey. His per-game production outpaces that of William Nylander, David Pastrnak and Filip Forsberg at the same age. He had another seven points in the playoffs as Djugården earned promotion to the SHL.

So why isn’t he a lock to go in the top five? Frondell, oddly enough, underwhelmed against his own age group and early-season injuries knocked him out of some of the biggest competitions.

When he is at his best, Frondell is a hard-driving forward who can get to the interior and score goals. He is committed to two-way ability and physicality to impose his will on games. Which is why a lot of us were perplexed as to why we didn’t see that regularly with his own age group. The inconsistency is a concern, but his best games are better than most other players in this draft, which in a weaker draft year is worth betting on, in my estimation.

The season might be disappointing, but it will be exciting for fans to see Bedard and Frondell play together.

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Ben Johnson’s first season with the Chicago Bears was a success. After 12 years as an assistant coach in the NFL, the Bears finally gave Johnson his first head-coaching opportunity. The 39-year-old rewarded Chicago’s decision by leading the team to an 11-6 record, which was their best regular-season finish since 2018. The Bears also won the NFC North title for the first time in seven years.

Under Johnson’s guidance, the Bears reached the Divisional Round in 2025. They defeated their bitter rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in the Wild Card Round to progress to the next stage of the NFL playoffs. Unfortunately, the Bears came up short against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, 20-17.

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson attends Chicago Blackhawks game

Johnson has been keeping himself busy in the offseason. Earlier this month, the Bears coach was spotted in a Chicago Bulls game hanging out with Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. When he was shown on the Jumbotron, Johnson even pretended to take off his shirt. This was an ode to Johnson’s viral moment during the NFL season, when he celebrated a win over the Packers shirtless.

Johnson was out and about again on Sunday. This time around, the former North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback decided to catch some NHL action. Johnson attended the Chicago Blackhawks’ game against the Nashville Predators at United Center on Sunday.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks)

Johnson’s latest move quickly drew the attention of fans on social media.

“Glad he’s enjoying Chicago,” a comment on Instagram read.

“THATS MY COACH RIGHT THERE,” another said.

“WHAT A MAN!!! 🐻⬇️” a user wrote.

“Omg his kids are so cute! 🥹” a reaction read.

“BENNNNNNNN🥹🥹” said another.

“He should’ve gave his famous speech and I guaranteed the Blackhawks would’ve scored 10 goals😂😂😂😂😂” suggested a fan.

Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, not even Johnson’s presence was enough to inspire them to victory. Chicago lost to Nashville in overtime, 3-2. The Blackhawks fell to 26-31-13 after Sunday’s defeat. It was Chicago’s second straight loss after Friday’s 4-1 home loss at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to get to the next level as a franchise after another lost season. As the front office is preaching patience, the team has been trying to create a juggernaut with young talent, but the wins are not coming as consistently as some would want. Let’s take a look at why one outlet is putting a member of the Blackhawks organization on the hot seat.

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson is on the hot seat

Bleacher Report’s Joe Yeldon wrote an article describing some coaches and general managers who are on the hot seat. One name that popped up was Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. Below is a snippet of why he believes Davidson is on the hot seat:

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The Blackhawks present a particular kind of problem for bettors. A team that sits 7th in the Central Division with a 24-29-11 record does not inspire confidence at first glance, yet these games produce outcomes that reward careful study over casual dismissal. Chicago scores goals in bunches when things click, and they concede them freely when they do not. This volatility creates openings.

Betting on the Blackhawks requires you to abandon the assumption that poor teams offer poor value. The opposite can hold true. Oddsmakers price these games based on public perception, and public perception tends to write off struggling franchises. Your job is to find the gaps between what the lines suggest and what the actual matchup conditions support.

This is a team with Connor Bedard putting up 57 points through 50 games, including 26 goals on a 15.8% shooting conversion rate. The offense has teeth. The defense has holes. Both facts matter when you sit down to analyze any given contest.

Reading the Current Roster Situation

Injuries alter betting calculations more than most bettors acknowledge. Oliver Moore recently suffered a lower-body injury that will keep him out for a considerable stretch. His absence affects lineup depth and shifts ice time allocations across the forward group. Before placing money on any Blackhawks game, you need to check the injury report and understand who fills the gaps.

Tyler Bertuzzi carries 22 goals in 39 games, which ties him for 6th in the league. He has recorded two hat tricks and 10 multi-goal performances this season. When Bertuzzi plays, the Blackhawks possess a secondary scoring threat that opponents must account for. His availability changes the offensive calculus entirely.

Stretching Your Bankroll on Blackhawks Wagers

Sportsbooks compete for bettors with bonus offers, free bet credits, and deposit matches that can extend your betting funds. Scanning the best sportsbook promos alongside loyalty programs and odds boosts specific to NHL games gives you more room to place wagers on teams like Chicago without committing additional capital. Some platforms run hockey-specific promotions during playoff pushes or rivalry matchups.

The Blackhawks sit at 24-29-11, which means their games often carry value on either side. Using promotional credits on a team with a 169-goal offense and 202 goals allowed lets you test betting angles on high-variance matchups without fully risking your own money.

Offensive Output and What It Tells You

Chicago ranks 27th in goals scored with 169 on the season. That number looks poor until you consider the context of specific games. Bedard has posted five points over his last four contests and has reached 60 points, tracking toward a career year. The offense clusters its production. Some nights the puck finds the net repeatedly; other nights it does not.

This clustering pattern matters for totals betting. Blackhawks games trend toward high-scoring affairs given their defensive struggles (202 goals against, 22nd in the league). When you bet the over on a Chicago game, you are banking on both teams contributing. The Blackhawks usually hold up their end of that bargain, for better or worse.

Bedard’s 15 multi-point performances indicate nights when the offense catches fire. Tracking his recent form gives you a data point, though not a guarantee. Hockey remains a team sport, and single players rarely dictate outcomes alone.

Home Ice Considerations

Games at the United Center deserve separate analysis. Home teams in hockey receive certain advantages from last change privileges and crowd support, though these factors carry less weight than in other sports. What matters more for the Blackhawks is travel schedules and back-to-back situations.

A team in rebuild mode with a young core tends to show fatigue more readily than veteran squads. When Chicago plays at home after several road games, the rest factor works in their favor. Conversely, road games at the end of a trip often expose their weaknesses.

Check the schedule before betting any Blackhawks game. Where does this contest fall in their current stretch? Did they play last night? Is the opponent on a back-to-back? These questions affect the outcome more than season-long statistics might suggest.

Betting Against the Blackhawks

Successful betting on a team includes knowing when to bet against them. The Blackhawks give up goals at a rate that makes opposing offenses look good. When Chicago faces a team with strong finishing ability, the opponent’s offensive props become attractive.

You can also consider Chicago as a fade candidate when they face playoff-contending teams with something to prove. The motivation gap between a rebuilding squad and a team fighting for seeding shows up in effort levels during certain periods. Watch for games where the Blackhawks have little to gain and the opponent has much to lose.

Prop Bets Worth Examining

Player props on Blackhawks games offer angles that game lines do not. Bedard’s shot totals and point props draw attention from oddsmakers, which means the lines are usually tight. Lesser-known players sometimes present better value.

Goaltender performance props carry risk given Chicago’s defensive inconsistencies. The team in front affects save percentage and goals against in ways that make goalie props unpredictable. Approach these with caution unless you have specific information about the matchup that others might overlook.

Managing Your Approach Over the Season

No betting strategy survives contact with reality unless you track results and adjust. Keep records of every Blackhawks bet you place. Note the reasoning, the line, and the outcome. After 20 or 30 wagers, patterns emerge. You learn which situations favor your approach and which do not.

The Blackhawks will win some games they should lose and lose some games they should win. This inconsistency frustrates casual observers but creates opportunity for those who study the details. Accept variance as part of the process. Single-game results tell you little. Long-term accuracy tells you everything.

Conclusion

Betting on the Chicago Blackhawks works when you treat each game as its own problem rather than an extension of their season record. Injury reports, schedule spots, and recent form carry more weight than overall standings for a team in transition. The roster has real talent in Bedard and Bertuzzi, surrounded by players still developing. This combination produces unpredictable results that sportsbooks struggle to price correctly. Your edge comes from doing the work that casual bettors skip.

The post How to Bet Successfully on the Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard gave a “friendly” smirk to the crowd in Utah after scoring the overtime winner Thursday night. The Blackhawks 3-2 victory was the second consecutive overtime win, after Frank Nazar blasted the OT GWG against the Mammoth at the United Center on Monday. Bedard finished the game with one goal and one assist. 

The ascention of Bedard is happening before everyone’s eyes, and the likely future captain is showing it in every facet of the game. Thursday night’s game felt like another memorable chapter in that growth.

an instant classic🤩📽️ pic.twitter.com/7PWsCPiBUc

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 13, 2026

Bedard putting Utah fans on notice.

The overtime goal was not the only instance in which Bedard stared down the crowd at The Delta Center. Earlier in the game, he assisted Tyler Bertuzzi’s game-tying goal early in the third period with an incredible pass to his fellow Assistant Captain at the doorstep. After Bertuzzi buried the puck into the back of the net, Bedard turned his head and gave a cold stare into the stands. This put people watching and covering the game on notice.

when someone says they prefer J.Dawgs over Portillos pic.twitter.com/kamtXvXjjV

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 13, 2026

As Bedard gave a nice smirk to the crlackedrtime goal, he did a bit of chirping as his teammates began to mob him on the boards. It’s worth noting that the two teams had gotten a bit chippy Monday night in Chicago, and this win completed the Blackhawks season sweep of the Mammoth. Neither Thursday’s nor Monday’s game had a shortage of drama.

After the game, the Blackhawks posted a brief clip on social media of the players heading back into the locker room, fired up, and Bedard giving a tongue gesture. One Chicago fan might remember Michael Jordan sticking his tongue out in Utah and many other places. These are the kinds of moments a young team remembers and hopefully builds on.

😛 pic.twitter.com/74U3X8bGrF

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 13, 2026

A memorable night for Bedard.

While this was not statistically the best NHL game for Bedard, it’s one that he and Blackhawks fans will remember for a while. It helped further create a more no-nonsense, no-fear reputation for Bedard. He is not the kid who needs a lot of protection anymore.

One could think that a new rivalry with the Mammoth had been created, too. Their fans certainly won’t forget it. The clips of the staredown and chirping into the stands will be replayed on NHL outlets and social media many times.

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The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the most active teams during the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, making a few trades to get future assets. Depending on how you look at it, they did well acquiring draft picks and freeing up cap space, but the talent on the roster makes things a bit less attractive. Let’s take a look at what grade they were able to get for the moves they made before the deadline hit.

The Chicago Blackhawks receive strong grade for their 2026 NHL Trade Deadline moves

Contrary to what the NHL Trade Deadline winners and losers article said, the Blackhawks seemingly had a solid deadline. In an article where each team’s writer graded how they did, Scott Powers of The Athletic gave Chicago a B+ grade for their moves. Below is the snippet talking about why he gave them this mark:

“The Blackhawks were sellers once again. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson added a few more early-round picks to his cupboard by acquiring first– and second-round selections from the Edmonton Oilers. That was beyond expectations heading into this week. Those draft picks now give the Blackhawks five first-round picks and seven second-round picks over the next three years. Of course, that’s on top of the 11 first-round picks and five second-round picks he’s made over the previous four years. That means the Blackhawks will potentially make 16 first-round selections and 12 second-rounders in seven years. The rebuild hinges on the scouting and development of all those picks.”

The Blackhawks are set in terms of having draft capital, with the next seven years being extremely loaded with capital. Whether the team decides to use those picks or deal some away in exchange for players is yet to be seen, but it will be intriguing to see how general manager Kyle Davidson is able to reshape the roster in the not-so-distant future.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the most active teams before Friday’s NHL Trade Deadline hit. They officially hit the rebuild button by trading away multiple veteran players on the roster, and are looking to rebuild the franchise in the draft. General manager Kyle Davidson will need to hit on these picks for the trade deadline to be successful. Let’s take a look at how one outlet believes they did this year.

The Chicago Blackhawks are ruled losers after the NHL Trade Deadline

The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus wrote an article discussing the winners and losers of the NHL Trade Deadline. One of the losers he wrote about were the Blackhawks. Below is what he said regarding the team:

“This is now nine consecutive seasons that the Blackhawks — once perennial buyers — have been on the selling side. GM Kyle Davidson did well to get a first-round pick out of his predecessor, Oilers GM Stan Bowman, by packaging Jason Dickinson (on an expiring contract) and Colton Dach (about to get squeezed out of the lineup by younger players with higher ceilings). Davidson also got decent value for Connor Murphy and earned brownie points with future free agents by doing right by Foligno, sending him to Minnesota to chase the Stanley Cup with his brother. But at some point, don’t the Blackhawks have to start adding to Connor Bedard, not just continue to take from him? Those brownie points don’t mean much if you never bring anybody of consequence in.”

He would continue to explain how building specifically through the draft does not work in the NHL.

“No team has ever successfully built solely through the draft. Every team overvalues its own young players, but at some point, you have to turn picks and prospects and players into assets. A 26-year-old established star in the hand has got to be worth two or three promising lottery tickets in the bush.”

The Blackhawks wound up getting a 2027 first-round and a 2028 second-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers, forward Andrew Mangiapane, and defenseman Derrick Pouliot. They traded away Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, Colton Dach, and Aidan Thompson. It will be intriguing to see how Chicago looks heading into the offseason and if they can turn the franchise around.

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Sad news struck Chicago Blackhawks nation Saturday morning with the passing of former center Troy Murray. He was 63 years old and was fighting a long battle with cancer.

“Muzz” was drafted by the Blackhawks in 1980 in the third round, played 688 games in Chicago, and was part of the team’s broadcasting crew for over two decades. This past October, he was named an ambassador to the team.

We’ll miss you, “Muzz” ️

From all of us here at the Blackhawks, we extend our deepest condolences to Troy’s family and friends, our alumni and the many fans who loved him dearly

📰 https://t.co/uSli2fiTDw pic.twitter.com/bEqGYq34ts

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 7, 2026

Remembering Troy Murray

Before Jonathan Toews wore #19, it was proudly worn by Murray. A native of Calgary, Canada, Murray had an exceptional NHL career spanning 15 years with the Blackhawks, Jets, Senators, Avalanche, and Penguins. He tallied 230 goals and 354 assists in 915 games played from 1981 to 1996. In his final season as an NHL player, he won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. Murray officially retired from playing after a stint with the Chicago Wolves in 1997, during which he played 81 games.

Known for being a very good defensive forward, Murray won the Selke Trophy in 1986 and got votes for the award in seven seasons. He came up clutch on several occasions as a Blackhawk, including scoring an overtime goal on April 2nd, 1989, in the season finale to send the Blackhawks to the playoffs. In his 688 games as a Blackhawk, he ranks 21st in goals in franchise history (197), 18th in assists (291), and 19th in points (488).

What many modern-day fans will remember him for is his work on Blackhawks broadcasts on both TV and radio. Having done broadcast work since 1998 with the Blackhawks, he started as a studio analyst, then as a color commentator with Pat Foley, and then spent over a decade on WGN radio with John Wiedeman. He and Wiedeman had the privilege of calling the dynasty on the radio from 2010 to 2015, providing memorable moments for fans alike. In recent years, Murray had to deal with his illness away from the booth for notable amounts of time, but he always kept fighting and worked when he could.

Murray’s legacy.

This season has been all about honoring the 100-year history of the Blackhawks, and Murray is a key part of that history.

Murray will be remembered by Blackhawks fans for a very long time. His impact as a player and as an in-game educator on the airwaves will have a lasting impact on multiple generations of hockey fans. As will his work as a steward to the community and organization. Not to mention his courage and positive attitude during his battle with cancer serve as an inspiration for fans everywhere.

YouTube has plenty of 720 radio calls from the dynasty; no better time than now to relive them.

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The Chicago Blackhawks were once again sellers at the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday afternoon. Their final move included moving captain Nick Foligno to Minnesota, reuniting him with his brother and sending him to a contender.

With Chicago’s rebuild still on going, eventually the team needs positive results. They already have a star in Connor Bedard who they took No. 1 overall a few years ago and building around him remains the focus.

But what is Bedard’s future in Chicago? One NHL insider had great news regarding his status with a long-term extension.

NHL insider says Connor Bedard is ‘in for the long haul’

During an appearance on CHSN on Thursday, insider Frank Seravalli was asked about Bedard’s future in Chicago. He brought up an extension, telling the hosts that Bedard is here for the long haul.

“Look, I think everyone wants to snap their fingers and make it happen. This has been a lengthy, methodical and patient rebuild. Everyone wants to see the Blackhawks take that next step forward, most important Connor Bedard. But he’s in lock step with the Blackhawks organization in terms of that plan. . . He will be signing a long-term extension at some point this Summer or offseason. The question is for how much? That’s really all that’s left for the Blackhawks and Bedard to figure out. Because he’s in the for the long haul. He gets it. He sees the plan coming together.”

"He's in for the long haul. He gets it. He sees the plan coming together."@frank_seravalli says Connor Bedard will be signing a long-term extension with the #Blackhawks this offseason, it's just a question of for how much. pic.twitter.com/8Czj0lhmSQ

— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) March 6, 2026

There really was never much doubt that Bedard wouldn’t get a long-term extension. It doesn’t make sense for the Blackhawks not to do it and by all means, Bedard hasn’t shown any signs of not wanting to be here.

Now, the next step after locking up Bedard is making sure to get this rebuild sped up as much as possible.

The post NHL insider reveals good news for Connor Bedard extension appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NHL Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, as there are only a few more hours for teams to make trades. The Chicago Blackhawks have been active over the last few weeks to send away players and hoping to get younger talent or draft capital to bolster the team in the future. The front office could decide to stay put with less than six hours before the 3 pm deadline officially hits. However, there is one player who continues to be rumored to possibly be traded. Let’s take a closer look at who itis and why his name is still in the rumor mill.

The Chicago Blackhawks could still trade Ilya Mikheyev before the NHL Trade Deadline

The Athletic’s trade board is a way to see some of the names who could be traded ahead of today’s deadline. The Blackhawks have one player on the list in right wing Ilya Mikheyev. Below is the description that the trade board has for him:

“A big winger capable of playing up and down the lineup, Mikheyev brings a fair amount of versatility with his game. He’s been deployed as a penalty-killer throughout his NHL career and is a threat to score short-handed. Not only is Mikheyev a pending UFA, 15 percent of his contract was retained by the Vancouver Canucks in a previous trade, so the cap hit on his deal is eligible to be reduced further.”

The 31-year-old winger has a little more than a $4 million current cap hit. However, it has been rumored that Chicago may be done with trading players this season. Mikheyev has been struggling offensively, but is posting a +1.4 net rating on the defensive side of the ice. It will be intriguing to see if a contending team can make a trade offer that forces general manager Kyle Davidson to make an additional deal before the 3 pm ET deadline.

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Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno has been traded to the Minnesota Wild, as first reported by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan. The 38 year old center will get a chance to win a Stanley Cup in Minnesota with his brother. As Kaplan mentions, this is a “doing right by” move by Kyle Davidson for their captain. Foligno’s $4.5 million will all go to the Wild, with the Blackhawks getting future considerations from the Wild, per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

While this move can seem surprising at first, given he was the captain, it makes more sense once broken down and considering the Blackhawks’ future goals.

