Chicago Blackhawks: Key Questions for the 2026-27 Season

The Chicago Blackhawks have started their 2026-27 NHL season in Las Vegas. The Golden Knights are considered contenders after their Stanley Cup Final setback against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Blackhawks, however, face many questions despite efforts to address ongoing issues.

Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard: Will They Deliver?

Drafting Connor Bedard was a pivotal move for the Blackhawks. He achieved personal bests with 30 goals and 45 assists last year but lacked strong wing support. Patrick Kane, no longer at MVP performance, remains productive with 163 points over 189 games recently. Both former top picks will not start the season together due to Bedard’s shoulder recovery. Expectations focus on exquisite passes from Bedard and skilled finishes from Kane.

Power Play Adjustments

Coach Jeff Blashill aims to emphasize special teams for team chemistry. The Blackhawks maintained their strong penalty kill but struggled with power play, ranking 29th with a 16.9% success rate. The opening power play lineup includes Kane, Bowen Byram, Roman Kantserov, Anton Frondell, and Tyler Bertuzzi. Improving scoring and power play efficiency remains critical.

Artyom Levshunov’s Development

Artyom Levshunov enters his second year after a challenging rookie season. His struggles with puck management contributed to a minus-41 rating. Levshunov’s potential in offense or defense could pivot the team’s performance. Early signs suggest he may excel as an offensive player, quarterbacking the second power-play unit with Wyatt Kaiser.

Jeff Blashill’s Strategy During Challenges

With Bedard slated for return by November, Blashill’s tactics in early games without their star player will be tested. Last season’s patterns of losing streaks indicate the need for adaptable strategies. Measuring progress in areas like maintaining leads, minimizing defensive zone time, and adjusting quickly will determine their resilience.

Rookies Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov

Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov face demanding roles in their first full NHL season. Frondell showed promise with nine points in 12 games, while Kantserov arrives from Russia’s KHL with fresh talent. Both players will be instrumental for the Blackhawks. Frondell now centers the second line despite less success with faceoffs. Conversely, Kantserov’s elevation to the top line as center shows faith in his adaptability. Success at diverse positions will reflect their growth.