Here’s an in-depth 2025–26 season outlook for the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) — covering a recap of last season, the upcoming campaign’s outlook, major additions/subtractions, a projected roster and depth chart, and a season prediction.
The Blackhawks have been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years, and heading into 2025, they’re looking to shake things up in a big way. With a commitment to rebuilding, the team has honed in on acquiring fresh talent and making strategic trades to strengthen the roster. It’s not just about drafting new names but cultivating a blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies to create a balanced squad.
Recap of 2024–25
The Blackhawks’ 2024–25 campaign was another difficult one in their rebuild, yet with some promising signs of progress from their younger core. They finished with a record of 25-46-11 (61 points), placing 8th in the Central Division and 31st of 32 teams league-wide.
Offensively they scored 224–226 goals (various sources) and allowed about 292–296 goals against, which put the club near the bottom in both categories.
Coaching instability was a feature: the season began under head coach Luke Richardson, who was dismissed partway through and replaced on an interim basis by Anders Sorensen.
There were some individual bright spots. The team’s young cornerstone forward Connor Bedard showed signs of real promise, and a handful of other young players in the system began to get NHL exposure. The organization also added draft capital and continues to lean into the youth movement.
In short: The Hawks remain firmly in the “rebuilding” phase — still a way off from competing for the playoffs — but the timeline may be starting to bend upward given some positive momentum.
2025–26 Outlook & Summary
Narrative & Goals
Heading into 2025–26, the Blackhawks’ objective is not necessarily to make a big leap into playoff contention but rather to accelerate the development of their young core, while layering in enough veteran stability to begin forging a meaningful upward trajectory.
General Manager Kyle Davidson has emphasized building from within — drafting and developing — and using the cap space and flexibility this phase allows.
That said, some external expectations have crept in: articles mention that the Hawks might be able to improve their scoring output and become more competitive, though a playoff berth is still a stretch.
What to Watch
- Young core takeoff: Bedard and other high-end prospects must make that second leap from poster-child potential to consistent contributor.
- Veteran infusion: The team has added some experienced pieces to support the youth, both on and off the ice.
- Defense & goal-tending: The Hawks must stabilize their back end and net-minding if they want to cut down on the goals allowed.
- Cap flexibility & roster moves: With the ability to carry more young players and perhaps pick up complementary veterans, roster construction will be key.
Style & Identity
Expect Chicago to play with speed, trying to leverage their younger players’ mobility and skill. At the same time, they’ll need to embed more structure defensively and improve consistency. The “exciting young team” narrative is intact, but the mantra likely will be: “progress, not perfection.”
Expectations
Improvement is likely, but modest. A realistic target might be 70–75 points (i.e., a 15-point increase) and perhaps contending for the lower end of wild-card conversations (though still falling short). A surprise playoff push would require major internal leaps and maybe a trade or two.
Major Additions / Subtractions
Additions
- Andre Burakovsky (F) – Acquired from the Seattle Kraken (for Joe Veleno) on June 21, 2025. He brings veteran speed, experience and secondary scoring.
- Sam Lafferty (F) – Traded in from the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2025, for a sixth-round pick. Adds depth and familiarity with the franchise.
- Draft assets – The Hawks selected forward Anton Frondell (3rd overall), Vaclav Nestrasil (25th), and Mason West (29th) in the 2025 NHL Draft, showing commitment to building for the future.
Subtractions
- Seth Jones (D) – Traded from the Hawks (to the Florida Panthers) as part of the rebuild. That signals a clear shift from relying on veteran stalwarts toward younger defensemen.
- Other veteran departures will continue as the club maxes out the youth window; specific notable names from 2024-25 include players retired or moved on.
Projected 2025–26 Roster Chart
Here’s a projected key segment of the roster for 2025–26 (all players subject to change) based on available data.
Forwards
- Connor Bedard – C
- Ryan Donato – LW/RW (just extended)
- Andre Burakovsky – F
- Teuvo Teräväinen – RW/LW
- Tyler Bertuzzi – F
- Lukas Reichel – F
- Sam Lafferty – F
- Frank Nazar – C/F
- Ilya Mikheyev – F
- Nick Foligno – F (veteran)
Defensemen
- Alex Vlasic – D
- Sam Rinzel – D
- Wyatt Kaiser – D (RFA qualified)
- Ethan Del Mastro – D
- Artyom Levshunov – D
- Connor Murphy – D (veteran)
Goaltenders
- Spencer Knight – G
- Laurent Brossoit – G
- Arvid Söderblom – G
Depth Chart / Offensive & Defensive Lines (Projected)
Below is a projected depth chart for the Blackhawks heading into the 2025–26 season, both for forwards and defense.
Forward Lines
1st Line (Top six)
- LW: Ryan Donato
- C: Connor Bedard
- RW: Andre Burakovsky
(High end of offense — veteran presence + elite young star.)
2nd Line
- LW: Tyler Bertuzzi
- C: Frank Nazar
- RW: Teuvo Teräväinen
(Blend of youth and experience, with Nazar stepping up.)