The Wild are trading for Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno, where he can play with his brother Marcus per sources.

This is Chicago doing their captain a solid to chase a Cup. No retention (Blackhawks don’t have retention spots left)

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) March 6, 2026

Nick Foligno traded to reunite with brother

Foligno served as a leader to this young group, including mentoring Connor Bedard. He scored 35 goals and 48 assists in 189 games in a Blackhawks sweater, while also helping protect the kids on the ice. In September of 2024, he was named the 36th captain in franchise history, the first since Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks opted to give the experienced veteran the “C” over Bedard at the time, who was just getting his feet wet in the NHL.

Head coach Jeff Blashill has given Bedard and now Tyler Bertuzzi an “A” for now. There is plenty of speculation that Bedard indeed will be the next captain, which could happen this offseason, but time will tell. It feels unlikely the Blackhawks will not have a captain next season, regardless.

https://x.com/BenPopeCST/status/2029963667626660079

Safe to say, Foligno served his time in Chicago very well and made an impact on the next generation of Blackhawks players. He has been in Chicago since Bedard made his NHL debut in 2023. Regardless of this deadline, Foligno was not going to be a Blackhawk next season as his contract was up, and he is nearing the end of his career. While losing a captain on a young team feels significant, the season is winding down, and it’s all about the future now. It was time for both parties to move on.

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The NHL schedule has been weird this year due to the Winter Olympics, but one Chicago Blackhawks player thinks there needs to be a permanent change. With the NHL Trade Deadline looming on Friday afternoon, there are a handful of teams that will be preparing to play later in the night to continue their season. However, it will come just hours after learning if they will remain with their respective team or be traded away. Let’s take a look at what the Blackhawks’ captain said regarding playing on Friday.

Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is not a fan of playing during the trade deadline

During his media availability, Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno would comment on how he is not a fan of the NHL schedule having games on the day of the trade deadline:

“I always thought that was stupid, personally. I just think it’s such a distraction for everybody. Regardless of if you’re on the block or not, I just think it’s a weird day. And I don’t know why the league hasn’t decided just to make it a practice day for everybody. … It’s a weird day. It’s part of being a pro, but I don’t know why it has to be a game on that day. Just make it a certain day every year and go with it.”

Chicago is at home on Friday night to face the Vancouver Canucks, six hours following the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline. They are one of seven games on the slate, but it makes sense for players not to be too keen about the schedule, due to some of them being moved right before the official deadline hits.

Foligno is one of the players on the Blackhawks who could be moved to a contender before the deadline officially hits. The veteran left winger has been with the team since the 2023-24 season, and the 38-year-old has been contemplating his future while also being on an expriring deal. It will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks are done making trades this season or if Foligno could be another player dealt.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have been active ahead of Friday’s NHL Trade Deadline, making a few moves to sell pieces off in exchange for draft picks. With this being a seller’s market at the moment, it makes sense for the team to be open to moving players for whom the franchise does not see a future with. However, there is a bit of a downer if you are expecting the Blackhawks to continue trading away players. Let’s take a look at the latest update surrounding Chicago.

The Chicago Blackhawks could be done making trades

Scott Powers of The Athletic is reporting that the Blackhawks could be officially finished making trades ahead of Friday’s deadline. Below is the update that he wrote:

“The Blackhawks could be done for the deadline. They certainly don’t feel the same urgency they did earlier in the week. They thought they could utilize their two remaining cap retention spots and pile up some more early-round picks. They were able to do that by acquiring a first- and second-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers for Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson.

“It’s possible the Blackhawks could still move Nick Foligno and Ilya Mikheyev in the next few days. If the Columbus Blue Jackets or someone came calling for Foligno, it’d be up to him if he wanted to be dealt. The Blackhawks will show him that courtesy. With Mikheyev, the Blackhawks were hoping to re-sign him, but he’s rejected their offer so far. There’s still an outside chance that could happen before the deadline. And if he doesn’t re-sign or get traded by the deadline Friday, there is always the possibility that both sides take the additional time to negotiate some more.”

The Blackhawks have made a few trades this season that have helped them acquire draft capital for upcoming drafts. With the team out of the playoff picture and hitting the reset button on the 2025-26 season, it will be intriguing to see if a contending team can come up with an offer that makes them reconsider.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the more intriguing teams ahead of Friday’s NHL Trade Deadline. Despite having a team that is in contention for one of the top picks in the draft, they could trade away some players and see what they have with some of their younger talent. There is an interesting name that could be moved in the next couple of days, so let’s take a closer look at who it is.

The Chicago Blackhawks could trade away Ilya Mikheyev before Friday’s trade deadline

Scott Powers of The Athletic wrote an article where he discussed what he has heard regarding the Blackhawks ahead of Friday’s NHL Trade Deadline. In the article, he discussed how right winger Ilya Mikheyev could be one of the players who is traded before the deadline. Below is what he wrote about Mikheyev:

“Ilya Mikheyev could also still be traded. As with [Jason] Dickinson, it would have to be the right offer to make a Mikheyev trade worthwhile. There is also still an outside chance the Blackhawks will re-sign Mikheyev. He turned down their latest offer, but the talks aren’t necessarily dead.”

Mikheyev has been a good player for the Blackhawks since joining ahead of last season. In 136 games with Chicago over the last two seasons, he has recorded 57 points (31 goals, 26 assists) while being +2 when on the ice. He is on the final season of a four-year, $19 million contract that he signed with the Vancouver Canucks. Powers did mention how the Blakhawks could still re-sign Mikheyev this offseason, which could be something that happens whether he is traded or not this week.

The team has not been shy about trading players, already dealing away defenseman Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers. It will be intriguing to see what the Blackhawks decide to do, as there are certainly going to be some teams that are looking to add to their second or third lines with a player on an expiring deal.

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The Chicago Blackhawks made a trade on Wednesday night as they have traded away another starter while looking towards the future. After a rough 2025-26 season, the Blackhawks front office is looking to acquire draft capital in order to make the team better in the future. However, they have made a move with less than 48 hours before the NHL Trade Deadline. Let’s take a closer look at what the move was and what it means going forward for the Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhawks traded Jason Dickinson to the Edmonton Oilers for a first-round pick

According to hockey insider Frank Seravalli, the Edmonton Oilers and Blackhawks have agreed to a trade. The Blackhawks are sending center Jason Dickinson and forward Colton Dach in exchange for forward Andrew Mangiapane and a 2027 first-round pick (top-12 protected). Mangiapane was placed on waivers earlier this week, but has recorded 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) and posting a -19 on the ice over 52 games this season.

Mangiapane signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract this offseason, but it appeared there were some issues of finding a role. Chicago taking the full contract is certainly a way how they were able to land a first-round pick in this deal as well.

Dach is an Edmonton native and has gotten more action in the NHL over the last year, scoring nine points in 53 games this year. He was considered the 10th-ranked prospect for the Blackhawks entering the season. With an additional first-rounder in next year’s draft, the team is going to be able to use that draft capital to either move up in the draft or simply get multiple quality players next offseason on rookie deals.

Dickinson has been struggling this season as he posted 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 47 games this year. He has not recorded any points since before the Olympic break. With the Oilers getting better, this trade gives the Blackhawks a chance to get even better a few years down the line. It will be intriguing to see if there are more trades from Chicago before Friday’s deadline.

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After serving the Chicago Blackhawks blueline for nine seasons, Connor Murphy departs the Windy City after being dealt to the Edmonton Oilers. The Blackhawks will get a 2028 second round pick in return, while retaining $2.2 of his $4.4 million salary per Mark Spector. Murphy, 32, was the longest-tenured Blackhawk and was just acquired by the man who brought him to Chicago back in June 2017, Stan Bowman.

https://x.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/2028606409185567214

Blackhawks say goodbye to Murphy.

Murphy was a very solid defenseman for a number of years. While he was never quite an All Star caliber player, he was a workhorse who gave the Blackhawks 547 games and 10697:36 of ice time. Those 547 games are the 12th most games played by a defenseman in franchise history. Over that time, he blocked 1,123 shots, delivered 1,077 hits, had 143 takeaways, scored 34 goals, and had 90 assists. He also had the honor of sporting the “A” on his chest.

Unfortunately for Murphy, he arrived in Chicago just after the dynasty ended. It’s easy to forget he was drafted by the then-Phoenix Coyotes 20th overall in the 2011 draft and played four years with them before being acquired in a trade for fan-favorite Niklas Hjalmarsson. He never got to play for a postseason crowd at the United Center, only a COVID-bubble playoff in 2020 with no fans at a neutral site.

The Oilers are clinging to third place in the Pacific Division in a playoff spot. It’s not a huge needle-mover, but it adds defensive depth and experience for the Oilers. Safe to say fans will wish him nothing but the best. As it’s been said many times, he served his time in Chicago; it was time to move on.

What this means for the Blackhawks.

Murphy was expected to be traded, but not expected to net a big return. Getting a second-rounder in 2028 is indeed not huge, but an okay bit of additional draft capital for the future. Retaining half the salary was probably compensation for getting the second-round, as opposed to a later one and trading away all of his salary.

The blueline will be filled with guys 24 or younger. Only Matt Grzelcyk is over 25 among active defenseman. Time will tell if he is traded or not. It will be all about seeing what likes of Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, Sam Rinzel, Alex Vlasic and Louis Crevier can do down the stretch.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are not having the season they were hoping for when the NHL Trade Deadline approached. As things currently look, they are sitting in one of the top spots for the 2026 NHL Draft as they are unable to secure many points. With another season of missing the postseason likely coming, there are some decisions that the front office need to make before next Friday’s deadline.

Let’s take a closer look at how one writer believes the Blackhawks should approach the nect week with their team.

The Chicago Blackhawks are considered to be moderate sellers at the NHL Trade Deadline

The Athletic’s James Mirtle wrote an article ranking the biggest buyers and sellers as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches. In the article, he lists Chicago seventh in terms of being sellers, and below is what he wrote about the Blackhawks:

“They’re creeping into the lottery conversation again after a pile of losses over the last six weeks, and it’s time to sell to keep stocking the cupboards for better days ahead.”

The Blackhawks are seventh in the Central Division with a 22-27-9 record and 53 points on the season. They have some players on expiring contracts who can give the team a chance to acquire draft picks. Below are some players on the roster who are set to be unrestricted free agents after this season:

• Nick Foligno
• Connor Murphy
• Jason Dickinson
• Ilya Mikheyev
• Matt Grzelcyk

It will be intriguing to see which players are no longer on the Blackhawks once the March 6 deadline hits. General manager Kyle Davidson has to make a decision on what the future will look like, and what assets he can acquire by trading away some pieces of the 2025-26 Blackhawks team.

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The NHL trade deadline is approaching fast and the Chicago Blackhawks will likely make a few moves. There are no expectations for blockbuster transactions, as they have no crippling cap deals to unload or high-value veterans to trade for mass draft capital. A series of smaller moves, garnering moderate returns at best, feels like the likely outcome.

Much of the roster is made up of young players or veterans with solidified spots on the team going forward. Thus, the speculative focus will on the handful of veterans on expiring deals.

Candidates for the Blackhawks to move.

The one who stands out the most is defenseman Connor Murphy, the longest-tenured Blackhawk, who is in the last year of his four-year deal ($4.4 million AAV). The 32-year old has 12 points with a -5 +/- and is averaging 16:30 of ice time a game this season. Contending teams will be looking for more blue line depth, and for what it’s worth, he’s been playing better recently. Murphy served his time in Chicago, but he’s not part of the team’s future plans.

The other veteran defenseman on the team on an expiring deal is Matt Grzelcyk. He’s been durable, playing in all 57 games so far. While not out of the question to move, one can argue that having him stick around as a vet among the young defensemen is worth more than what the Blackhawks would get in a trade. Especially if Murphy is dealt.

There are three veteran forwards on expiring deals: Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev, and Sam Lafferty. It’s hard to imagine the Blackhawks wanting to trade their captain and mentor to Connor Bedard. Unless Foligno wants one more chance at Stanley Cup glory and Kyle Davidson does right by him. Mikheyev has been a decent third-line forward, sporting 31 goals and 57 points in 132 games. He does have a modified NTC, and keeping him could be beneficial for the team’s development the rest of the season, but he’s still a possibility. The team has a handful of centers, and Dicksonson ($4,250,000 AAV) could easily be an odd man out.

Others on the Blackhawks roster

Don’t expect the Blackhawks to move the likes of Tyler Bertuzzi or Ryan Donato. Bertuzzi is under contract through 2027-2028 and currently leads the team in goals (25), while Donato was just extended through 2028-2029. They have solidified roles going forward.

Teuvo Teräväinen is under contract for another season. He’s posting “meh” numbers at best, making $5.4 million this year, and has had a recent injury. It would be a bit surprising if he got moved regardless. They signed him to be a stable forward presence. André Burakovsky is another vet under contract for another season who has also been pretty pedestrian since a good start (3 goals, 9 assists over his last 30 games) while making $5.5 million. Possible to get moved, but not necessarily high.

Strange things have happened, so there’s always potential for surprise. The odds of that just seem very low. The Blackhawks are past the point of tearing things down; it’s now about building on that foundation.

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The Chicago Blackhawks could really be a force this offseason with the 2026 NHL draft. While we have some time with the Olympic break happening, it is a great time to assess the field and look into some mock drafts. Which players are on the board that the front office could be interested in? Chicago has a pair of first-round picks, their own and the Florida Panthers (with a top-10 protection). Let’s take a closer look at who one publication has them mocked to draft and why.

The Chicago Blackhawks draft offense in the first round of Bleacher Nation’s 2026 NHL mock draft

The Blackhawks have a pair of draft picks in the Bleacher Nation 2026 NHL mock draft. Tab Bamford posted an article where he broke down the first round of a mock draft. Below is his explanation of the team drafting center Tynan Lawrence with the sixth pick in the draft:

“If the top five of our mock draft proves to be how the top of the 2026 NHL Draft plays out, the Blackhawks could be the most fascinating team in the draft. Lawrence is a really good prospect who I’m comfortable is good value for Chicago in this spot, even if his numbers since making the mid-season jump to Boston University have been underwhelming. But the intrigue comes with the next line of defensemen on the board, and what some of the offers might be to trade up to get one of them.”

Lawrence recorded 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in 13 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL before making the jump to Boston University. However, he has struggled to be as effective in his first 10 games, as he has just one goal thus far.

That is not the only player Chicago can walk away with in the first round of the draft. Thanks to the Seth Jones trade with the Panthers, the Blackhawks own their first-round pick as well. However, there is a top-10 protection on the pick, meaning if the pick is within the first 10 selections, Florida would retain the pick and give the Blackhawks their 2027 first-round pick. In this mock draft, they have the Blackhawks making the 10th pick with left winger Ethan Belchetz.

“The Blackhawks already have a strong collection of prospects coming. What they don’t have a lot of is size that could impact their top six forward mix. The Hawks have seen plenty of Belchez this season; he’s a teammate of Chicago prospect AJ Spellacy with Windsor. Belchetz is a legit power forward with size (6-5, 227) who can score.”

Belchetz has been performing well in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires, as he has 52 points (30 goals, 22 assists) over 48 games. It will be intriguing to see how Chicago navigates after the Olympic break through the remainder of the regular season.

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On March 1st of last year, the Chicago Blackhawks traded defenseman Seth Jones and a fourth round pick to the Florida Panthers for Spencer Knight and a 2026 first round pick. Not only did it look like the Blackhawks got their future goaltender, but possibly another lottery pick in the upcoming draft. The Panthers’ pick is sitting at the 10th spot heading into the Olympic break.

Today, reports indicate that the Panthers’ pick is top-10 protected. Hockey insider Frank Seravalli initially reported it, only to be confirmed by The Athletic’s Blackhawks beat Scott Powers. First, the Chicago Bears get jipped by the Ian Cunningham saga, and now Blackhawks fans are scratching their heads nearly one year after the Jones deal. This condition was agreed upon by the two teams, but it was not made clear to the public.

The Florida Panthers' first-round pick is top-10 protected, as @frank_seravalli reported.

So what happens if the Panthers do pick that early? That and more about the Blackhawks' 2026 draft possibilities ️ https://t.co/N224JzBCv9

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) February 6, 2026

What does this mean for the Blackhawks?

When it was unclear that Florida’s pick was not top-10 protected, the hope was simple: the Panthers lose as many games as possible this year. Now that it appears the pick is protected, the Panthers would not have to surrender their pick to the Blackhawks if they are in the top-10 lottery picking. Per Powers, a first round pick would go to the Blackhawks in 2027 if that were the case. The Blackahwks get Florida’s pick this year if it’s outside of the top-10 lottery pickings.

It’s worth noting that when the trade went down last year, hockey insider Pierre LeBrun initially reported a condition that the Panthers 2026 selection was going to the Blackhawks if they still had the pick. That was because of the Matthew Tkachuk trade with Calgary in 2022. So if the Panthers had a top-10 lottery pick in 2025 (which was conditional), their 2026 pick would have gone to Calgary and the 2027 pick to the Blackhawks.

This condition did not seem like a big deal, as it was pretty clear at that point that the Panthers were not going to be a top-10 lottery pick. Unless another deal was made before the draft, it seemed like the Blackhawks were simply getting a 2026 first rounder from Florida.

Chicago Blackhawks draft outlook going forward

Now, a Blackhawks fan can either root for the Panthers to win to get an inferior first round pick this year, or hope that the 2026-2027 Panthers lose as many games as possible to get a lottery pick from them in 2027. Powers confirmed the 2027 first rounder would have no protection.

Either way, it’s a pretty big change in what people thought could happen with the Blackhawks draft this year. The idea of having two lottery picks in the upcoming draft in a season in which the team’s youth movement is taking a step forward is pretty exciting. But, alas. Rooting for a lottery pick from the Panthers next season, while not impossible, feels like a Hail Mary hope for fans.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off a rough game on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but center Connor Bedard was able to get a goal in the game. He continues to be a shining light for the franchise trying to take that next step, but he was able to make some history for the franchise in this game. Let’s take a closer look at what Bedard did in the game and what record he now holds for the Blackhawks.

Connor Bedard breaks franchise record for most goals scored before turning 21 years old

The Blackhawks did not have a good night on Thursday, losing on the road to the Penguins 6-2, but Connor Bedard continued to impress. While the game was completely out of reach late in the third period, Bedard scored his 21st goal of the season. While it did not mean much in terms of the final score, it did etch him into the franchise history books. That goal was the 66th goal of his career, making him the franchise leader in goals scored before turning 21 years old.

Bedard has a lot of time to continue creating separation for the franchise record as well, as he will not turn 21 years old until after the season concludes. As Chicago continues to fight to remain in the Western Conference playoff picture, Bedard continuing to be able to score can keep the team in the race. Bedard has been struggling to find the back of the net since returning from his injury, as this was just his second goal in 10 games since returning after a month.

It will be intriguing to see how Chicago and Bedar are able to play as they are on a four-game losing streak now. With the NHL Olympic freeze coming next week, this is a chance to end this part of the season with some momentum, led by their franchise star.

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Showtime has finally done it. Former Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane officially made NHL history on Thursday night.

