2025-26
Record: 29-39-17, 72 points, 8th in Central Division
Playoffs: Missed Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key Losses
F – André Burakovsky (Trade w/ OTT), F – Ilya Mikheyev (TB)
Key Additions
D – Bowen Byram (Trade w/ BUF), F – Jordan Greenway Trade w/ BUF), D – Ian Cole (Signed via FA), F – Cole Smith (Signed via FA), F – Patrick Kane (Signed via FA)
2026-27 Preview
Can They Get Out of the Basement?
As the Blackhawks enter the fourth season of the Connor Bedard era, expectations are beginning to shift. Despite having one of the NHL’s brightest young stars, Chicago has finished last in the Central Division and second-to-last in the league in each of Bedard’s first three seasons. That lack of progress has raised legitimate questions about the organization’s roster construction and whether enough has been done to accelerate the rebuild, especially as teams like the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks have shown more tangible signs of improvement over the same period.
General manager Kyle Davidson has made strides in addressing the blue line, most notably by acquiring Bowen Byram, a young defenseman with the potential to develop into a true No. 1. However, Chicago’s additions up front have been far less impactful. Veterans Jordan Greenway and Cole Smith provide size, physicality, and depth, but neither is viewed as a top-six offensive forward capable of taking pressure off Bedard.
If the Blackhawks struggle again this season, scrutiny of Davidson’s roster-building strategy is likely to intensify. The organization has invested heavily in its future around Bedard, but surrounding a franchise player with enough talent is just as important as drafting him.
Looking further ahead, the Blackhawks’ long-term outlook may depend on how quickly they become competitive. While there is no indication that Bedard is looking beyond Chicago, sustained losing can test the patience of any franchise cornerstone. The sooner the Blackhawks demonstrate meaningful progress, the better positioned they’ll be to build a perennial contender around their young superstar.
What Impact Will Bedard Have?
The Blackhawks will begin the 2026-27 season without their franchise player, as Connor Bedard continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery. Bedard underwent the procedure after suffering an injury during an on-ice training session in which he fell awkwardly, and he is expected to miss the first four to six weeks of the season.
His absence will leave a significant void in Chicago’s offense, placing greater responsibility on players like Frank Nazar and Tyler Bertuzzi to carry the scoring load early in the year. The Blackhawks will also need meaningful contributions from their secondary scorers if they hope to remain competitive while Bedard is sidelined.
There is little doubt that Bedard’s return will provide an immediate boost to the offense. His skill, creativity, and scoring ability can change the complexion of a game, but it remains to be seen whether his return alone will be enough to elevate a rebuilding Blackhawks team. With clubs like the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks continuing to improve, Chicago faces a difficult path in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Another storyline worth watching is how Bedard responds after returning from surgery. The shoulder had reportedly been bothering him late in the 2025-26 season, making his recovery and long-term health just as important as his immediate offensive impact.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Tyler Bertuzzi — Frank Nazar — Roman Kantserov
Ryan Greene — Anton Frondell — Teuvo Teravainen
Ryan Donato — Oliver Moore — Patrick Kane
Jordan Greenway — Sacha Boisvert — Cole Smith
Defense
Alex Vlasic — Bowen Byram
Wyatt Kaiser — Artyom Levshunov
Ian Cole — Sam Rinzel
Goalies
Spencer Knight
Arvid Soderblom
Scratches/LTIR
Connor Bedard (Shoulder Surgery)