The preseason has ended, and the Chicago Blackhawks are facing off against the Vegas Golden Knights for their season opener in Las Vegas. After experiencing a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final, the Golden Knights are poised to be top contenders in the 2026-27 season. The Blackhawks, however, remain a more unpredictable team. General manager Kyle Davidson’s active offseason aimed to address significant weaknesses that left the Hawks among the NHL’s bottom teams for four consecutive seasons. If successful, fans might find renewed hope. If not, the team’s struggles could continue. While progress has been made, the young roster still needs to develop further. Here are some pressing questions for the 2026-27 Blackhawks.
1. Will Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard Excite the Fans?
The Blackhawks have been seeking support for Connor Bedard since drafting him as the top pick in 2023. Bedard has shown promise, with career highs of 30 goals and 45 assists in his third year, but achieving his full potential requires stronger wings alongside him. Patrick Kane, while not an MVP at 37, continues to deliver close to a point-per-game performance, with 163 points in 189 games over three seasons. However, Bedard’s shoulder surgery will delay their collaboration as the season begins. Fans hope to see Bedard’s playmaking paired with Kane’s finishing, creating an exciting dynamic on the ice.
2. Has the Power Play Improved?
Coach Jeff Blashill emphasizes the importance of special teams as team chemistry builds. Last season, the Hawks excelled in penalty kills but struggled on the power play, finishing 29th with a 16.9% success rate. This issue persisted in preseason games. The first power play unit now features Kane, Bowen Byram, Roman Kantserov, Anton Frondell, and Tyler Bertuzzi. Overcoming these challenges is essential, particularly without Bedard’s presence early on.
3. Can Artyom Levshunov Progress in His Second Year?
Defenseman Artyom Levshunov, the No. 2 pick in 2024, had a challenging rookie season marked by turnovers and defensive miscues, earning a minus-41 rating. At age 21, it’s premature to lose hope. Defensemen often take longer to reach their peak. Levshunov needs to define his role, possibly becoming an offensive leader akin to Byram or a defensive stalwart like Alex Vlasic. His efforts to quarterback the second power play unit offer promise. An improved season could help address the Hawks’ scoring woes, averaging 2.56 goals per game last season.
4. How Will Jeff Blashill Adapt to Difficult Periods?
Without Bedard until possibly November, the Hawks face a challenging start. Blashill’s team must learn to execute strategies effectively, given that they’re the youngest team in the NHL. Holding leads, minimizing time in their defensive zone, and reducing opponent shots are crucial. Blashill must be proactive in adjusting strategies, as demonstrated in past lineup changes, to maintain player confidence and performance.
5. Will Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov Thrive in Their First NHL Season?
Anton Frondell, 19, joined the Hawks in March, earning nine points in 12 games. Roman Kantserov, 22, arrived after a successful season in Russia’s KHL. Despite limited NHL experience, both players face high expectations. Frondell finds himself centering the second line, while Kantserov, initially playing as a winger, now centers the top line with Kane and Oliver Moore. Coach Blashill believes Kantserov can handle the center position at the NHL level. Experimenting with positions can be rewarding or detrimental, but their on-ice performance will determine their growth.
Leave a Reply