More news: Chicago Bears lose Ian Cunningham to Atlanta Falcons GM position

During the 2nd period of the Detroit Red Wings’ Thursday night game with the Washington Capitals, Patrick Kane scored a game tying goal to get his 1,375th career point.

Patrick Kane is now the NHL all time points leader among American-born players

More news: This Chicago Blackhawks star is their biggest trade piece ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline

Kane has officially passed Mike Modano to become the official all time point leader by an American-born player in the history of NHL.

https://Twittercom/nhl/status/2017053272645816823?

Number 88 is currently in his 19th season and is not slowing down one bit. In his 15 seasons in Chicago, Kane had the second most points in franchise history. And now, he has officially proved himself to be the greatest American-born hockey player of all time.

If only he was able to break this record in a Blackhawks jersey instead.

1,375 POINTS AND COUNTING FOR PATRICK KANE 🔥

Showtime passes Mike Modano for the most points all-time by a US-born player 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/N9SLauQ5Ca

— ESPN (@espn) January 30, 2026

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The Chicago Blackhawks were badly outlasted by the Florida Panthers on Sunday night.

More News: Blackhawks activate Connor Bedard ahead of Friday’s game

The Blackhawks entered the third period tied 1-1, but the Panthers went on a four-goal run to end the contest with a 5-1 defeat in front of 19,313 fans at the United Center.

Before Friday’s 3-1 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago was sitting at .500 with a 21-21 record. After a two-game home stand this weekend, the Blackhawks are 21-23, and five points behind the San Jose Sharks for the last spot in the Wild Card.

Third-year forward Connor Bedard has scored just three total points and one goal in eight games since returning from his right shoulder injury. The Blackhawks recently moved him to wing, and head coach Jeff Blashill has been tinkering with the lineup to try and give the offense a boost.

Per Gail Kauchak of The Hockey Writers, Blashill told reporters after Sunday night’s loss that he thought he might have “hurt” Bedard by switching the lines.

“You’re out for a long time, it’s hard to get your mojo back…we’ve kind of played with the lines,” Blashill said. “Maybe that’s hurt him. Sometimes you’re trying to spark guys & you end up hurting him by making too many changes.”

Blashill on sparking Bedard: #Blackhawks

"You're out for a long time, it's hard to get your mojo back…we've kind of played with the lines. Maybe that's hurt him. Sometimes you're trying to spark guys & you end up hurting him by making too many changes."

— Gail Kauchak (@littlegailk) January 26, 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks need Connor Bedard to find his mojo

More News: Blackhawks star is their biggest trade piece ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline

The Blackhawks were unable to convert on there of their power play opportunities against the Panthers. Blashill suggested that while he doesn’t want to continue changing up the top two lines, Chicago might need to switch personnel for the power play.

“We have to break the puck in better, and we have to win more loose-puck recoveries,” Blashill said, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Tribune.

The Blackhawks will next play the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. The 29-14-10 Wild will be a challenge for Chicago before they travel to play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night.

It’ll be interesting to see what lines Blashill sticks with. Right now, he has Bedard in a funk coming off of his injury. For the Blackhawks to stay competitive, Bedard needs his mojo back.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks are fighting to be in the postseason picture as they are currently five points out of the final Western Conference Wild Card spot. The team has some intriguing options that they can make as we are getting closer to the NHL Trade Deadline. Chicago has some pieces that they can move ahead of the deadline, so let’s take a closer look at what their biggest piece is right now.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ biggest trade piece is Connor Murphy

NHL’s Adam Gretz wrote an article discussing every team’s best bargaining chip they can use at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. For the Blackhawks, Connor Murphy’s name was selected and he wrote the following about why he believes this is the case:

“The Blackhawks have shown some improvement this season, but are still probably not quite ready for a playoff spot. They figure to be sellers again, but should not be in a full teardown mode. Eventually, they need to start focusing on talent acquisition. Still, Murphy could be an attractive option on the trade market given his strong defensive and physical play, and the fact that there aren’t many defensemen likely to be available.

“The Blackhawks also have a number of young defensemen just breaking into the NHL who need bigger roles and minutes. He has been a strong, reliable player on some bad teams in Chicago, and now he might get a chance to play for a contender after the deadline.”

Murphy is a solid veteran who is in the final year of a four-year contract worth $17.6 million. With a $4.4 million average annual value this year, and that number being closer to $2 million with where we are in the season, this is something a contending team could view as a valuable addition for a playoff push. Murphy has nine points (two goals, seven assists) through 50 games thus far and has shown himself to be a strong defenseman on the ice. This would be a sentimental hit as well, though, with Murphy being the longest-tenured Blackhawks player on the roster.

It will be intriguing to see if the Blackhawks decide to move him and if so, what return he brings for the franchise.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are set to host the Washington Capitols on Friday night at the United Center. With Alexander Ovechkin coming to town, there’s some star power on the ice in Chicago.

But now, another star is set to make his return for the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks announced some roster moves ahead of Friday’s game including activating Connor Bedard from injured reserve:

Chicago Blackhawks announce roster moves

The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that the team has activated forward Connor Bedard (upper body) from injured reserve. Additionally, the team has recalled defenseman Kevin Korchinski and goaltender Drew Commesso from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

Bedard, 20, has posted 44 points (19G, 25A) in 31 games during the 2025-26 campaign. He leads all club skaters with 25 assists and 44 points, while his 19 goals rank second. Bedard was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Month for November, recording 10 goals and 23 points in 14 games. He’s currently four goals shy of matching his career high from last season.

Korchinski, 21, has skated in 32 games with the IceHogs this season, logging 19 points (2G, 17A). He shares second on the team and leads all club blueliners with 17 assists this season. He also leads all Rockford defensemen with 19 points.

Commesso, 23, has competed in 19 games with Rockford during the 2025-26 season, notching a 6-11-3 record, a .909 save percentage, a 2.72 goals-against average and one shutout.

The Blackhawks play the Washington Capitals tonight at United Center at 7:00 p.m. CT. The game can be seen on CHSN and heard on WGN Radio.

via the Blackhawks

Bedard was hurt in the Dec. 12 loss to the St. Louis Blues, missing 12 games. The Blackhawks went 5-6-1 in those 12 games without Bedard but have won four-straight.

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Patrick Kane made history Wednesday night scoring his 500th career NHL goal, becoming the 50th player to accomplish that feat. Kane scored his 499th earlier in the evening in the Red Wings 5-1 victory over the Canucks. His milestone tally came on an empty net wrister with 3:53 left in the third period.

The 37-year old winger and future Hall of Famer scored 446 of his 500 goals with the Chicago Blackhawks.

SHOWTIME'S GOT 500 NHL GOALS‼️ pic.twitter.com/PQfeu7TTLk

— NHL (@NHL) January 9, 2026

Blackhawks fans still love Patrick Kane

Even if it makes some Blackhawks fans sick seeing him do it in a Red Wings jersey, there is still much love for Kane in Chicago. It’s just too bad that the milestone goal could not happen in a Blackhawks sweater at the United Center. Remember that his 400th career goal was scored in front of zero fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As expected, the Blackhawks social media team acknowledged the milestone of arguably the best player in franchise history.

showtime gets his 500th🥹

congratulations @88PKane !!🎬 https://t.co/fLLaLbfrev

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 9, 2026

It’s hard to believe Kane last wore a Blackhawks sweater on February 22, 2023. He spent 19 games with the Rangers after being traded that year and has since played 152 games with Detroit, tallying 49 goals and 83 assists with the Wings. Even at an older age, he has shown he can still play solid hockey; he’s averaged 21 goals and 53 points over his last two full seasons.

Kane could have one more shot at glory if the Wings make the playoffs. He can add to his career 53 playoff goals and 138 playoff points.

Patrick Kane makes NHL history

Kane is often called the best American-born player in NHL history, or at least one of them with Mike Modano still having the goal edge (561). He is now one of six active players with 500 goals or more, including Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Evgeni Malkin, and John Tavares. All of those players made their NHL debuts between 2005 and 2008.

In terms of catching other Blackhawks greats, Kane is 13 goals away from catching Jeremy Roenick, 25 away from former teammate Marian Hossa, and 41 away from Stan Mikita. He has a ways to go to catch Bobby Hull, who scored 610 NHL goals.

No matter what sweater, Kane’s legacy lives forever in Chicago. Third-most goals in franchise history and a catalyst in three Stanley Cup championships will never be forgotten. He should retire as a Blackhawk when that day comes.

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Hall of Fame goaltender and Chicago Blackhawks legend Glenn Hall has passed away at the age of 94. The team made an official announcement Tuesday night, with chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz releasing a statement.

https://x.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/2009086989677810045/photo/1

Remembering the career of Glenn Hall, aka “Mr Goalie.”

Hall was one of the greatest players to wear a Chicago Blackhawks sweater. Born on October 3rd, 1931 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Hall began his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1952. After a few brief stints between Detroit and Minors, he finally played a full season in 1955-1956, winning the Calder Trophy. In June 1957, the Blackhawks made a historic deal with their arch rivals acquring Hall and aging Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay for Bill Preston, Hank Bassen, Forbes Kennedy, and Johnny Wilson.

Hall would play 10 years in Chicago. He was hockey’s “iron man,” holding the record for 502 consecutive games played in goal, a streak that will never come close to being broken. As a player Hall helped pioneer the “butterfly” style of goaltending and is said to have thrown up before every game.

One of his greatest accomplishments was his contribution to the 1961 Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks. Sharing the ice with the likes of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Pierre Pilote, Hall played in every single contest that season and helped lead his team over his former Red Wings in six games to win the Cup.

Hall would end his final few years with the St. Louis Blues from 1967 to 1971. He finished with a 2.50 GAA, .918 save percentage, 84 shutouts, and 53,446:58 minutes played in 906 NHL games. He’s tied for 12th on the all-time goalie wins list with Jonathan Quick (407). Other hardware includes 11 All Star honors, three Vezina Trophies, and was the 1968 Conn Smythe winner despite the Blues losing effort in the finals.

He did all of this without wearing a mask or protective headgear of any kind.

Hall’s legacy in Chicago

Hall was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. On November 20, 1988, he and the late Tony Esposito had their numbers retired at Chicago Stadium. Their banners hang at the United Center today. It’s been half a century since Hall suited up for the Blackhawks, and several generations never saw him play. However, the stories have lived on. One can still find the occasional Hall sweater being worn at the United Center.

In a season in which the Blackhawks are celebrating their storied past, the loss of Hall hits even harder. Recently, “The Originals” were celebrated by the Blackhawks, with Hall being one of them. The Blackhawks held a moment of silence for Hall on Tuesday night, alongside Hall of Famer Bob Pulford, who passed away earlier in the week.

https://x.com/CRoumeliotis/status/2009096496592060702

Rest in peace, Mr. Goalie.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are set to face off against the Washington Capitals tonight.

Unfortunately, the 2025-26 NHL season has not gotten off to a great start. Right now, the Blackhawks hold a 15-18-7 record and badly need to find a way to come through with a winning streak of some kind.

Entering tonight’s game, one of the big question marks for Chicago has been the health status of star center Connor Bedard.

Bedard has been out of action since December 12 following a rough collision against the St. Louis Blues. He suffered a shoulder injury and his absence has been felt greatly by the Blackhawks.

Prior to playing the Capitals, Chicago revealed a new update about Bedard’s status.

Jeff Blashill, the team’s head coach, spoke out with an update. Fans will like what he had to say about Bedard.

“He’s certainly excited to be out there and shooting, and it looked like he was ripping it pretty good yesterday,” Blashill said.

Obviously, it would have been much better to hear that Bedard would be playing. That isn’t the case with this update, but the progress he has made hints that a return could be coming soon. Getting him back on the ice will be crucial for the Blackhawks to have any chance at turning this season around.

In the 31 games he has played this season, the 20-year-old star has scored 19 points and recorded 25 assists. He has shot 18.4 percent.

Hopefully, the Chicago Blackhawks will have its franchise player back in action soon. This is a great update for the Blackhawks, but fans are still waiting for the news that he’s good to play.

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The Chicago Blackhawks saw their star center, Connor Bedard, did not make the Team Canada roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Team Canada was announced on Wednesday afternoon and there were a few notable omissions from the roster, but Bedard’s name was one of the more significant. While their roster is stacked, and this is the first time in more than a decade that NHL players will be competing, it was intriguing to see his name left off the final cuts. Let’s take a look at how the Blackhawks are seeing this for their young star player.

Blackhawks coach makes his feelings known about Connor Bedard being off the Team Canada roster

On Thursday afternoon, ahead of the team’s home game against the Dallas Stars, Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill would give his thoughts about Bedard being left off Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“I have a ton of respect for how hard these decisions are. Honestly, Canada, the US, Sweden, you have a lot of really good players that you’re going to ultimately leave off these teams. The one thing I would say is, I don’t think the rest of the league knows how good of a two-way winning hockey player Connor has become. That’s the one thing, and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s based on previous years. But I don’t think they have a full understanding of how good a winning hockey player he is today.”

Blashill would continue to discuss how the defensive metrics that decision-makers look at do not tell the whole story of how well Bedard plays.

“I’ve read some things about defensive metrics and things like that. I would tell you, I’ve studied those things tons [and] I’ve never seen defensive metrics that I trust to say to me whether or not a guy’s a good defensive player. I don’t think they judge what they’re supposed to judge yet. I don’t think we’re there yet.  We’re all working to try to get there, we’re not there. The metric that I trust is your impact on winning. The reason why I know he’s a big-time winning hockey player [is] when he was in our lineup, we were one point out of the wild card and since then we’re 1-6-1. That’s the impact he’s had… You don’t have that impact if you’re just a point-getter. You only have that impact if you’re a true two-way kind of winning player, and that’s what he’s become.”

When asked about if the upper-body injury Bedard suffered kept him off Team Canada, their general manager, Doug Armstrong, would say that it did not play a role. There is still a chance he will make the team as an injury replacement, if they need one, but it is clear that Chicago believes Bedard should have gotten the call to be on the roster.

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Team Canada is one of the most exciting rosters heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics. One of the biggest question marks would be if Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard would be selected. However, when the roster was announced, Bedard’s name was left off the list. One major decision maker for the Olympic team answered a major question regarding why he was left off the roster. Let’s take a closer look at why the young star did not make Team Canada’s initial roster.

Team Canada general manager reveals injury didn’t keep Connor Bedard off the roster

Following the announcement of the Team Canada roster, general manager Doug Armstrong would do a Q&A with TSN. When asked about if Bedard’s injury was factored into the decision to keep him off the Team Canada roster, Armstrong revealed his injury did not play much of a part in missing the team.

“Not a lot, quiet honestly. His name was right there until the last second, because we could’ve named him [to Team Canada] and then move forward. But I think the reality is, there are so many good players and we just had difficult decisions to make.”

Bedard has been dealing with an upper-body injury since Dec. 4 and was placed on Injured Reserve. However, he did not need surgery. Bedard has showcased is talents throughout the season as in 31 games, he has recorded 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) with 13 of those points being on the power play. However, in Year 3, Bedard has been left off the initial roster. This does not mean he will not be part of Team Canada though, as he can be one of the players as an injury replacement if that is how Armstrong decides the roster to be.

It will be intriguing to see how Bedard officially reacts to the news and what this means going forward. He returned to the ice a few days ago, but has no timetable to return at this time. If he does not get on the roster as an injury replacement, he will have to wait until 2030 in Nice, France.

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Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks Live Blog, score, play-by play & chat

Will Connor Bedard play vs the Penguins?

No, Connor Bedard is sidelined with a shoulder injury and will be reevaluated in early January.

What is the latest injury update on Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard?

The latest injury update on Connor Bedard is that he is sidelined with a shoulder injury and will be reevaluated in early January after missing the rest of December

The post Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks: LIVE Blog, score, play-by play & chat; Connor Bedard Injury Update- Dec. 28th, 2025 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the teams in the bottom of the NHL standings, but they have a lot of talent. One name who has been a top-tier player when on the ice is center Connor Bedard.

He has shown the ability to dominate already in his young career, but he could be getting the nod to join his countrymen. Let’s take a closer look at what one writer said regarding his chances to make the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Connor Bedard is a sleeper pick to join Team Canada

NHL’s Tracey Myers suggested that Bedard is one of the biggest sleeper picks for the Olympics, as he should be part of Team Canada.

“The Chicago Blackhawks forward was on the outside looking in regarding Team Canada when the season began but momentum started building for him after his tremendous start. He’s out with an upper-body injury until at least the start of January but I still believe he deserves a spot with Canada. When Bedard was placed on injured reserve Dec. 15, he had 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games. At the time, he was fourth in the NHL behind Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche (55), Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers (52) and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks (47). Bedard has come into his game in a big way and once he’s back, he should be prepping for the Olympics.”

This is also not the only Blackhawks player to be named on this list either as Tyler Bertuzzi also was also mentioned for Team Canada. Bedard has the potential to be the next face of Team Canada, and making the 2026 Winter Olympic team would certainly be a step forward to that. Sidney Crosby is 38 years old, Nathan MacKinnon is 30, and  Sam Reinhart is also 30. Getting a young potential face of the NHL on the Olympic roster would be critical for Team Canada and hockey as a whole.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have some players who would fit perfectly in the 2026 Winter Olympics. While the deadline for the 12 teams to submit their rosters is Dec. 31, with the announcement of players coming soon after, there is one Blackhawks player who has made a case to be joining the roster. He may not be the first name you think of for a spot on the Olympic team, but he has shown the ability to dominate. There will be some tough decisions to make, so let’s take a look at one Chicago player who has made a case for himself to be a sleeper option for the Olympics.

NHL writers believe Tyler Bertuzzi is a sleeper pick for the 2026 Winter Olympics

In an article where NHL writers suggested sleeper picks for the 2026 Winter Olympic teams, editor-in-chief Bill Price decided Team Canada should add Tyler Bertuzzi to their squad. Below is the snippet he wrote about the Blackhawks’ left winger:

“Yes, [Connor] Bedard is the leader of the Blackhawks, and if he’s healthy, he should represent Canada. And while Bedard has gotten most of the attention, Bertuzzi has been just as effective for the Blackhawks, especially in the so-called dirty areas of the ice. Per NHL EDGE stats, Bertuzzi has scored 15 goals from high-danger areas, which is tied for the NHL lead with Jake Guentzel of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The high-danger area is the area within 29 feet of the center of the goal and bound on both sides by an imaginary line drawn from the face-off dot to two feet outside the goal post. In layman’s terms, not only is he unafraid to go into the tight areas around the net; he also has a knack for scoring greasy goals. Canada needs a guy like that.”

Each country has already submitted six names for the preliminary rosters back in June. Team Canada announced the following players at that time:

• Sidney Crosby
• Nathan MacKinnon
• Cale Makar
• Connor McDavid
• Brayden Point
• Sam Reinhart

Team Canada is expected to be loaded with talent and not have anyone on that preliminary list who is considered a winger in the NHL. However, with the immense talent, they will use centers and move them around the ice instead. It would be massive for the Blackhawks’ left winger as he has never played in the Olympics before, just won a silver medal in the 2019 IIHF World Championship. This season, Bertuzzi has 26 points (16 goals, 10 assists) and has played well to improve his standing in the league. It will be interesting to see if his name is among the players selected for Team Canada this time around.

