The Chicago Blackhawks are starting their 2026-27 season in Las Vegas, facing the Golden Knights. After losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Golden Knights are contenders again. The Blackhawks, however, are still rebuilding after four seasons at the bottom of the NHL. General manager Kyle Davidson spent the offseason addressing the team’s weaknesses. Their success in overcoming these flaws will shape their season prospects.
Key Questions for the Chicago Blackhawks
1. Can Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard Deliver?
Connor Bedard, the 2023 top draft pick, is searching for a strong partner on the ice. Despite achieving personal milestones, Bedard hasn’t reached his full potential without effective wings. Patrick Kane might fill this role. Although no longer at MVP level, Kane maintains a near point-per-game rate. His synergy with Bedard could revitalize the team’s offensive performance. Fans eagerly await this dream pairing.
2. Has the Power Play Improved?
Coach Jeff Blashill emphasized special teams as crucial for team cohesion. Last season, the team’s penalty kill ranked second in the league. Their power play, however, was ineffective, scoring on only 16.9% of opportunities. Mixed preseason results show more work is needed. Kane, Bowen Byram, Roman Kantserov, Anton Frondell, and Tyler Bertuzzi compose the initial power-play unit, carrying the burden of improvement.
3. Will Artyom Levshunov Progress in Year Two?
After a tough rookie season, defenseman Artyom Levshunov aims for improvement. The former 2024 second overall pick struggled with turnovers and defensive positioning. At age 21, Levshunov’s development as either an offensive force or a defensive stalwart could significantly impact the team’s performance. He begins the season on the second line with Wyatt Kaiser, hoping for a breakout campaign.
4. How Will Coach Jeff Blashill Manage Adversity?
With Bedard expected to return in November, the team faces many tough matchups early on. Last season featured several losing streaks after a promising start. Blashill needs to show tactical adaptability during difficult stretches. Effective use of systems and timely adjustments are necessary to maintain team morale and confidence.
5. How Will Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov Adapt?
Rookies Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov face significant expectations. Frondell showed promise with nine points in 12 NHL games by the end of last season. Kantserov comes in with a strong performance in the Kontinental Hockey League. Both players’ impact largely depends on their deployment within the lineup. Blashill has made bold position changes, risking both growth and potential setbacks.