Chicago Blackhawks: A Young Team on the Verge of Greatness
When you think of the Chicago Blackhawks, the first thing that might come to mind is their storied history and past successes. However, the current narrative is all about the future, and it’s looking brighter than ever. The Blackhawks are closer to becoming a formidable force in the NHL than many might realize. With the recent trade of Seth Jones to Florida, Chicago has not only cleared his contract from their books but also acquired two premium assets in return. This move has set the stage for a potential resurgence.
So, why aren’t the Blackhawks already being hailed as a Stanley Cup contender? The answer lies in the age of their key players. Many of them are not even of legal drinking age in the United States. Take Connor Bedard, for example. This 19-year-old phenom is used to dominating and achieving team success, so the current losing streak is a new experience for him. But patience is a virtue, and Bedard’s potential is undeniable.
The good news for Chicago fans is that the team’s results could improve rapidly. With the NHL salary cap on the rise, the Blackhawks have the financial flexibility to sign high-impact free agents to complement Bedard and their other young talents. An Eastern Conference executive summed it up well: “You need a lot to win a Cup. To have a puncher’s chance, you need an elite center [or two], an elite defenseman, a reliable second pair, and a good goaltender.” Chicago seems to be on the right track, especially with their recent draft picks.
Over the past few seasons, the Blackhawks have been drafting early in the first round, and it appears they’ve found the makings of a championship core. A former team executive emphasized the importance of nailing draft picks, saying, “It is rare that a Jack Eichel or a Sam Reinhart become available. Look at Tampa. They’ve made changes, but they don’t win a single Cup without the guys they drafted.” The Blackhawks have had plenty of top picks, and many of those players are expected to be impact players in the league.
Connor Bedard: The Centerpiece of Chicago’s Future
Connor Bedard checks all the boxes as an elite center. While he’s still developing, there’s no doubt about his potential. Watching Bedard’s development this season has been a treat. His defensive game needs improvement, but he’s starting to put the offensive side together with minimal help. It’s worth noting that Nathan MacKinnon wasn’t a point-per-game player until his fifth season. Bedard has already scored 49 points through 61 games in his second season. Not everyone can be Connor McDavid right out of the gate, and patience is key.
Building a Strong Defense
With Seth Jones gone, Chicago’s young defensemen have a golden opportunity to step up. Artyom Levshunov, the No. 2 pick in 2024, has been making significant strides in the AHL. His production is starting to reflect his potential, and his skating ability is a tremendous asset. Levshunov is playing major minutes and learning to impose his will on opponents. There’s no rush to bring him to the NHL, but if he continues on this path, he could be a staple on Chicago’s top pair for years to come.
Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, if Chicago wins the lottery, they could select Erie Otters blueliner Matthew Schaefer, my No. 1 prospect. Schaefer is expected to be an elite, all-situations defenseman, potentially forming a dynamic duo with Levshunov. Even without Schaefer, Levshunov is capable of being the elite defenseman a Cup contender needs.
Strengthening the Defensive Pairings
The third part of the equation is a reliable second pair. Alex Vlasic has shown he’s more than capable of playing big minutes and could be a long-term solution with Levshunov. He’s signed through 2029-30 with a $4.6 million average annual value, a great deal for the Blackhawks given the rising salary cap.
Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro are also contenders for a quality second pair. Del Mastro is holding his own as a 22-year-old, and Korchinski’s puck-moving abilities make him an effective second-pair defender.
Goaltending: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
A good goaltender is crucial, especially in the playoffs. Chicago has a few promising goaltenders in the system, but the acquisition of Spencer Knight is a major step forward. Knight has a .912 save percentage in 24 games, ranking ninth in the NHL. He’s developed into a solid goaltender and has the potential to become a quality No. 1 in the next two seasons.
Arvid Soderblom has a respectable .906 save percentage this season and could be a capable 1B to Knight. With Drew Commesso and Adam Gajan in the system, Chicago’s goaltending future looks promising.
Beyond the Core: Building Depth
Serious contenders need good players beyond their core group. Chicago has several young players already in the NHL and a wealth of prospects on the cusp. Here’s a look at some of the key players:
- Frank Nazar has the potential to be an impactful offensive player, with 14 points in 32 NHL games.
- Colton Dach and Lukas Reichel are finding their way as complementary players in the bottom six.
- Oliver Moore, Sacha Boisvert, and Nick Lardis could become middle-six forwards for Chicago.
- Sam Rinzel is a big defenseman with a solid transition game, potentially fitting nicely on Chicago’s bottom pair.
With a young core and a stocked prospect pool, the Blackhawks are well-positioned for the future. They have the cap space to pursue big-name free agents, and there’s a real possibility that Chicago will be much better next season. If they don’t make a splash in free agency, they still have their eyes on contending for a playoff spot in 2026-27. The window for the Blackhawks hasn’t opened yet, but it’s coming soon, and when it does, it might be open for a very long time.
Originally Written by: Rachel Doerrie