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Chicago Blackhawks @ Ottawa Senators Score Updates/Play-by Play

Ottawa Senators Injury Report

Lars Eller | C (Out)
Injury: Foot

Shane Pinto | C (Out)
Injury: Lower Body

Thomas Chabot | D (Day-To-Day)
Injury: Upper Body

Chicago Blackhawks Injury Report 

Shea Michael Weber | D (Out For Season)
Injury: Ankle

Connor Bedard | C (Out)
Injury: Shoulder

Nick Foligno | LW (Out)
Injury: Hand

Will Connor Bedard play today vs Ottawa Senators?

No, Connor Bedard will not play today. He’s expected to miss another 2-3 weeks at least and will be evaluated in the first part of January.

What was Connor Bedard’s Injury?

The center sustained an upper-body injury with one second left in the third period of a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues last Friday while taking a face-off. Blues center Brayden Schenn went in for a stick lift and knocked into Bedard, who fell backward to the ice. He was clutching his right shoulder as he headed toward the locker room.

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Laurent Brossoit is finally healthy, but instead of solving a problem for the Chicago Blackhawks, his return has created a new one. The veteran goaltender has proven throughout his career that he can be a reliable NHL option when healthy. However, Chicago suddenly finds itself with too many capable goalies and not enough room to use them all. With younger netminders stepping up and Brossoit entering the final year of his contract, the situation is pointing strongly toward a trade.

Brossoit has yet to play a regular-season game for the Chicago Blackhawks due to a long recovery from injury. Still, his resume speaks for itself. In his last NHL season in 2023 to 2024, he posted a strong 15 5 2 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a .927 save percentage, along with three shutouts. Those numbers are elite for a goalie who has mostly worked in a backup role. Now that he is healthy again, the question is not whether he can play in the NHL, but where.

Why the Blackhawks have no room for Laurent Brossoit

The Chicago Blackhawks signed Brossoit hoping he would stabilize their crease and provide dependable goaltending. Instead, injuries delayed his debut, and during that time, Arvid Soderblom stepped in and proved he belongs at the NHL level. That unexpected development changed everything.

Chicago is now in a position where keeping Brossoit does not make much sense. The team is not in a playoff race, and there is little benefit in carrying an experienced veteran when younger goalies need reps. On top of that, Brossoit is an unrestricted free agent after the season. If the Blackhawks hold onto him too long, they risk losing him for nothing.

Despite clearing waivers once he became healthy, interest around the league has not disappeared. Goaltending is one of the thinnest positions across the NHL, and teams are always looking for reliable options, especially as injuries pile up. Elliotte Friedman noted that if Chicago is willing to take on the full 3.3 million dollar cap hit, a late round pick or future considerations could be enough to move Brossoit. Retaining salary could increase the return, but according to David Pagnotta, the Blackhawks are not eager to do that.

With nearly 24 million dollars in cap space and a rebuilding roster, the Chicago Blackhawks have flexibility. The real motivation here is asset management. Trading Brossoit now allows the team to gain something rather than watching him walk in free agency.

Oilers and Ducks emerge as logical trade fits

Two teams stand out as potential landing spots for Brossoit: the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks. Both teams have clear goaltending needs and enough incentive to explore a deal.

In Edmonton, the Oilers recently added Tristan Jarry, and that move has already helped stabilize their crease. However, Calvin Pickard remains a concern. His numbers have been rough, with a goals against average over four and a save percentage well below league average. Swapping Pickard for Brossoit, especially with salary retained, would give Edmonton a more dependable option for a playoff push. From Chicago’s perspective, taking back Pickard temporarily and picking up a draft pick from a contender makes sense.

Anaheim is another interesting option. Petr Mrazek has dealt with injuries, and Ville Husso has struggled when given extended time in net. While Lukas Dostal is healthy again, the Ducks could use a steady backup who can step in when needed. Frank Seravalli suggested that Anaheim has the cap space to absorb Brossoit’s contract without much trouble, and that flexibility could make a deal easier.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, the path forward is clear. Laurent Brossoit has value, the market is thin, and the timing is right. Moving him now helps both the player and the organization. It opens space for younger goalies, adds future assets, and avoids wasting a useful trade chip. One way or another, a Brossoit trade feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.

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Connor Bedard has been outstanding for the Chicago Blackhawks this season, establishing himself not only as an elite offensive talent but also as a thoughtful voice when it comes to understanding the bigger picture of team success. While Bedard continues to shine in the NHL, he also knows what it takes to build a winning Olympic roster. According to him, international tournaments are not about stacking the lineup with star scorers alone. They are about balance, adaptability, and players who can handle any situation thrown at them.

That perspective came through clearly when Bedard appeared on the 32 Thoughts Podcast alongside teammate Frank Nazar. Asked about what makes Nazar a strong Olympic candidate, Bedard offered insight that went beyond goals and highlight plays. His message was simple but powerful. To win gold, teams need players who can do everything.

Connor Bedard explains why Frank Nazar is built for Olympic hockey

When Connor Bedard spoke about Frank Nazar’s Olympic potential, he made it clear that skill alone is not the deciding factor. While he acknowledged Nazar’s offensive ability, Bedard focused on the areas that truly separate him from others.

“Versatility is something obviously special,” Bedard explained. “He’s a special offensive player, but he’s our first guy out there on the penalty kill, six on five, any situation, taking faceoffs, really anything.”

That trust is not given lightly. Nazar is often the first option when the Blackhawks need a big defensive stop or a key faceoff. He can be relied upon late in games, whether the team is protecting a lead or pushing for a goal. That kind of responsibility shows how complete his game has become.

In Olympic hockey, where games are often tight and margins are razor thin, those details matter more than raw point totals. Coaches value players who understand systems, execute under pressure, and contribute even when they are not scoring. Nazar fits that mold perfectly in Bedard’s eyes.

What makes Nazar stand out is his willingness to embrace any role. He does the hard work that rarely makes headlines, such as blocking shots, battling along the boards, and chasing down pucks on the penalty kill. According to Bedard, that is exactly the type of player coaches look for when building a short tournament roster with everything on the line.

Olympic teams are built on roles, not star power

One of Bedard’s most important points was about how Olympic teams are actually constructed. Too often, fans assume success comes from assembling the most talented group possible. Bedard disagrees.

“When you’re building those types of teams, it’s not an All Star team,” he said. “It’s the guys that fill roles, and he’s someone that can fill any role.”

That flexibility is what makes Nazar so valuable. He can play on the top line if scoring is needed. He can slide into a fourth line role and bring energy, speed, and defensive responsibility. He can take key penalty kill shifts and still contribute offensively when opportunities arise.

Bedard described that ability as rare. Few players are trusted in every situation, especially at the highest level of hockey. Nazar’s comfort moving between roles allows coaches to adjust lines and matchups without sacrificing structure. In a tournament like the Olympics, where there is little time to recover from mistakes, that adaptability can decide games.

As Bedard wrapped up his thoughts, he reinforced just how highly he values that quality. Nazar’s ability to contribute in all areas of the game is what makes him special, not just his offensive skill.

Now, as Bedard continues his own push as one of the league’s brightest stars, his words carry weight. If Hockey Canada wants to put together a roster capable of winning gold, listening to players like Connor Bedard might be the smartest move they make.

The post Connor Bedard explains why versatility matters most for Olympic hockey success appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Blackhawks actually got off to a solid start this NHL season and sat a respectable 10-5-4 after winning five out of six between Nov. 5 and Nov. 18.

Since then, however, the Blackhawks have lost 10 of their last 13 games, eight of which came in regulation. They are now 13-13-6 and are on the outskirts of playoff contention in the Western Conference, and with Chicago having one of the youngest teams in the league, it may be time for the team to unload some veterans.

The Blackhawks have multiple players who could be dealt between now and the March 6 trade deadline, and long-time defenseman Connor Murphy is definitely one of the prime candidates to be jettisoned in the coming weeks and months.

Murphy has spent the last nine seasons in Chicago, and while he was a very valuable member of the squad in his early days, it may be time for the Blackhawks to move on from the 32-year-old. But which teams could potentially make a run at Murphy?

The Chicago Blackhawks have been linked to a trade with the Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings seem primed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, so you can bet they will be trying to buy some pieces before the deadline.

There is no question that the Red Wings lack depth and could stand to add another defenseman, so it should come as no surprise that Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News has listed Detroit as a potential trade partner for Chicago if Murphy becomes available.

“The Red Wings could use more help on the right side of their defense, so it would make a lot of sense for them to pursue Murphy,” DeRosa wrote. “He would give them an upgrade for the right side of their bottom pairing.”

It would certainly sting to move a player who has been with the franchise for so long, but let’s be hones: the Blackhawks are in rebuilding mode, and it wouldn’t make much sense to hold on to Murphy, who is slated to hit free agency at the end of the season.

Chicago has made the playoffs just once in the last nine campaigns, which comes on the heels of the Blackhawks capturing three Stanley Cup championships between 2010 and 2015. Those glory days are long gone, and for Chicago to rekindle them, it will have to continue making smart moves.

The good news is that the Blackhawks seem to be trending in a positive direction.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are already shorthanded without Connor Bedard, who was placed on injured reserve on Monday.

More News: Blackhawks have worse injury news for Connor Bedard amid MRI

On Tuesday, the Blackhawks punished a young player before their contest Tuesday agains the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Chicago is falling in the wild card race amid Bedard’s (separated shoulder) injury. The third-year center is not expected to be reevaluated until at least Jan. 1.

Per Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN, Blackhawks Jeff Blashill is making Artyom Levshunov a healthy scratch on Tuesday night after he showed up late to practice on Monday.

Chicago Blackhawks HC Jeff Blashill takes a stand

More News: How the Blackhawks plan to survive without Connor Bedard

“Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill called out Artyom Levshunov during practice yesterday for being late to the rink,” Roumeliotis posted on X. “So if he’s a healthy scratch tonight, it’s likely more for disciplinary reasons than performance-based.

“Blashill confirms Artyom Levshunov’s healthy scratch tonight is because he was late to the rink yesterday.”

Chicago head coach Jeff Blashill confirms Artyom Levshunov’s healthy scratch tonight is because he was late to the rink yesterday. #Blackhawks https://t.co/rePCeSgDk5

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 16, 2025

Levshunov, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft, has 14 points this season with one goal and 13 assists. He’s the sixth in points for Chicago.

Levshunov will be a huge miss for the Blackhawks with Bedard out.

Blashill was reportedly unhappy with Levshunov and several players during Monday’s practice. He yelled at a group of players for not being alert during the workout.

Blashill yelled an expletive at Levshunov for being late to practice.

There might be a discipline problem in Chicago.

Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, their leader is out for at least a few weeks. It’ll be important that the youth on Chicago steps up to face adversity as the team is without Bedard against a grueling schedule.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks were hanging around the final wild card spot in the Western Conference before Connor Bedard suffered a shoulder injury in Friday night’s 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

More News: Blackhawks HC explodes at team after placing Connor Bedard on IR

Following a 4-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday (minus Bedard), the Blackhawks are 13-13-6 before playing at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Chicago is now three points away from the San Jose Sharks for the final wild card spot.

On Tuesday, news surfaced about what type of shoulder injury Bedard is dealing with. It’s not good for the Blackhawks hopes of making the postseason.

Chicago Blackhawks C Connor Bedard has separated shoulder

More News: Blackhawks have worse injury news for Connor Bedard amid MRI

Per Kevin Weekes of ESPN, Bedard suffered a separated shoulder.

“**Injury Update**   Per sources, I’m told the injury sustained to @NHLBlackhawks young star F Bedard, is a separated shoulder,” Weekes posted on X.

**Injury Update** 🚨 🚑
Per sources, I’m told the injury sustained to @NHLBlackhawks young star F Bedard, is
a separated shoulder. #HockeyX #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/HkJzlRp4wK

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) December 16, 2025

On Monday, Chicago placed Bedard on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 12. However, the team does not plan to bring back the third-year center anytime soon.

Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill said the team would not reevaluate Bedard until after Jan. 1. Fortunately, Bedard will not need surgery, but he’s going to be a big miss for a while.

Bedard is the team’s leader in points (44) with 19 goals and 25 assists. Tyler Bertuzzi is Chicago’s No. 1 point leader with 26 points coming from 16 goals and 10 assists.

Chicago will play seven more games before the New Year. All seven opponents have winning records. The Blackhawks next 10 opponents have winning records. The next time Chicago will play a team with a losing record will be the St. Louis Blues on Jan. 7.

Given the way Chicago handled its business without Bedard on Saturday night, the season is likely lost due to Bedard’s separated shoulder.

For More Chicago Sports:

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The Chicago Blackhawks have spent the last few seasons building toward the future, and moments like this show why their patience may soon pay off. After a historic junior season and a strong start in professional hockey, forward Nick Lardis has officially taken his first step onto the NHL stage.

His call-up came under unfortunate circumstances, following Connor Bedard’s shoulder injury against St. Louis. Still, it also opened the door for one of Chicago’s most exciting young scorers to prove he belongs at the highest level.

For the Blackhawks, this is not just a short-term roster move. It is a glimpse into what their next wave of talent could look like.

From historic OHL season to AHL breakout

Nick Lardis’ rise did not happen overnight. During the 2024–25 OHL season with the Brantford Bulldogs, he put together one of the most dominant goal-scoring campaigns junior hockey has seen in decades. Lardis scored 71 goals in 65 games, becoming the first OHL player to hit the 70-goal mark since John Tavares did it back in 2006–07.

That season earned him the OHL goal-scoring title and served as a perfect ending to his junior career. More importantly, it cemented his reputation as an elite finisher with a rare scoring instinct.

Drafted 67th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis transitioned smoothly into professional hockey this season with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. Rather than easing his way in, he immediately became one of Rockford’s most productive players.

Lardis currently sits second in AHL rookie scoring, trailing only Bakersfield Condors rookie Quinn Hutson. With 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists), he is also second on the IceHogs in overall scoring behind veteran Brett Seney. That production, combined with his pace and shot, quickly made him more than just a promising prospect. He became someone the Blackhawks could realistically call upon when opportunity arose.

That opportunity came sooner than expected.

Confident NHL debut shows why Blackhawks are high on Lardis

Following Connor Bedard’s shoulder injury against St. Louis, Chicago needed offense, energy, and upside. Ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, the Blackhawks made the call to bring Lardis up from Rockford.

In his NHL debut, Lardis was placed on a line with fellow rookies Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene, forming a young, fast trio built on skill and energy. While the stat sheet showed a minus two rating, the numbers did not fully capture Lardis’ impact.

He logged 15 minutes and 32 seconds of ice time, recorded two shots on goal, delivered five hits, blocked one shot, and attempted a team-high eight shot attempts. Those numbers tell the story of a player who was not overwhelmed by the moment. Instead, Lardis played with confidence, attacking open ice and firing the puck whenever opportunities appeared.

His performance reflected what made him special in junior hockey. He thinks like a goal scorer. He shoots without hesitation and looks comfortable creating offense even against NHL defenders. For a first game, those are encouraging signs.

For the Blackhawks, this debut reinforced why Lardis is viewed as a key piece of their rebuild. While no one expects him to replace Bedard’s production, Lardis brings a shooting mentality that Chicago desperately needs. His ability to generate attempts and play with pace fits well with the organization’s long-term vision.

As the Chicago Blackhawks navigate life without their star center in the short term, Lardis’ arrival adds excitement and hope. Whether his stay is brief or extends longer, his first NHL appearance showed that his historic scoring past may translate into a productive future at hockey’s highest level.

The post Nick Lardis earns NHL opportunity as Chicago Blackhawks turn to youth after Bedard injury appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The mood in the Chicago Blackhawks is not good after center Connor Bedard suffered a shoulder injury on Friday night.

More News: Blackhawks have worse injury news for Connor Bedard amid MRI

Bedard was injured in the final second of the Blackhawks’ 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. He was ruled out for Chicago’s 4-0 loss at home to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

The Blackhawks are set to start a three-game road trip in Canada beginning with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Chicago has a 13-13-6 record before the contest.

The Chicago Blackhawks lose Connor Bedard

More News: How the Blackhawks plan to survive without Connor Bedard

On Monday, the Blackhawks announced they were putting Bedard on injured reserve.

Via the Blackhawks:

“The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that the team has recalled defenseman Ethan Del Mastro and goaltender Laurent Brossoit (conditioning assignment) from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

“Additionally, the team has placed forward Connor Bedard (upper body) on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 12.”

Amid Bedard’s move to the IR, Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill was not in any mood for tardiness.

Per CHGO Blackhawks, Blashill called out a group of players for being late to practice.

“You don’t (expletive) show up on time!” Blashill said.

Jeff Blashill, unhappy with the start of practice, just let a group of Blackhawks have it. "You don't f—ing show up on time!"

— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) December 15, 2025

The first-year head coach didn’t stop there, screaming at defenceman Artyom Levshunov for missing a five-on-five rep.

“Wake the F up,” Blashill said, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Blackhawks have some good news on Bedard. Per Pope, Blashill confirmed Bedard will not need surgery to repair the “upper-body injury.” However, Chicago is not expected to re-evaluate Bedard until after Jan. 1.

But by that time, the Blackhawks could fall out of the postseason chase. That is, if they don’t wake the (expletive) up.

For More Chicago Sports:

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The true value of Connor Bedard to the Chicago Blackhawks becomes clearest when he is not in the lineup. His impact this season goes far beyond highlight goals or flashy assists. Bedard has scored 19 goals and added 25 assists, including 18 primary assists. That means he has directly contributed to 37 of the Blackhawks’ 91 goals. Only Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini have been more involved in their teams’ scoring through goals and primary assists.

So yes, the Blackhawks are going to feel his absence. Deeply.

Injuries are part of the NHL, and no team escapes them. Chicago knows it cannot replace Bedard with one player. Instead, the Blackhawks will need a collective response, with several players stepping into larger roles and taking on more responsibility. As forward Ryan Donato put it, this is now a next man up situation.

Frank Nazar and Tyler Bertuzzi must drive the offense

If there is one player who will feel Bedard’s absence the most, it is Frank Nazar. Simply put, Nazar will inherit much of what Bedard was getting. More ice time. More offensive responsibility. More pressure.

Bedard was averaging just over 21 minutes per game. Nazar has been close to that number already, but now he will be leaned on in every major situation. Early in the season, Nazar looked like Chicago’s most dangerous offensive player. He scored five goals in his first 10 games and played with confidence and swagger. While his scoring cooled off as the season progressed, the chances never fully disappeared.

Coach Jeff Blashill continues to stress process over results with Nazar. The shots are there. The opportunities are there. Now the Blackhawks need the finish. Chicago envisions Nazar as a top six center capable of scoring 30 goals a season. This stretch without Bedard is a major test of that belief.

Alongside Nazar, Tyler Bertuzzi becomes even more important. Bertuzzi has been Chicago’s most consistent scorer outside of Bedard, with 16 goals in 29 games. His strength is around the net, where most of his goals come from within 10 feet. That means his success depends on puck movement, rebounds and sustained offensive zone time.

Bertuzzi has produced with multiple linemates this season, including Nazar and Teuvo Teräväinen earlier on. With Bedard out, Blashill may shuffle lines again to find the right mix. If Bertuzzi keeps scoring at his current pace, it will ease the pressure on the rest of the lineup.

Young talent and depth players get their opportunity

Another player who could benefit from increased opportunity is Nick Lardis. It is a lot to ask of a young player entering the NHL, but Lardis brings rare offensive tools. His shot, speed and instincts helped him score 71 goals in the OHL last season, and he has already been productive at the AHL level.

Even in his NHL debut, Lardis showed he belongs. He hit the crossbar, created chances and led the team in shot attempts. Playing alongside Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene gives that line speed, creativity and energy. Blashill praised Lardis’ jump and offensive awareness, and those traits will be valuable while Chicago searches for goals.

Ryan Donato is another name to watch. His role has shrunk this season, but his effort never has. Donato scored 31 goals last year and is capable of streaky offense. With Bedard out, Blashill may look to give Donato more offensive minutes or power play opportunities to spark production.

Finally, Ilya Mikheyev quietly remains one of Chicago’s most dangerous chance creators. He has generated plenty of high danger opportunities but has struggled to finish. If Mikheyev can rediscover his scoring touch, even occasionally, it could swing games in Chicago’s favor.

No one player will replace Connor Bedard. That is unrealistic. But if the Chicago Blackhawks get strong contributions from Nazar, Bertuzzi and their supporting cast, they can stay competitive and continue building the foundation of their rebuild while their star recovers.

The post How the Chicago Blackhawks plan to survive without Connor Bedard appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Saturday night’s game against the Detroit Red Wings wasn’t pretty for the Chicago Blackhawks without Connor Bedard.

Bedard might be out for a significant amount of time.

More News: Blackhawks get bad update on Connor Bedard’s injury

The third-year center was ruled out after suffering a shoulder injury at the end of Friday night’s loss to the St. Louis Blues. Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill called the injury a “freak accident.”

Without their leader in points (44), the Blackhawks suffered a 4-0 loss to the Red Wings in front of 20,751 fans at the United Center.

Before the game, Blashill said Bedard was still being evaluated. He expected to have more information on Monday. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman provided a dour outlook for Chicago.

While the Blackhawks are awaiting the results of the MRI Bedard had on Saturday, he is not expected to return to start the three-game road trip in Canada next week. Chicago will travel to play the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday before ending the week with the Montreal Canadiens (Thursday, and Ottawa Senators (Saturday).

Chicago Blackhawks C Connor Bedard out for a while

More News: Bears’ Caleb Williams sets goal before Browns game

Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, Blashill confirmed Bedard is not expected to play for the entire three-game road trip.

“Blashill confirmed he doesn’t anticipate Connor Bedard playing on this 3-game road trip,” Pope posted on X.

Blashill confirmed he doesn't anticipate Connor Bedard playing on this 3-game road trip.

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) December 14, 2025

The Blackhawks were hanging on a thread for the postseason hunt before Bedard’s injury. They didn’t look like a contender on Saturday night without him after being shut out by Detroit.

All three of Chicago’s next opponents will have better than .500 records.

Nick Lardis, who was called up to play for Bedard was a minus-2 on the ice against the Red Wings.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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On Friday, the Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard earned two assists, but it wasn’t enough to earn a win.

(Saturday night update): Bedard’s update is even worse amid MRI results

The Blackhawks fell 3-2 to the St. Louis Blues in front of 18,096 fans at the Enterprise Center.

The defeat wasn’t the only bad news.

A scary moment for the Chicago Blackhawks

More News: Bears’ Ben Johnson sends offense warning after loss to Packers

Bedard appeared shaken up at the end of the contest. He fell to the ice as time expired in the third period and favored his right shoulder as he got up. He immediately left for the locker room.

pic.twitter.com/N65FrOnOtU

— BlackhawksFocus (@FocusBlackhawks) December 13, 2025

Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill called the injury a “freak accident.”

“I think it’s a freak accident, to be honest with you,” Blashill said.

Bad news on Connor Bedard

Blashill had more bad news to offer on Bedard, confirming the star center would not play on Saturday at home against the Detroit Red Wings. It’s unclear if Bedard will make the three-game road trip in Canada next week to play the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators.

Blashill hopes to provide an update by Monday.

The post Chicago Blackhawks get bad update on Connor Bedard’s injury appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Blackhawks enter Friday’s matchup against the St. Louis Blues with renewed confidence, and much of that momentum comes from the play of Connor Bedard, who continues to drive Chicago’s offense through the month of December.

After a dominant 3-0 win over the New York Rangers, the Blackhawks are hoping to carry that same energy into St. Louis as they meet their Central Division rivals for the second time this season. Bedard scored and assisted in Wednesday’s victory while Spencer Knight recorded a shutout, giving Chicago the exact response they needed following two tough road losses. As the Blackhawks try to build on their progress, all eyes will once again be on Bedard, whose scoring pace has Chicago fans buzzing.

Connor Bedard’s momentum fuels Blackhawks’ rising confidence

Connor Bedard enters this matchup in outstanding form. His goal against the Rangers was his 19th of the season, tying him for third in the NHL in goals. Beyond the goals, Bedard has consistently pushed the pace, created scoring chances, and elevated the play of those around him. His assist on Tyler Bertuzzi’s goal on Wednesday capped another multi-point performance, and his surge has reshaped the Blackhawks’ offensive rhythm.

Chicago’s improved defensive structure also played a key role in their bounce-back win. The Blackhawks limited New York’s chances, kept the middle of the ice protected, and generated clean entries on the rush, something they struggled with earlier in the season. Spencer Knight supported that defensive effort with a 21-save shutout, giving the team stability when they needed it most.

The Blackhawks now head into Enterprise Center knowing they have already beaten the Blues once this season. In their last meeting on Oct. 15, Chicago rolled to an 8-3 victory, showcasing balanced scoring and strong puck movement. Ilya Mikheyev, Alex Vlasic, and others contributed to multi-point games as Chicago overwhelmed St. Louis with speed and offensive depth.

Another factor working in the Blackhawks’ favor is their recent road special teams performance. Chicago currently leads the NHL in road power-play percentage, an impressive turnaround that could prove valuable against a Blues team that has struggled with penalty killing consistency.

With points in five of their last eight road games, Chicago appears more cohesive and confident, and Bedard is the centerpiece of that momentum. His shooting, awareness, and ability to create plays have turned the Blackhawks into a legitimate threat in the offensive zone, even against stronger defensive teams.

Blues searching for stability amid defensive struggles

While the Blackhawks come in with confidence, the Blues enter this matchup searching for stability after a brutal 7-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. In that game, St. Louis allowed six goals in a single period, exposing major issues with defensive-zone coverage and puck management.

The Blues have shown flashes of strong play, such as their recent 2-1 win over Ottawa, but inconsistency has defined their season so far. Jake Neighbours and goalie Joel Hofer have been bright spots, yet the team continues to battle inconsistency in both structure and effort. Compounding matters is the uncertainty surrounding Jordan Kyrou’s leg injury, which leaves a gap in the Blues’ top-six forward group.

Tactically, Friday’s matchup presents concerns for St. Louis. Chicago is expected to attack the middle of the ice early, work the cycle high, and put traffic in front of the net. This could create trouble for Hofer, who may be forced into difficult lateral saves if the Blackhawks maintain speed through the neutral zone.

St. Louis will try to counter with physical play, aggressive forechecking, and quicker puck retrievals, areas where Chicago historically struggles under pressure. But the Blues will need to be much sharper defensively to slow Bedard and the Hawks’ transition game, which has generated high-quality scoring chances in recent outings.

One thing is certain: with Connor Bedard pushing the pace and Chicago looking to stack wins, this Central Division showdown is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle from start to finish.

The post Connor Bedard leads Blackhawks into key division battle against the Blues appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Blackhawks returned to the United Center on Wednesday night searching for answers after two blowout losses on their West Coast trip. With confidence shaken and fatigue evident, they needed a strong performance to reset their momentum.

They got exactly that. In what may have been their most complete game of the season, Chicago shut out the New York Rangers 3-0, outworking and outskating one of the NHL’s top road teams. Behind disciplined defense, timely scoring, and a stellar outing from Spencer Knight, the Blackhawks reminded everyone what they are capable of when they play with structure and urgency.

Strong defense and timely scoring power the Chicago Blackhawks past New York

From the opening puck drop, the Blackhawks looked sharper, faster, and far more connected than they had in their previous two outings. The Rangers entered the matchup with 12 road wins, the most in the NHL, but Chicago did not allow them to dictate the pace at any point.

The breakthrough came early in the second period when defenseman Louis Crevier took advantage of a shorthanded opportunity. After jumping into open ice, Crevier converted with a clean finish for his third goal of the season. It was an unexpected but energizing moment for the 6-foot-8 defenseman.

“That was pretty fun,” Crevier said. “I don’t get too many looks like this.”

Chicago kept pressing, and their momentum paid off again when Connor Bedard struck later in the period. Bedard collected a smart pass in front from André Burakovsky and buried his 19th goal of the season. The rookie sensation added an assist later, finishing the night with two points and continuing his strong stretch of play at home.

The Blackhawks were the better team at even strength, on special teams, and in puck management. New York had brief pushes, but Chicago consistently shut down passing lanes and moved the puck efficiently out of their own zone.

A major storyline entering the game was Chicago’s decision to return to a traditional six-defensemen lineup after sending Sam Rinzel to the Rockford IceHogs. The adjustment proved beneficial. Veterans like Matthew Grzelcyk stepped up, with Grzelcyk recording the primary assist on Crevier’s goal and helping stabilize the defensive pairings.

“As a D corps, it was probably one of our better games,” Grzelcyk said. “We used our feet and stayed tight.”

Spencer Knight earns shutout as the Chicago Blackhawks regain confidence

In net, Spencer Knight was calm, composed, and completely reliable. The 23-year-old stopped all 21 shots he faced, earning his second shutout of the season and the seventh of his career. After giving up six goals to the Los Angeles Kings just days earlier, Knight didn’t frame this performance as a rebound. Instead, he emphasized consistency.

“It’s not really a bounce back to me, it’s just another day,” Knight said. “You’re going to have games where that happens. You take what you can and move on.”

Knight’s steady presence gave Chicago the confidence to maintain pressure throughout the game. Even when the Rangers threatened, Knight made smart reads and controlled rebounds, preventing extended offensive zone time for New York.

The Rangers attempted to respond in the third period, but Chicago shut them down defensively and added a late goal from Tyler Bertuzzi, assisted by Bedard.

Chicago now prepares for another challenging back-to-back set against the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings. Their previous back-to-back resulted in blowouts, but Knight believes the team is better prepared this time.

“As a young team, we’re going to work hard and stick to the plan,” Knight said. “We’ll take all the experience we can and keep building.”

The win also happened to fall on head coach Jeff Blashill’s 52nd birthday, though he kept the focus on the road ahead instead of celebrations.

“Our focus now is St. Louis,” Blashill said. “We have a lot coming, and we have to be able to handle it.”

The Chicago Blackhawks needed a response, and their 3-0 victory proved they can deliver one when it matters.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are once again becoming a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches. ESPN insider Greg Wyshynski released his latest trade board, and three Blackhawks players, Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Laurent Brossoit, all made the list.

With Chicago still deep in its rebuild and carrying several veterans on expiring contracts, the possibility that it could become a seller is growing stronger. Each of the three players mentioned offers something different to potential contenders, making them logical names to monitor in the weeks ahead.

Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy stand out as veteran trade targets

It is no surprise to see Jason Dickinson on the trade board. The 30-year-old center is a pending unrestricted free agent and fits the profile of the type of depth forward playoff teams chase every year. Teams looking to add size, reliability, and versatility in the bottom six often look at players like Dickinson.

So far this season, Dickinson has produced two goals and three assists for five points in 17 games. While his numbers may not jump off the page, his value goes far beyond scoring. He is a dependable penalty killer, a strong forechecker, and wins over 52 percent of his faceoffs. These are the kinds of traits coaches love during tight playoff games.

His ability to play a checking role also gives him appeal to contenders looking to strengthen their defensive game and improve faceoff efficiency down the middle. Because he is a pending free agent, acquiring teams would not need to commit long-term, making him even more attractive as a rental.

On defense, Connor Murphy is another name expected to draw interest. Like Dickinson, Murphy is also a pending UFA. He is precisely the type of defenseman teams often look for as the games get tougher late in the season: significant, physical, and a right-handed shot.

Right-shot defensemen with experience and shutdown ability are always in short supply. Murphy’s style of play makes him a fit on most playoff teams. His ability to defend the crease, block shots, and battle along the boards makes him a safe and predictable option for coaches.

If the Blackhawks decide to move Murphy, they would be dealing a valuable asset. His presence in the locker room and consistency on the ice have been essential for a young Chicago roster. Still, if the return is significant, the organization may decide it is the right time to move on.

Laurent Brossoit could be on the move as the goalie market takes shape

While Dickinson and Murphy are natural trade candidates given their roles and contract statuses, Laurent Brossoit has been expected to move for some time. Chicago has been working to find the 32-year-old goaltender a new home, and his appearance on Wyshynski’s trade board reflects that ongoing effort.

Brossoit is currently on a conditioning assignment with the Rockford IceHogs, where he is getting his first game action since the 2023-24 season. He has dealt with several injuries over the last year, but when healthy, he has proven to be a reliable NHL backup capable of handling extended stretches of play.

Several teams around the league could be in the market for a goaltender as the season progresses. Injuries, inconsistent play, or simply the desire for depth often drive goalie trades near the deadline. If Brossoit performs well during his conditioning stint, Chicago may finally find the right match.

The Blackhawks will continue to evaluate their roster as the season moves forward. If they fall further from the playoff picture, the likelihood increases that veterans like Dickinson, Murphy, and Brossoit will be traded for futures. For now, fans should keep an eye on how these names develop in the trade rumor mill.

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The Chicago Blackhawks returned home needing a reset after a difficult West Coast road trip, and they delivered exactly that in a strong 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.

Behind a steady performance from Spencer Knight and another standout showing from Connor Bedard, Chicago looked sharper, faster, and more confident on home ice. After being outscored 13-1 in their previous two games, the Blackhawks used energy from the United Center crowd to regain momentum and show they can respond when things get tough.

Connor Bedard shines again as Chicago Blackhawks take control early

Coming off a stretch in which Chicago struggled to generate offense, the team wasted no time setting the tone at home. Louis Crevier opened the scoring with a short-handed goal, giving the Blackhawks early confidence. It was the type of hard-working play Chicago has been missing, and it immediately energized the bench.

From there, Connor Bedard took over. The 20-year-old star scored his 19th goal of the season, finishing a centering pass from Andre Burakovsky to extend the lead to 2-0 in the second period. Bedard later added an assist on Tyler Bertuzzi’s third-period goal, giving him a two-point night and pushing his season total to 42 points.

Bedard now has 17 points in his last 11 home games, showcasing just how comfortable he has become playing in front of Chicago fans. His ability to elevate the team after a tough road trip reflects the leadership qualities the organization believes will define its future.

The Rangers entered the game having lost two straight in overtime, but remained one of the league’s better defensive teams. Still, the Blackhawks outworked them in key moments and capitalized on their chances. New York goalie Igor Shesterkin made 22 saves, but his team was unable to generate consistent pressure in the offensive zone.

Chicago’s strong first period also continued a trend. The Blackhawks have now scored first in 12 of their 15 home games, the most in the NHL, and have allowed only four first-period goals at home, the fewest in the league.

Spencer Knight earns second shutout as Chicago Blackhawks regain confidence

While Bedard once again drove the offense, Spencer Knight delivered a calm, controlled performance in net. The 23-year-old stopped 21 shots for his second shutout of the season and the seventh of his career.

Knight’s ability to stay poised, even when facing skilled forwards like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, gave the Blackhawks the confidence they needed to play more aggressively. His rebound control, positioning, and communication with the defense stood out throughout the night.

For Knight, this performance also marked an important step forward in consistency. He has never recorded more than two shutouts in a single season, and reaching that number before the halfway point reflects how valuable he has become to Chicago’s defensive structure.

The Blackhawks also showed improvement in areas that cost them during the road trip. Their forecheck was stronger, their defensive zone coverage much tighter, and their transitions cleaner. Even in moments when the Rangers pushed back, Chicago stayed composed.

New York saw one streak end as well. Mika Zibanejad’s seven-game point streak came to a stop, thanks in large part to Chicago’s disciplined defensive play.

The win gives the Blackhawks a much-needed boost as they head back on the road to face the St. Louis Blues on Friday night. Chicago proved they can rebound from adversity, and with Bedard leading the offense and Knight finding his rhythm, the team can build on this momentum moving forward. After a rough stretch, the Chicago Blackhawks reminded everyone what they look like at their best: energetic, structured, and confident.

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The relationship between Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar has quickly grown into one of the most exciting storylines surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild. On the ice, they are two of the most skilled young players the franchise has had since the days of Toews and Kane.

Off the ice, they’re roommates, close friends, and constant companions, forming a connection that mirrors the chemistry they build during games. From dressing up together on Halloween to sharing dinners on every road trip, Bedard and Nazar have created a partnership that blends talent, personality, and leadership. And as the Blackhawks continue shaping their next era, the duo’s rise feels like the start of something special.

Connor Bedard and Nazar are growing together as players and as leaders

Bedard and Nazar may play on different lines at even strength, but they come together on Chicago’s top power play unit, often driving momentum for the Blackhawks. Their games complement each other: Bedard’s elite vision and shooting blend seamlessly with Nazar’s speed, playmaking ability, and relentless energy.

Even more importantly, their off-ice bond strengthens their connection on the ice.
“We spend so much time together… it’s like a family,” Bedard said. From long road trips to casual hangs at home, the two young stars enjoy every moment, and their teammates notice.

Defenseman Alex Vlasic put it best:
“They’re so skilled, fast, and exciting. They’re going to be future studs, All-Stars. It’s just really fun to watch them succeed.”

Bedard’s production already speaks for itself:

• 61 points as a rookie (Calder Trophy winner)
• 67 points in 2024-25
• 40 points (18G, 22A) in just 29 games this season, ranking fifth in the entire NHL

Nazar, meanwhile, signed a seven-year extension in August and has rapidly become a reliable top-six forward. With 20 points in 27 games and nine assists in his last 12 matchups, he continues to trend upward.

Coach Jeff Blashill’s system, often using 11 forwards and seven defensemen, gives both Bedard (21:11 ATOI) and Nazar (19:01 ATOI) significant ice time. Bedard leads the team in forward minutes, while Nazar ranks third. Their responsibility isn’t just earned, it’s necessary.

Ryan Donato emphasized their impact:
“If they want to win, they have to take some steps and they absolutely have. The team leans on them.”

Even without wearing permanent letters, Bedard and Nazar are already leading through their play. Jason Dickinson explained that leadership from the duo comes naturally:
“They’ve taken on their shoulders to say, ‘I’m going to win games for us night after night.’”

Personality, chemistry, and a bright Chicago future

Part of what makes their partnership so compelling is how opposite their personalities are. Nazar is outgoing, energetic, and playful, the spark plug of the locker room.
“He wakes up and the sky is blue,” Blashill joked, praising Nazar’s positivity.

Bedard, meanwhile, is more reserved. The pressure of being the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft brought an intense spotlight, but now in his third season, he’s more relaxed and willing to let his personality shine. Nazar sees that change firsthand:
“He’s a funny guy. You just have to bring it out of him.”

Together, they balance each other, Nazar helping Bedard loosen up, Bedard helping Nazar stay focused and competitive. And behind the scenes, they’re building a culture that younger players like Oliver Moore, Colton Dach, Ryan Greene, and Artyom Levshunov are already feeding off.

Nazar summed it up perfectly:
“This year, it just feels great coming to the rink… it’s guys you’re going to laugh with, to battle with.”

The future of the Chicago Blackhawks isn’t just about talent, it’s about chemistry, leadership, and a new core growing together. And at the center of that evolution stand two close friends: Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, the emerging faces of the franchise.

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The Connor Bedard era in Chicago has already delivered big moments, but tonight’s matchup against the New York Rangers carries a different kind of weight.

The Chicago Blackhawks enter this Original Six battle on a two-game skid, having been outscored 13–1 in their last two outings. With pressure mounting and criticism growing, Bedard made it clear during Tuesday’s media session that he isn’t letting the outside noise drag the team down. Instead, the 20-year-old star delivered a reminder to reporters, and to fans, that momentum can change quickly in the NHL.

Connor Bedard pushes back at the narrative as the Blackhawks try to reset

Chicago’s young roster has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but the last two games revealed the challenges of navigating such a demanding league with one of its youngest teams. Still, while many focused on the blowout losses, Connor Bedard chose not to dwell on the negativity.

When asked about the team’s recent struggles, Bedard gave a response that instantly went viral for its honesty:
“The beauty of it is: if we win, you guys will forget about it all and we’ll be the best team ever again,” Bedard said.
“So we’re just going to have a good game and get back on track.”

It was a mature moment from a player still early in his NHL career, someone who understands both the pressure of being a No. 1 pick and the noise that surrounds a rebuilding franchise. Bedard knows the Blackhawks can’t change the past. They can only focus on the next shift, the next game, and the next response.

And that response will need to be strong. The Blackhawks haven’t just lost two straight, they’ve been dominated. Being outscored 13–1 in consecutive games highlights the inconsistencies of a roster still learning how to compete nightly. But Bedard’s leadership, even at 20 years old, shows why he’s viewed as the future face of the franchise.

The challenge ahead is steep, but Bedard’s message sets the tone: put the last two games behind them and fight for a reset against one of the league’s toughest road teams.

Both teams seek a breakthrough, but the Rangers hold road advantage

While Chicago enters the matchup with plenty to fix, the New York Rangers aren’t arriving in perfect form either. Mike Sullivan’s team also rides a two-game losing streak, but unlike Chicago’s blowouts, New York’s losses came in overtime at Madison Square Garden. They’ve been competitive, but unable to close games.

That’s where the similarities end.

New York has been one of the NHL’s best road teams, sporting an impressive 12-4-1 record away from Manhattan. Their structure, depth, and veteran leadership have made them far more dangerous on the road than at home, where they surprisingly own the league’s worst home record at 3-8-3.

The Blackhawks, meanwhile, have shown promise at the United Center but remain inconsistent. Their youth often shines offensively, but defensive lapses and untimely mistakes have cost them in key moments. Facing a disciplined Rangers squad will test Chicago’s ability to structure their game, stay patient, and avoid the breakdowns that doomed them in Los Angeles and Anaheim.

Still, Chicago has one major weapon: Bedard. The young superstar continues to push the pace, create scoring chances, and carry the Hawks’ offense despite the team’s struggles. His confidence, even after difficult losses, helps fuel the rest of the lineup.

With both clubs trying to end losing streaks, tonight’s game could turn into an emotional, high-energy battle. For the Rangers, it’s another chance to extend their dominance on the road. For the Blackhawks, it’s an opportunity to prove they can respond, bounce back, and take a step forward in their development.

And for Connor Bedard, it might be the perfect moment to back up his bold words with another statement performance on home ice.

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The Chicago Blackhawks return to the United Center on Wednesday night for a challenging matchup against the New York Rangers. After a tough stretch that has seen Chicago go 2-6-2 in their last 10 games, this home contest presents an opportunity to reset and rediscover consistency.

The Rangers, meanwhile, come in riding a three-game road winning streak and boasting one of the best away records in the league. With both teams healthy and meeting for the first time this season, the stage is set for a competitive and fast-paced matchup in Chicago.

Chicago Blackhawks aim to bounce back against strong Rangers road team

The Blackhawks have been inconsistent of late, earning a 12-11-6 record and sitting near the middle of the Central Division standings. At home, they are 6-5-3 and looking to build more stability on United Center ice. One area that continues to stand out, for better or worse, is discipline. Chicago ranks fourth in the NHL with 126 total penalties, averaging 4.3 per game. Staying out of the penalty box will be key against a Rangers team that thrives when given extra opportunities.

Despite recent struggles, the Blackhawks have gotten strong play from their young core. Frank Nazar continues to develop into a dynamic playmaker with five goals and 15 assists this season. His speed and creativity have helped drive Chicago’s offense, especially during five-on-five play.

Tyler Bertuzzi has also been a steady contributor, recording six goals and four assists in his last 10 games. His physical presence and ability to generate chances in tight make him a vital piece of the Blackhawks’ top six.

The challenge, however, will be containing a New York team that has excelled on the road with a 12-4-1 away record. The Rangers are particularly dangerous when they hit the three-goal mark, owning a 13-1-1 record in those situations. Chicago’s defense and goaltending will need to be sharp early to prevent the Rangers from gaining momentum.

On the injury front, both teams enter the game fully healthy, allowing the Blackhawks to ice their strongest possible lineup for one of their toughest opponents in December.

Rangers bring firepower as Chicago Blackhawks look to stabilize recent form

The New York Rangers arrive in Chicago playing confident, structured hockey. With a 15-12-4 record, they remain competitive in a tight Metropolitan Division race and continue to lean heavily on their star talent.

Artemi Panarin, the former Blackhawk, is once again leading the way with 10 goals and 22 assists. His combination of vision, playmaking, and shooting threat makes him one of the most dangerous forwards Chicago will face this month.

Complementing Panarin is Vladislav Gavrikov, who has been particularly productive over the last 10 games, tallying four goals and three assists. His two-way presence on the blue line gives the Rangers another layer of depth that Chicago must account for.

Statistically, New York has been the better team recently. Over their last 10 games, the Rangers are 5-3-2, averaging three goals per contest while giving up just 2.6. Their defensive structure has tightened, and their goaltending has been steady — a formula that has fueled their success away from home.

The Blackhawks, in contrast, have been outscored significantly in their recent 2-6-2 stretch, averaging only 2.2 goals per game while allowing 4.1 goals against. If Chicago wants to turn things around, they’ll need cleaner exits, sharper defensive zone coverage, and more sustained pressure in the offensive zone.

Still, the matchup brings opportunity. Playing in front of a home crowd, the Blackhawks have a chance to regroup, tighten their game, and show they can compete with one of the league’s top road teams. A strong effort against the Rangers could provide the spark they’ve been looking for.

As both teams enter the game with fully healthy rosters and plenty to play for, Wednesday night’s meeting promises high intensity, fast skating, and a clear test of where the Chicago Blackhawks stand heading into the heart of the season.

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With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, Connor Bedard has one month left to make his case to represent Team Canada, a roster arguably harder to crack than any in international hockey. While Bedard’s electric play this season has vaulted him into the national conversation, competition for forward spots is fierce.

Even so, his recent surge in production has turned heads across the hockey world and earned him strong backing from his teammates. Whether he ultimately makes the cut remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Bedard is fighting his way into the discussion, not riding his name or draft status.

Connor Bedard stays humble as his Olympic chances rise

Connor Bedard understands the magnitude of the opportunity in front of him, but he also knows Team Canada’s talent pool is deeper than ever. Speaking before the Blackhawks’ tough 7–1 loss to Anaheim, he kept things grounded:
“Obviously I want to be there… but there are so many great players in Canada, they could make two teams.”

Despite the humility, Bedard’s numbers tell their own story. Over his last 21 games, he has recorded an eye-popping 16 goals and 17 assists, a run that’s nearly impossible for Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong to ignore. His offensive creativity, finishing ability, and hockey IQ make him a dynamic option, especially for a team seeking both skill and youthful energy.

But Bedard isn’t the only young star making noise. Macklin Celebrini has been sensational in San Jose. Tom Wilson brings a physical edge many believe Canada needs. Nick Suzuki offers elite two-way play. With established names already competing for spots, no one is guaranteed a place, not even a generational scorer like Bedard.

Still, Bedard’s teammates believe he belongs on the Olympic stage.
Jason Dickinson praised him, saying:
“Connor has put himself in the conversation… He has definitely raised his game. He has brought a level of intensity that is turning heads.”

Right now, Bedard’s chances sit around 50/50 as the New Year’s Eve roster deadline approaches. But if he continues producing at his current pace, he could force Canada’s hand.

Developing all-around: faceoffs, leadership, and scoring race

While Bedard is best known for his scoring, he’s quietly making major strides in another critical area, the faceoff circle. After winning under 40% of his draws early in his career, Bedard has pushed his percentage up to 48.1% this season. That growth is no accident.

“You see the pattern with young guys,” Bedard explained. “You keep practicing, keep getting used to the players you’re going against… I’m figuring out what works for me.”

Bedard admits he will still have off-nights but believes consistency is coming. The presence of Ryan Greene, another natural center, has helped relieve pressure. Greene’s ability to take clean draws or step in when Bedard gets tossed gives the duo flexibility, allowing Bedard to focus more on positioning and anticipation.

Meanwhile, Bedard’s offensive output continues to draw attention across the league, and even when he tries to avoid the NHL leaderboard, it finds him anyway.
“You just see it if you have a phone or Instagram,” he joked.

As of now, Bedard sits fourth in NHL scoring with 40 points, behind only Nathan MacKinnon (49), Macklin Celebrini (43), and Connor McDavid (42).

For a 20-year-old in his third NHL season, that’s remarkable. For a player pushing for an Olympic roster spot? It’s the strongest argument possible.

Connor Bedard may not know yet whether he’ll wear the Maple Leaf in Milan, but he has unquestionably earned consideration. His growth at both ends of the ice, maturity in interviews, improvement in the faceoff circle, and elite scoring numbers all point toward a player ready for the international spotlight. The decision now rests with Team Canada, but Bedard is doing everything in his power to make that decision difficult to ignore.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are hitting a rough patch again, winning only two of their last ten games and suffering lopsided losses to both the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. While the season began with promise, their recent struggles raise an uncomfortable but realistic question: What if the Blackhawks fall out of the playoff race by the trade deadline?

If that happens, Chicago will almost certainly shift into seller mode once again, a familiar role during the rebuild. And that means several players could be on the move, especially pending free agents or veterans who could help playoff contenders.

Here’s a closer look at seven Blackhawks who may become trade candidates if the season continues trending downward.

Key veterans who could draw strong trade interest

Connor Murphy, D
Murphy is almost guaranteed to draw attention from playoff-bound teams. He’s a big, experienced, right-shot defenseman — a premium position at the trade deadline. Teams looking to improve their penalty kill, stabilize their top four, or add leadership on the back end will absolutely inquire. His style fits postseason hockey, and that alone could get Chicago a solid return.

Ilya Mikheyev, RW
Mikheyev, a pending UFA, should become a popular target if Chicago makes him available. He’s a reliable two-way winger who can kill penalties, forecheck effectively, and chip in offensively. Coming off a 20-goal season, he’s precisely the kind of depth scorer and defensive presence contenders love to add in March.

Nick Foligno, LW
This one depends entirely on Foligno’s wishes. As the team’s captain and emotional leader, the Blackhawks would only move him if he asked for a shot at the Stanley Cup. His leadership and experience would make him highly valuable in any contender’s locker room. But if Foligno prefers to stay in Chicago, the Blackhawks will honor that.

Jason Dickinson, C
A strong defensive center and penalty killer, Dickinson is another pending free agent who would interest playoff teams. He is responsible, wins faceoffs, plays tough minutes, and can stabilize a third or fourth line. His style fits postseason hockey perfectly, which could help Chicago secure a mid-round pick or prospect.

Depth options that might appeal to contenders

Matt Grzelcyk, D
Grzelcyk brings playoff experience from his time in Boston and carries a team-friendly contract. He showed last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins that he can contribute offensively, posting career highs with 39 assists and 40 points. His ability to move the puck, run a power play, and play sheltered defensive minutes makes him attractive for depth-hungry contenders.

Sam Lafferty, RW/C
Lafferty is the type of gritty, fast, versatile forward that teams always try to grab at the deadline. He can play center or wing, kill penalties, and bring an edge that fits playoff-style hockey. His energy and ability to create momentum on the forecheck could make him a sneaky valuable add for a top contender.

Laurent Brossoit, G
Regardless of how the season plays out, Brossoit is one of the most likely Blackhawks to be traded. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that Chicago has already given teams permission to speak with him. With many playoff teams always on the lookout for goaltending insurance, Brossoit, a proven, reliable veteran, could offer decent value.

The next several weeks will determine how the Chicago Blackhawks approach the trade deadline. If they stay competitive, the roster may remain intact. But if they continue sliding out of playoff contention, the front office will likely look to extract value from veterans and expiring contracts to support the long-term rebuild. Either way, all eyes will be on these seven players as the season progresses — because if Chicago becomes sellers again, movement is almost guaranteed.

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The Chicago Blackhawks entered the season with high hopes for young defenseman Sam Rinzel, especially after his impressive NHL debut last spring and steady early-season play. But over the past few weeks, things haven’t gone as smoothly for the 21-year-old blueliner. His ice time has dropped sharply, he was benched in a recent third period, and the team’s decision to use a seven-defenseman rotation has squeezed his opportunities even further.

Now, with Rinzel struggling to find rhythm or confidence, it might be time for the Blackhawks to consider a temporary reset, one that leads him to the Rockford IceHogs, where he can rediscover the big minutes and responsibility that helped him thrive early in his career. This wouldn’t be a setback. Instead, it could be exactly what he needs to take the next step in his development.

Ice time drops and rotational roles disrupt Rinzel’s momentum

Rinzel’s development appeared on track through the early part of the 2024–25 season. He was averaging over 20 minutes a night, moving the puck well, and showing flashes of the poised, mobile defenseman the Blackhawks envisioned when they drafted him.

But everything shifted when the Blackhawks switched to a seven-defensemen rotation, a move that created inconsistency for younger players like Rinzel. Suddenly, instead of steady top-four minutes, he found himself bouncing between shifts and even sitting for long stretches.

Reporter Scott Powers noted that in Chicago’s most recent game, Rinzel played just one shift in the third period, the clearest sign yet that his role is slipping.
Powers wrote:
“Sam Rinzel played just one shift in the third period… It sounds like a coach’s decision. He finished with 9:30 of ice time for the game.”

That 9:30 mark is a far cry from the heavy workload he started the season with. It’s also a massive drop-off from the standout game he played back in October against the Montreal Canadiens, a performance that had many fans believing he was ready for a full-time NHL role.

Rinzel’s recent dip doesn’t reflect a lack of potential. Instead, it looks more like the natural consequences of lineup structure, coaching decisions, and the realities of managing a young defense core. Still, the Blackhawks want their top prospects to play meaningful minutes, not sit on the bench.

This is where Rockford could become the perfect solution.

AHL time could rebuild confidence and accelerate development

A temporary move to Rockford wouldn’t be a punishment; it would be an opportunity. Rinzel is at his best when he’s playing a lot, touching the puck often, and being trusted in key situations. The AHL could offer him exactly that environment.

In Rockford, Rinzel could:
• Play top-pairing minutes
• Quarterback the power play
• Log heavy, consistent shifts
• Develop without the pressure of an NHL lineup squeeze

His college career and early NHL games showed what he can do when he’s allowed to take on responsibility. Rinzel’s smooth skating, long reach, and ability to move the puck make him an ideal candidate to dominate at the AHL level. At 6’4″ and nearly 195 pounds, he already has the physical tools, now he just needs the confidence and repetitions.

Last spring, Rinzel arrived in Chicago straight from college hockey and didn’t look out of place. He carried himself with poise and seemed energized by his opportunity. That confidence has faded recently, not because of failure, but because of reduced usage.

Sending him to Rockford would allow him to rebuild that confidence with steady, high-impact play. And when he returns, whether later this season or next, he’ll be more prepared to step into a bigger role on Chicago’s blue line.

This move would also align with the Blackhawks’ long-term defensive plan. With players like Alex Vlasic and Artyom Levshunov solidifying NHL roles, the team doesn’t need Rinzel to be rushed. They need him to be ready.

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Connor Bedard keeps adding to his growing list of accomplishments, earning the NHL’s third star of the month on Tuesday after powering the Chicago Blackhawks through November. He produced 23 points in 14 games with 10 goals and 13 assists, and he led the league by setting up 11 of those assists as primary helpers.

Bedard now ranks third in the NHL with 37 points through the first 25 games of the season. The 2023 top overall pick also shares fifth place with 16 goals and holds a tie for ninth with 21 assists.

stick taps for our 3rd Star of the Month!⭐️ pic.twitter.com/b6FAJQSVHZ

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 2, 2025

The young Blackhawks star played a part in 52.3 percent of the team’s goals in November and helped guide Chicago to a 6-5-3 record. He also landed among the NHL’s top performers for the month, finishing tied for fifth in power play assists with six, tied for sixth in goals with ten, tied for sixth in power play points with eight, tied for ninth in assists with thirteen, and tied for eleventh in shots on goal with fifty-two.

Connor Bedard with the Blackhawks

In his 14 outings, Bedard consistently made an impact and recorded a point in 10 of those games. He went without a point only four times, matching the number of three point efforts he delivered in November. He reached at least three points on November 7 against Calgary with one goal and three assists, November 9 against Detroit with one goal and two assists, November 18 against Calgary with a hat trick, and November 30 against Anaheim with two goals and two assists.

The Blackhawks sit only one point outside a wildcard position in the Western Conference with an 11-9-5 record, and Bedard has pushed them into that mix. He leads the team in goals, assists, and total points and has built a gap of sixteen points over Tyler Bertuzzi, who ranks second on the roster. Only eight Chicago players have reached double figures in points this season, while Bedard is already closing in on forty and continues to set the pace for the entire group.

Bedard is rapidly emerging as one of the league’s most dominant players early in his third NHL season, while the NHL’s monthly honors highlighted two other standout performers.

Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon earned the top star for November with 26 points on 11 goals and 15 assists in 13 games, and Dallas winger Jason Robertson secured the second star by matching that 26-point output with 13 goals and 13 assists across 15 contests.

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The Chicago Blackhawks continue to see their prospect pool gain national attention, and the latest example comes from forward A.J. Spellacy, who has officially been named to Team USA’s 28-player preliminary camp roster for the 2026 World Junior Championship. USA Hockey revealed the roster on Monday, setting the stage for training camp in Duluth, Minnesota, where some of the best young American talent will compete for a spot on one of the world’s strongest junior teams.

Spellacy’s inclusion highlights the trust USA Hockey has in his development and reflects the strong season he’s having with the Windsor Spitfires. For Blackhawks fans, it provides another exciting glimpse into the future, and the possibility of watching one of Chicago’s prospects compete for gold on the international stage.

A.J. Spellacy joins a loaded team USA forward group

Earning a spot in Team USA’s camp is no small accomplishment. The forward group slated for Duluth features a mix of elite goal scorers, high-skill playmakers, and physically dominant two-way threats, and Spellacy finds himself right in the middle of that group.

The U.S. camp roster includes top NHL prospects like Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Teddy Stiga, Kamil Bednarik, and Max Plante, forming one of the deepest forward pools USA Hockey has assembled in years. Spellacy being named among these players shows just how much his stock has risen.

This season with the Windsor Spitfires, Spellacy has impressed scouts with his combination of speed, physicality, and a strong shot, which helped him earn a serious look for the World Juniors. USA Hockey believes he can compete for a bottom-six wing role — but his pace and offensive instincts could earn him an even bigger role if he performs well during camp.

The full preliminary roster includes:

Forwards:
Kamil Bednarik, Trevor Connelly, Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Will Horcoff, Jacob Kvasnicka, Ryker Lee, Cole McKinney, Brendan McMorrow, LJ Mooney, Max Plante, A.J. Spellacy, Teddy Stiga, Shane Vansaghi, Brodie Ziemer

Defensemen:
Asher Barnett, Henry Brzustewicz, EJ Emery, Blake Fiddler, Logan Hensler, Cole Hutson, Adam Kleber, Luke Osburn, Chase Reid, Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen

Goalies:
Caleb Heil, Nick Kempf, AJ Reyelts

USA Hockey is expected to finalize its roster by December 24, ahead of exhibition games against Germany and Finland at AMSOIL Arena. With the U.S. having won back-to-back gold medals, the 2026 group aims to continue that dominance, and Spellacy has a legitimate opportunity to be part of it.

A Big Moment for Spellacy and a Positive Sign for the Blackhawks’ Future

Spellacy’s rise has been steady, and many Blackhawks fans thought he had a realistic shot of making Chicago’s NHL roster after a strong showing during training camp this past summer. He impressed with his skating, energy, and maturity, but the organization ultimately assigned him to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins to continue developing.

Even so, the camp invite confirms what Chicago’s front office already knows: Spellacy is becoming a real contender for an NHL role in the near future.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, seeing a drafted player earn national attention is an encouraging sign. The franchise is in the middle of a long-term rebuild, and players like Spellacy represent the next wave of talent that will eventually surround Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, Oliver Moore, and Artyom Levshunov.

If Spellacy sticks through the final roster cuts, he will have the chance to represent the U.S. on one of hockey’s biggest stages — a moment that could accelerate his development and give him invaluable experience against elite global competition.

A strong World Junior showing has helped launch the careers of many NHL players, and Spellacy now has that same opportunity in front of him. For Blackhawks fans, it’s one more reason to watch the upcoming World Juniors closely — because the future of Chicago hockey might be skating for Team USA.

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Anaheim Ducks @ Chicago Blackhawks Game Info, Odds & Where to Watch

• Matchup: Anaheim Ducks @ Chicago Blackhawks

• Date & Time: Sunday, November 30, 2025 – 3:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM CT / 12:30 PM PST

• Location: United Center, Chicago, IL

• Broadcast / Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply)

• Odds: Ducks slight favorites (–125), Blackhawks underdogs (+105)

Anaheim Ducks @ Chicago Blackhawks Score Updates/Play-by Play

Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks Roster & Injury Report (11/30/2025)

Chicago Blackhawks Roster

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Blackhawks’ Valuation Hits $2.75B — 7th-Highest in NHL, But Still Far From the Top

As valuations soar across the league, the NHL continues to see unprecedented growth — and the Toronto Maple Leafs still sit firmly atop the list. According to the 2025 valuation rankings, the Blackhawks now check in at an estimated $2.75 billion, earning them the 7th-highest valuation among all 32 NHL franchises.

2025 NHL: Top 10 Franchise Valuations

Here’s how the league’s big-market teams stack up, based on the most recent valuations

Rank	Team	Valuation (2025)
1	Toronto Maple Leafs	$4.3B
2	New York Rangers	$3.8B
3	Montreal Canadiens	$3.4B
4	Los Angeles Kings	$3.15B
5	Edmonton Oilers	$3.10B
6	Boston Bruins	$3.05B
7	Chicago Blackhawks	$2.75B
8	Philadelphia Flyers	$2.6B
9	Washington Capitals	$2.5B
10	Detroit Red Wings	$2.47B

What That Means for Chicago Blackhawks

• Financially healthy: With a $2.75B valuation, the Blackhawks remain among the league’s upper-tier franchises. According to Sportico’s 2025 report, Chicago also pulled in roughly $268 million in revenue and posted an EBITDA of around $85 million

• Still behind the heavy hitters: Despite the upside, there’s a big gap between Chicago and the top-valued clubs like Toronto or New York.  It reflects deeper pockets, bigger markets, and more financial flexibility for things like star contracts, marketing, and facility upgrades.

• Valuation doesn’t guarantee wins

Bigger Picture: The NHL’s Rising Tide

• The league as a whole is riding a wave of growth. The average NHL franchise is now worth around $2.1 billion, up significantly from just a few years ago.
• Much of the increase in valuations stems from bigger national media deals, rising revenue from sponsorships and advertising, and — for some clubs — valuable real estate and business-side holdings.
• For teams like the Blackhawks, that broader financial boom offers a chance: with steady profits and a rising valuation, the front office has the theoretical firepower to rebuild, retool, or invest in long-term growth.

How the Blackhawks Compare to Rivals

Chicago sits 7th in NHL franchise valuations, but where does it compare to some of its rivals?

• Detroit Red Wings (10th, ~$2.47B): Chicago maintains a clear edge over Detroit, thanks to higher revenue and stronger EBITDA, but the Red Wings’ loyal fan base and historical prestige keep them competitive in market value.

• Philadelphia Flyers (8th, ~$2.6B): Just ahead of Chicago in valuation, the Flyers’ large media market and sponsorship deals give them slightly higher leverage, though the Blackhawks’ on-ice performance and star power still make Chicago a stronger draw regionally.

• Washington Capitals (9th, ~$2.5B): The Caps round out the top 10, with steady attendance and consistent playoff appearances helping maintain value, but Chicago’s larger market and revenue streams keep the Hawks ahead.

While the gap to the top 5 (Toronto, NY Rangers, Montreal, LA, Edmonton) remains significant, Chicago’s position shows that the team is far from a small-market contender.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have made it no secret that their rebuild centers around a deep, talented prospect pool. While the spotlight often shines on big names like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, the organization’s rising stars extend far beyond the NHL roster. This week, two more promising young players earned national recognition, further strengthening the belief that Chicago’s future is bright.

Defenseman Kevin Korchinski and forward Mason West both cracked Ryan Kennedy’s prestigious “Top 100 Players Age 21 or Under” list for The Hockey News, coming in at No. 57 and No. 51, respectively. For a franchise focused on long-term success, seeing multiple prospects rank among the best young talents in the hockey world is another promising sign that the Blackhawks’ rebuild is on track.

Kevin Korchinski continues his development in the AHL

Defenseman Kevin Korchinski, placed at No. 57, has been one of Chicago’s most intriguing young blueliners ever since he was selected seventh overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. After splitting time between the NHL and AHL last season, the Blackhawks opted to give him more time to sharpen his game with the Rockford IceHogs, a move that already appears to be paying dividends.

Korchinski has recorded one goal and 14 points in 19 games for Rockford this season, showcasing his puck-moving ability and offensive instincts. His skating remains one of his biggest strengths, allowing him to transition the puck quickly and play with confidence on the rush.

Although he is still developing into a full-time NHL defenseman, his upside is undeniable. In 92 career NHL games, the 21-year-old has already posted six goals and 17 points. His growth curve suggests he could eventually become a top-four defenseman, possibly even running a power play unit once he gains more experience and consistency.

What keeps Korchinski on national radars is his blend of size, mobility, and hockey IQ, all traits that modern NHL teams value highly in young defensemen. The Blackhawks remain patient with his progress, knowing that defensemen often take longer to mature fully.

Being recognized among the top 60 prospects under 21 validates both his talent and his potential role in shaping Chicago’s blue line for years to come.

Mason West climbs into the spotlight with impressive production

While Korchinski is a more familiar name to many fans, forward Mason West might be the true “breakout” inclusion on Kennedy’s list. Ranked at No. 51, West’s rise is fueled by a combination of size, scoring ability, and steady development at multiple competitive levels.

West, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-6, had a dominant year at Edina High School, recording 27 goals and 49 points in 31 games. His ability to use his frame effectively, combined with strong puck protection skills and a heavy shot, makes him stand out among his age group.

He also impressed during his stint with the Fargo Force (USHL) last season, tallying one goal and nine points in 10 games, a strong showing against older, faster competition.

While still considered a long-term project, West’s ranking at No. 51 highlights how much potential scouts see in him. With continued development, he could evolve into a powerful top-six forward capable of impacting the game at both ends of the ice.

For the Blackhawks, having a prospect with West’s size and offensive touch is especially valuable as they look to build a more balanced forward group for the future.

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The Chicago Blackhawks found themselves on the wrong side of officiating controversy once again, this time in a 4–3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night at the United Center. Despite building an early 2–0 lead and battling hard throughout the game, the Blackhawks were undone by a highly questionable interference penalty in overtime, a call that directly led to the game-winning goal. While Connor Bedard maintained a calm, respectful stance toward the referees, head coach Jeff Blashill voiced a far more frustrated response.

Chicago has now lost points in two games within a week because of debatable calls, adding pressure to a team trying to stay competitive in the Central Division.

Controversial penalty in overtime leads to Kaprizov’s winner

Just 40 seconds into overtime, Connor Bedard carried the puck out of the neutral zone when Minnesota’s Joel Eriksson Ek delivered a heavy hit on him. Before Bedard could gather himself, Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev stepped in and leveled Eriksson Ek.

The crowd expected play to continue, after all, Ek had played the puck seconds earlier, but was stunned when officials called Mikheyev for interference.
One minute later, Kirill Kaprizov scored the winner on the power play, sealing a frustrating 4–3 loss for Chicago.

After the game, Bedard remained composed despite the controversial moment:
“I got flattened so I didn’t get to see it,” Bedard said. “We’re not going to blame the refs. They’ve got a job to do and it’s not always easy for them.”

Blashill: “If I was to climb into Furman’s mind, he thought Mikky just went over and hit him because he hit Connor. But the reality is, right before Eriksson Ek got hit, he had the puck. It’s not interference.” https://t.co/q7nqeLwTsR

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 27, 2025

His coach didn’t hold back. Jeff Blashill openly criticized referee Furman South’s decision:
“If I was to climb into Furman’s mind, he thought Mikky just went over and hit him because he hit Connor. But the reality is, right before Eriksson Ek got hit, he had the puck. It’s not interference.”

This marks the second time in a week officiating has cost Chicago points. In a previous matchup against the Kraken, Bedard received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the final minutes after protesting a missed slashing call. Seattle scored the game-winner on the power play.

The trend is building frustration, not only within the locker room, but among the fanbase, as the Blackhawks continue to battle through tightly contested games.

Connor Bedard: “Little Mistakes” cost us, but we’re still on the right track

Before the overtime drama, the Blackhawks actually controlled much of the game. Jason Dickinson opened the scoring, followed by a goal from Connor Bedard, who continues to be the team’s most dangerous offensive weapon.

Despite the hot start, Chicago allowed Minnesota back into the game with goals on both sides of the second intermission. Artyom Levshunov briefly restored the Blackhawks’ lead with a smooth finish from the point, but Matt Boldy responded quickly to tie the game at 3–3.

From there, Chicago pushed, created chances, and hung in with the red-hot Wild, but couldn’t secure the extra point.
Bedard admitted the team let one slip away:
“It stinks,” he said. “I thought we played a pretty good game, but just little mistakes that we’ll clean up. There were a lot of positives, but in the end, you’ve got to come out with the two points.”

The loss extended Chicago’s skid to four straight defeats, dropping them to 10-8-5 on the season, fifth in the Central Division with 25 points.
But despite the frustration, there is still optimism. The Blackhawks played with structure, pace, and resilience, traits that Bedard continues to emphasize on and off the ice.

Now the team heads into its next stretch of games, one thing is clear: if they maintain this level of effort while cleaning up the late-game mistakes, Chicago has the potential to climb back into playoff position.
But to do it, they’ll need both discipline… and some better luck with the whistles.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have one major storyline dominating the front office right now, securing a long-term extension for franchise superstar Connor Bedard. As the 20-year-old phenom continues to put up elite numbers in his third NHL season, his price tag is rising by the day. And according to a stunning new report, the Blackhawks may have to hand out one of the most significant contracts in NHL history to keep him in Chicago.

Despite Bedard technically being eligible to become a UFA after this year, all signs indicate both sides will get an extension done. But the real shock is how massive the deal could be. NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes Bedard’s next contract may land between $100 million and $120 million over eight years, a number that would break franchise records and place him among the highest-paid players in the league.

NHL insider predicts massive $100M–$120M deal for Connor Bedard

Frank Seravalli didn’t hold back when laying out what Bedard could command on an eight-year deal.

“If we’re talking about an eight-year deal, Connor Bedard is likely to land somewhere between $12.5–15 million a year. Yes, a relatively big spread at this point and time, but it helps us get the goal posts somewhere between $100 million and $120 million over the term of the deal,” said NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

He added that Chicago should have no problem handling such a massive cap hit:

“I think the Chicago Blackhawks are going to be relatively comfortable knowing the salary cap is increasing in a significant way.”

What could Connor Bedard’s next contract look like? 👀

NHL Insider @frank_seravalli joined @PatBoyle__ on Blackhawks Countdown Live to talk the latest surrounding Bedard’s contract situation ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kz1zWXdqGV

— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) November 24, 2025

That’s a key detail. The NHL cap is expected to jump aggressively over the next several seasons, giving Chicago flexibility to pay Bedard superstar money while still building around him.

Right now, the Blackhawks have almost $20 million in available cap space (via PuckPedia), and with most of their roster still young and inexpensive, this is the perfect window for GM Kyle Davidson to finalize a mega-deal.

And Bedard’s performance? It only strengthens his case.

Connor Bedard’s explosive season is already driving his price higher

The Blackhawks are off to their best start since 2020, and Bedard is the biggest reason why. With 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 21 games, he is on pace for a 121-point season. That includes a projected 51 goals and 70 assists, numbers reserved for the NHL’s most elite forwards.

His production places him tied for third in the entire league, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. He’s right alongside fellow rising star Macklin Celebrini and well ahead of many established NHL veterans.

On a rebuilding Chicago roster, Bedard isn’t just shining; he’s carrying the offense. Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, and Andre Burakovsky have provided support, but Bedard is the player driving results night after night.

Every time he scores, every highlight-reel moment, and every game-changing shift push his value higher. And as the numbers keep rising, so does the cost, which is precisely why Seravalli’s projection of $12.5–15 million per year is gaining traction.

For the Blackhawks, this isn’t just paying for production. It’s paying for a franchise cornerstone. The centerpiece of the rebuild. The future captain. The player was expected to lead Chicago back into contention.

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The Chicago Blackhawks returned to the United Center on Sunday night with something to prove. After suffering a painful 9–3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, the team faced the daunting task of regrouping against the NHL’s best squad, the Colorado Avalanche, who entered the matchup with a blistering 16-1-5 record. On paper, it was a mismatch. On the ice, however, the Blackhawks delivered one of their most disciplined and determined performances of the season, even though it ended in a 1–0 defeat.

Sometimes, a loss feels like a step backward. But in this case, Chicago left the rink believing they took an important step forward.

A strong response after the Buffalo meltdown

The Blackhawks came into the game desperate for a reset, and from the opening puck drop, they played with purpose. The first period was arguably one of their best starts in weeks. Chicago didn’t just keep pace with Colorado; it dictated the play. They outshot the Avalanche 11–2, generated multiple grade-A chances, and controlled the tempo. The only thing missing was the finish.

Despite the strong start, the scoreboard stayed locked at 0–0 after 20 minutes. Still, the energy felt different, and the team looked more composed and connected than in Buffalo.

The Avalanche predictably pushed back in the second period. Colorado outshot Chicago 19–1 in a dominant middle frame, and it was during this surge that Cale Makar finally broke through. His rebound goal was the only puck that got behind Spencer Knight, who was nothing short of outstanding. Knight made 25 saves on 26 shots and kept his team within striking distance all night.

In the third period, the Blackhawks pushed aggressively for the equalizer. They created traffic in front, cycled the puck effectively, and sent shot after shot toward Scott Wedgewood. But Colorado’s goaltender was flawless, stopping all 22 shots he faced and securing the shutout.

Even with the loss, head coach Jeff Blashill was encouraged.
“Even with the second [period], I think if we repeat that performance, we win lots of games,” he said. “The other team is going to push back, that’s just reality. I thought we did an excellent job in our structure and with some of the things we didn’t do in Buffalo.”

For a team still finding consistency, that felt like a genuine step in the right direction.

A loss that feels like progress, and what comes next

This 1–0 defeat marks the first time this season the Chicago Blackhawks have dropped three straight games in regulation, but considering where the team was a year ago, that stat highlights improvement rather than disappointment. Every NHL team hits rough patches, and this one is Chicago’s. What matters is how they respond, and the effort against Colorado suggests a rebound is on the horizon.

Blashill emphasized the value of the upcoming practice days:
“We’re going to have a couple of days of practice. Coming in and having greater urgency on Wednesday is going to be critical.”

The Blackhawks have been learning, adapting, and recovering from one of the toughest parts of their early schedule. Facing the top team in the league and nearly grinding out a point shows maturity and growth, especially after a demoralizing loss to Buffalo.

Now, attention turns to Wednesday night, when the Minnesota Wild visit the United Center. It’s the eve of Thanksgiving, historically one of the most electric home crowds of the year, and the Wild enter the matchup red-hot. The building will be loud, emotional, and eager for a bounce-back win.

If the Blackhawks play with the same structure, urgency, and fight that they showed against the Avalanche, they believe positive results will follow.

Sunday’s game may not have added two points to the standings, but it added something just as important: the confidence that this team can compete with anyone when they stick to their identity. And if they “repeat that performance,” as Blashill said, they’ll be on the winning side more often than not.

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Connor Bedard is lighting up the NHL in his third season, but somehow, the 20-year-old superstar isn’t receiving the level of praise he deserves. Despite carrying the Chicago Blackhawks’ offense on his shoulders, despite producing at an elite rate on a team that hasn’t changed much from last season, and despite sitting among the top scorers in the entire league, one insider believes Bedard still might not make Team Canada’s Olympic roster if the selection were held today.

For a player who has quickly become the face of the Blackhawks and one of the brightest young talents in the NHL, that statement shocked fans. And when you look at the numbers, the situation

in Chicago, and the forward options available to Team Canada, it becomes clear: leaving Connor Bedard off the roster would not only be questionable but also a massive mistake.

Connor Bedard is playing at an elite level, even without elite support

The Chicago Blackhawks might be slightly better than last season thanks to the arrival of Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, and Andre Burakovsky, but make no mistake, this is still a team in transition. And yet, Bedard is thriving.

He is tied for third in NHL scoring with fellow phenom Macklin Celebrini, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, arguably the two best players in the world. Bedard’s scoring pace, creativity, shooting ability, and ability to drive offense are among the best across the league.

People often evaluate a player’s performance relative to the talent around him. By that standard, Bedard should be getting more respect. He doesn’t play on a powerhouse team. He doesn’t have an all-star winger feeding him pucks every night. He doesn’t get sheltered minutes. And yet… he keeps producing.

Some critics point to Bedard’s defensive game not being at an elite level, but that’s not what he’s being selected for. Not every Olympic forward needs to be a Selke contender. In fact, many of the players being considered aren’t defensive specialists either. What matters is that Bedard is already one of Canada’s most dangerous offensive weapons, and offense wins medals.

His skill set, even at his age, compares favorably to other smaller, highly skilled players like Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, Seth Jarvis, and Travis Konecny. And based on this season’s performance, Bedard is outproducing many of them.

So why would he not be a lock for Team Canada?

Team politics, coaching preferences, and the “veteran bias” problem

NHL insider Chris Johnston recently made a surprising statement:

“I still think if the roster had to be chosen today… he would not be on the team.”

And that says everything about how complicated Team Canada selections have become.

With John Cooper as head coach and Doug Armstrong as general manager, there’s an unavoidable reality: certain players from the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues organizations are going to get priority. Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point, Colton Parayko, Jordan Binnington, Robert Thomas… these names will receive heavy consideration for familiarity and system fit.

But Canada has made this mistake before at the World Juniors, choosing “safer” or “older” players over the most talented ones. And when things go wrong, fans immediately look back and ask the same question:
Why didn’t they take the best players?

The competition for forward spots will be intense. Veterans like Mark Stone, Brad Marchand, Travis Konecny, Sam Bennett, and Seth Jarvis will be pushing to return. Meanwhile, top talents who missed the 4 Nations Faceoff, Mark Scheifele, Nick Suzuki, Tom Wilson, Quinton Byfield, Mathew Barzal, Wyatt Johnston, Celebrini, and Bedard, are all in the mix.

But here’s the thing: Bedard isn’t just another young name in the conversation. He is outscoring many established NHL stars. He is electrifying audiences. He is growing into a leader. And he is doing all of this on a team that isn’t anywhere close to the firepower of the teams most Team Canada candidates play on.

If Bedard keeps this pace heading into the official Olympic roster announcement, the pressure on Hockey Canada will be intense. Leaving him off the team would spark outrage across the country, and rightfully so.

Team Canada’s message needs to be simple: bring the best players.

Because if Connor Bedard doesn’t make the roster, the critics won’t be questioning Bedard… they’ll be questioning Hockey Canada.

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The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a new era, and the future leadership core of the franchise is beginning to take shape right before everyone’s eyes. For years, fans and analysts speculated that Connor Bedard would one day become captain, the face of the franchise, and the heartbeat of the locker room. Now, in just his third NHL season, Bedard is showing that those expectations weren’t just fair, they were accurate. And he’s not rising alone.

Alongside him is Frank Nazar, the energetic, upbeat young center whose personality balances Bedard’s seriousness and adds life to the room. Together, the two are proving that the next leadership group of the Blackhawks, built around Bedard, Nazar, and likely Alex Vlasic, may be closer than anyone expected. The handoff from veterans like Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, and Connor Murphy appears not only inevitable but also harmonious.

Why Connor Bedard looks like the Blackhawks’ next captain

Connor Bedard has always been the franchise player, but this season, he’s become more than that. He’s become a leader. With Foligno and Dickinson sidelined, Bedard has worn the “A” for the last few games, and coach Jeff Blashill believes he has “absolutely earned it.”

This stretch has given Bedard the chance to show everything a captain must be: productive, honest, vocal, and accountable.

He’s found his voice, a significant shift from his quieter first two seasons. Bedard is still introverted, but he has grown more comfortable speaking up, calling out teammates when needed, and praising them when they excel. He’s also become more open with the media, offering honest, thoughtful responses rather than cautious clichés.

Even during tense moments, Bedard is learning how to carry himself like a leader. His unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Kraken was a mistake, but it was a moment he learned from, a reminder of how captains must balance passion with restraint.

And then there’s his play. Bedard is tied for third in league scoring with 31 points in 21 games, putting him on a staggering 121-point pace. His output, competitiveness, and consistency place him firmly in “best-player, best-leader” territory, the modern trend in the NHL where superstars like McDavid and MacKinnon carry the responsibility of the “C.”

Connor Murphy captured it perfectly:
“His comfort zone and maturity socially among the team… has taken a big step this year. You see those leadership qualities coming out of him.”

Bedard isn’t just the Blackhawks’ most talented player; he’s becoming their emotional engine. And with the veterans on expiring contracts, his time as captain feels closer than ever.

Why Frank Nazar is built for the alternate captain role

If Bedard represents the steady, serious leadership style, Frank Nazar is his perfect complement, the spark plug who keeps everyone connected and energized. Nazar’s personality is magnetic. He walks into the room and immediately lifts the mood.

“He wakes up most days and the sky is blue,” Blashill joked earlier this season. “Too many of us wake up and it’s cloudy. But not him.”

Nazar’s upbeat nature isn’t accidental; he puts effort into making sure every teammate feels supported. If someone seems down, he picks them up with a laugh, a joke, or a compliment. Hockey is supposed to be fun, Nazar insists, and he works to make it feel that way.

But underneath the lightheartedness is a focused, competitive center that wants to succeed badly. Nazar has 15 points in 19 games, suitable for a 65-point pace. He has taken firm control of the second-line center role. He knows how to be serious when moments demand it, and he’s learning how to thrive under pressure.

“When you’re blessed enough to play as much as I do, it’s something you should take on,” Nazar said. “It’s not pressure, it’s discipline.”

Veterans see the leadership qualities, too.

“Frank and Connor have taken it upon themselves to say, ‘I’m going to win games for us, night after night.’ That’s leadership,” Jason Dickinson said.

Nazar brings joy, Bedard brings focus. Together they form the perfect leadership duo for a young team learning how to win again.

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The Chicago Blackhawks suffered a frustrating loss at the hands of the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night at the United Center. Falling 3-2 and watching the Kraken get three third-period goals, the Blackhawks had a chance on a Connor Bedard breakaway in that period.

Bedard had the breakaway with 4:25 left in the game, getting behind Kraken defenseman Ryan Lindgren. The attempt was no good as Lindgren’s slash was not called. And the Blackhawks, particularly Bedard were furious.

The young superstar let his feelings be known to referee Justin Kea with some gestures. Kea was not happy and then called an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Bedard, sending him to the box.

Connor Bedard took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after arguing there was a missed call on his breakaway attempt pic.twitter.com/hwh4YH7FR3

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 21, 2025

The Kraken took advantage as Jaden Schwartz got the game-deciding goal. It’s no question that the call decided the game and following the loss, Jeff Blashill made his frustrations known.

Jeff Blashill lashes out on referee for missed call

Following the game, Blashill defended his young superstar who got the penalty.  He went off on the referring in the game at that key moment.

“It’s a penalty… When you don’t have position on a guy, and you put your stick in there and you hit his glove — yes he got the stick after, but the first contact was on his glove — it’s a penalty,” Blashill said.

“And then I don’t know what was said, but it better have been really, really, really personal to be that sensitive about it. Because you’re deciding games… It better have been really, really personal if you’re not going to have enough thick skin to just keep playing through it.”

Bedard wasn’t shy about talking about the missed penalty, either. He took a different approach though, saying he has to be better controlling his emotions.

“Obviously, in the moment, you think it’s a penalty,” Bedard said Thursday via the Chicago Sun-Times. “But I have to control my emotions in a better way. I put our team in a vulnerable spot there, so [I’ve] just got to be better.”

At this stage of his career, Bedard should be getting rewarded with penalties like that. But it didn’t happen and instead, the Blackhawks took a loss as they head to Buffalo for their next game on Friday.

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Connor Bedard was once again at the center of the hockey world as he recorded his second career hat trick in the Blackhawks’ 5-2 win over the Flames Tuesday night at the United Center. Bedard’s big night helped the Blackhawks improve to a six-game point streak. The team is in the midst of a lengthy homestand, and during his postgame interview with CHSN color man Darren Pang, Bedard commented on the crowds at the United Center during the past few games.

“I think the last three games have been probably the loudest of my career. We feed off that so much, we appreciate it.”

Blackhawks fans are restoring the roar at the Madhouse

Bedard is in his third year as a Blackhawk, and it speaks volumes when he mentions the last few home games being the loudest of his career. It’s no surprise the building is louder to the fans, considering the team is taking a big step forward. The growing enthusiasm for the young team is not going unnoticed by the players.

Saturday night against the Maple Leafs, a season high 20,489 showed up at the United Center and gave the barn a playoff-like atmosphere in their 3-2 win. While a Saturday game against an Original Six team with a special centennial ceremony commemorating “The Originals” is an attractive draw regardless, it was that raucous atmosphere that Bedard spoke about that is so special. There have been a handful of big ceremonies at the United Center in recent years, ending with dud on the ice and an anticlimactic atmosphere.

The later weekday games against non-rivals, like the one on Tuesday, are not selling out yet. Though the feeling is that the enthusiasm among the fanbase is growing quickly, and more sellout or close to selling out games at the Madhouse could be on the horizon. Maybe not 2009-2015 dynasty levels yet, but an increase. Even compared to earlier home games before this homestand, when they were drawing around 15-16K.

https://x.com/ByScottPowers/status/1990983033940255222

Blackhawks players are feeding off the fans

As mentioned, Bedard showed appreciation to the fans. Mentioning how the team “feeds” off the fans and each other. It’s been noticeable that the young Hawks are growing more confident by the game. Being a young, hungry squad and feeling this type of energy like they have not before has to aid that confidence, and they have made clear that that’s the case.

Call it cliché or corny, but human emotions are very real. Imagine being a 20-year-old playing the game you’ve known your whole life in front of a deafening crowd cheering you on. One can only comprehend how that must feel. It was the same case in 2007-2008 when Chicago began to take notice of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

It’s time to start spreading the news and get more people to the United Center and be even louder.

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The Chicago Blackhawks have now improved to a 10-5-4 record following Tuesday’s 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames. The Hawks are now 5-0-1 in their last six games.

More news: Chicago Bears surge into top 10 of NFL power rankings

The biggest highlight from Tuesday night’s huge win was Connor Bedard’s second career hat trick. The young phenom has been on fire this season, and he’s officially entering superstar territory.

The Chicago Blackhawks officially have a new superstar in Connor Bedard

More news: Ben Johnson’s impact continues to show for the Chicago Bears

In his last 10 games, Bedard has dominated the entire NHL. The Hawks’ center is officially living up to the hype he brought when he was drafted in 2023.

Bedard has scored 10 goals and gotten 11 assists for a total of 21 points in his last 10 games. He has gotten now two hat tricks during this stretch. Bedard now ranks fourth in the NHL in total points as well.

The Blackhawks have played like a completely new team under Jeff Blashill. The improvement this team has made compared to last year is night and day. Through the ten game stretch, the team has a record of 6-2-2 and are now in fourth place of the central division.

Via Bleacher Report Open Ice on X:

Connor Bedard’s last 10 games:

– 10 Goals
– 11 Assists
– 21 Points
– 2 Hat Tricks (0 In His Career Before That)
– 6-2-2 Record For The Hawks

Superstar. pic.twitter.com/ItxOyR3uY9

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 19, 2025

The Blackhawks officially have their new superstar. And if this young core can continue to play great hockey, we might see playoff hockey again sooner than we all expected.

CONNOR BEDARD GETS HIS SECOND CAREER HAT TRICK 🎩 🎩 🎩 pic.twitter.com/l6lTSzGUhq

— NHL (@NHL) November 19, 2025

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With two members of the Chicago Blackhawks’ leadership group out of the lineup, Connor Bedard stepped onto the ice wearing the “A” on his jersey for the first time in his NHL career. And if there was ever a moment to show he belonged in a leadership role, Tuesday night was it. Bedard delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring his second hat trick in just ten games to lift the Blackhawks to a 5–2 victory over the Calgary Flames at the United Center.

From his hustle to his scoring touch to his calm presence in crucial moments, Bedard didn’t just lead, he inspired. The 20-year-old superstar now has 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points in 19 games, putting him in elite company near the top of the NHL scoring race. Nights like this are reminders that not only is he the centerpiece of Chicago’s future, but he’s already the heartbeat of the present.

Connor Bedard’s leadership, speed, and scoring spark Blackhawks’ strong start

Wearing the “A” might have been new, but Bedard carried himself as though he’d been a leader for years. Even before the goals came, he set the tone with his pace and level of competition.

“I’ve been so fortunate to learn from guys like Foligno, Dickinson, Murphy… it’s a great honor,” Bedard said of being named an alternate captain. “The Blackhawks jersey is special.”

And he played like it.

After a slow first period where Ryan Donato opened the scoring, Bedard exploded in the second. On a loose puck near center ice, he turned on the jets, showing off the speed he added in the offseason, and beat Flames defenseman Yan Kuznetsov in a footrace before poking the puck through Dustin Wolf’s pads for his 11th goal of the season.

Later, with the score tied 2–2 early in the third, Bedard responded instantly. After a slick pass from Ryan Greene, Bedard stepped into the puck and ripped it into the top corner to make it 3–2. The puck almost seemed to leap off his stick, a perfect example of the shooting talent that has turned him into one of the most dangerous young players in hockey.

His teammates certainly noticed.

“What he’s doing right now is huge for our team,” rookie Oliver Moore said. “The way he’s playing both sides of the puck… it’s leadership.”

The chemistry between Bedard, Greene, and Moore was on full display. Moore later added the 4–2 insurance marker before Bedard completed his hat trick with an empty-net strike from his own zone.

This was Bedard’s second hat trick of the month, and he now trails only Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid in points. Calgary, meanwhile, has seen him put up seven points in their past two meetings alone.

Blackhawks keep rolling as Connor Bedard ignites the offense

While Bedard powered the offense, Chicago continued to prove it’s one of the hottest teams in the NHL. The Blackhawks are now 5-0-1 in their last six and 10-3-3 in their previous sixteen, their best stretch since 2019.

It wasn’t always perfect. After dominating the first two periods, the Hawks briefly slipped in the third. Calgary tied the game early after a turnover by Wyatt Kaiser, but Chicago responded instantly, something that has become a trend this season.

The Flames tried to turn the physicality up, dishing out big hits, including Adam Klapka’s dangerous check on Connor Murphy. But instead of losing focus, the Hawks built momentum. Moore scored on a driving play to the net, Greene collected another assist, and the team tightened up defensively.

When Calgary pulled their goalie, the crowd rose to its feet, sensing Bedard’s chance at the hat trick. He didn’t disappoint. After regaining the puck in the defensive zone, he fired it the length of the ice into the empty net, sending hats raining down in celebration.

The Blackhawks also improved to 6-0-0 when leading after two periods, another sign of their growing maturity.

Ryan Donato summed up the mood perfectly:
“It’s a completely different atmosphere in the locker room… it’s fun to be around right now.”

And with Connor Bedard leading in both scoring and spirit, it’s easy to see why. This wasn’t just another win, it was a statement. The Blackhawks are rising, their young core is flourishing, and Bedard is proving why he is already one of hockey’s brightest stars.

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There was finally a positive sight for the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday morning as goaltender Laurent Brossoit took the ice ahead of practice, his first appearance in well over a year. For a player who hasn’t seen NHL action since April 2024, it’s a significant step forward after what has been a long and frustrating stretch filled with setbacks, surgeries, and uncertainty.

While Brossoit is still far from returning to game action, his presence at the United Center marks a potential turning point. The veteran netminder signed a two-year, $6.6 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks last offseason but has yet to play a single minute for the team. With months of rehab behind him and a crease now dominated by young, in-form goalies, his path back to the NHL remains anything but clear.

A grueling year of injuries and surgeries

Laurent Brossoit’s journey since joining the Chicago Blackhawks has been nothing short of challenging. After signing as a free agent in the summer of 2024, expectations were high that he would bring experience and stability behind starter Petr Mrázek. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.

In late August 2024, Brossoit underwent meniscus surgery on his knee, an injury initially expected to sideline him for a couple of months. Instead, his recovery kept getting delayed, and by November, he was officially listed as out indefinitely. Around Thanksgiving, he underwent a second knee procedure, which was supposed to set him up for a mid-January return. But that comeback never materialized.

After months of silence, the Blackhawks eventually shut him down for the rest of the 2024–25 season. To make matters worse, he had to undergo yet another operation, this time on his hip, over the summer. General manager Kyle Davidson confirmed at training camp that Brossoit would remain out for the long term, leading many to believe he might never actually suit up for the Chicago Blackhawks.

That’s why Thursday’s development is so significant. Seeing Brossoit back on the ice, even just for light skating, represents a huge personal milestone after over a year of rehabilitation. However, after such a long layoff, it’s likely still weeks or even months before he’s ready to play again.

Before his string of injuries, Brossoit was coming off the best stretch of his career. In 2023–24, he posted a .927 save percentage, a 2.00 goals-against average (GAA), and three shutouts in 22 starts for the Winnipeg Jets. The year before, with the Vegas Golden Knights, he went 7-0-3 with a .927 SV% and 2.17 GAA. Statistically, he ranked among the NHL’s top six goalies in goals saved above expected, proving himself as one of the league’s most efficient backups.

That version of Brossoit is precisely who the Chicago Blackhawks were hoping to get, a reliable, experienced goaltender who could lighten the workload of an aging starter. Unfortunately, his health had other plans.

No clear path back into Chicago’s crease

Even if Brossoit makes a full recovery, finding a place for him in the current Chicago Blackhawks lineup could be difficult. The team’s goaltending situation has evolved dramatically over the past year, largely thanks to the emergence of Spencer Knight.

Acquired from the Florida Panthers as part of the Seth Jones deal, Knight has been nothing short of outstanding this season. In 13 starts, the 23-year-old has a .924 save percentage, a 2.42 GAA, and 14.7 goals saved above expected, making him one of the league’s best goaltenders so far. His calm presence and athletic style have turned him into the backbone of Chicago’s defense.

Backing him up is Arvid Söderblom, a 26-year-old who proved last season that he can handle NHL minutes. Though his starts have been limited this year, he’s been solid with a 2-2-1 record, a .913 SV%, and a 2.63 GAA, more than enough to maintain his spot as the team’s secondary option.

That leaves Brossoit without a clear role. Carrying three goalies isn’t practical for the Blackhawks, especially with Knight handling the bulk of the starts. If Brossoit is medically cleared, he’ll likely be placed on waivers and assigned to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs to regain conditioning and form.

Given his extended absence, it’s unlikely that any team would trade for him until he proves he can handle consistent playing time again. Still, his return to the ice offers hope, both for himself and for Chicago’s goaltending depth. If he can stay healthy, he could yet become a valuable piece, whether as insurance for Knight or as a trade option before next summer’s free agency.

For now, Chicago Blackhawks fans can take solace in seeing a once-promising addition finally back in uniform. After everything he’s endured, Laurent Brossoit’s comeback effort deserves nothing short of admiration.

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