3rd Line
- LW: Lukas Reichel
- C: Jason Dickinson (or another mid-veteran)
- RW: Ilya Mikheyev
(Development line: Reichel ascending, Mikheyev veteran depth.)
4th Line
- LW: Nick Foligno
- C: (Possibly Sam Lafferty)
- RW: Landon Slaggert (or a younger wing)
(Energy/penalty-kill/mentor line.)
Defensive Pairings
A-Pairing
- D1: Alex Vlasic
- D2: Sam Rinzel
(Emerging young top pairing; heavy minutes.)
B-Pairing
- D1: Wyatt Kaiser
- D2: Connor Murphy
(Murphy veteran stabilizer with Kaiser continuing his development.)
C-Pairing
- D1: Ethan Del Mastro
- D2: Artyom Levshunov
(Youngsters carving out roles; limited minutes initially.)
Goaltending Depth
- Starter: Spencer Knight
- Backup: Laurent Brossoit / Arvid Söderblom
(Knight is viewed as the goaltender of the future)
Season Prediction
What I Predict
- Record: Roughly 30-40 wins, 70–75 points (improvement of ~10-15 points over 2024-25).
- Division ranking: Likely 5th or 6th in the Central (depending on other teams’ performance).
- Playoffs: Unlikely to reach the playoffs this season — the club still lacks the consistency and depth required to be a true contender.
- Key improvements
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- Scoring will likely climb modestly (because of Bedard’s maturation + veteran support).
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- Goals against may improve slightly but still among bottom tiers unless defense/goaltending leaps forward.
- Wild-card contention: If the young core breaks out and veteran additions click, the Hawks could be “on the fringe,” but realistically the playoff push is a 2026–27 target.
Why This Outcome
- The rebuild timeline is still in its early phase; this season looks like more of a transitional year than a “make-the-playoffs” year.
- The youth movement is exciting but young players almost always take time to adjust consistently in the NHL.
- The goaltending/defensive side remains a wildcard: if Knight and the young defense take a step, the Hawks may surprise; if they stagnate, the results will again be sub-.500.
- There is positive momentum: the franchise has multiple high-end assets, cap flexibility, and a clearer path forward than a year ago. The management appears committed to taking calculated steps rather than forcing a false contending window.
Upside Scenario
In a best-case scenario: Bedard takes a major leap, the veteran additions exceed expectations, and the Hawks finish around 85 points, sneaking into a wild-card slot. That would mark a major positive swing and set the stage for 2026 as a break-out season.
Downside Scenario
If the youth don’t progress, injuries mount, or goaltending falters, the team could hover around 60–65 points again — not as low as 2024-25 but still a bottom-third team.
Given where things stand, this would not be a surprise but a disappointment given the expectation of improvement.
Star Power: Key Players to Watch in the 2025 Season
The stage is set for some serious action, and a few standout athletes are ready to shine this season. Leading the charge are players who’ve already made a name for themselves, and they’re not slowing down.
You can’t start with anybody but Conor Bedard. He is their star, and he is the player that is going to raise this team from the depths of the Western conference. His leadership on the ice is crucial, as their experience serves as the backbone of a team in transition. Expect him to deliver when it counts the most, bringing both skill and strategy to the rink.
Then there’s the crop of budding talent hoping to take the league by storm. All eyes should be on the new faces, the ones tipped to have breakout seasons. These players bring fresh energy and creativity to the game, eager to make their mark. Each game is a chance for them to prove they belong, and the buzz around them is palpable.
Returning veterans play an equally important role. They’ve been through ups and downs, providing a steadying presence that can drive a team forward. These seasoned players know how to read the game, adapting to the fast pace and pressure of each match. They bring calm and confidence, essential in maintaining team morale and guiding the younger players.
Path to Success: Key Factors Influencing the Blackhawks’ Playoff Aspirations
The journey to the playoffs isn’t just about skill on the ice—it’s also about recognizing and leveraging strengths while continuously working on areas that need improvement. Acknowledging where the Blackhawks are shining and where they could step up ensures they’re always moving in the right direction.
Navigating the season with minimum injuries is an ongoing priority. Proper health management and conditioning programs are in place to safeguard against player fatigue and injuries. Ensuring athletes are in top condition not only keeps them available for every game but also maintains the team’s competitive edge.
All these factors contribute to the broader playoff picture. Maintaining momentum and keeping focus are essential as the Blackhawks aim to end the season as real contenders. They have carved out a promising path, and sticking to these principles could see them making significant strides in the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
The 2025–26 season for the Chicago Blackhawks is best framed as the starting line of the next chapter rather than the destination. Fans should expect more excitement, more young players stepping into meaningful roles, and incremental improvement. The playoff push likely still lies a season or two ahead, but this year can be the season in which the trajectory visibly shifts upward.
If the top-end (Connor Bedard) elevates, the supporting cast holds up, and the defense/goaltending make measurable gains, then we may look back on 2025–26 as the year the rebuild shifted into breakthrough mode. On the other hand, if those elements stall, the team risks another frustrating campaign.
The management and coaching team are laser-focused on developing a playstyle that could potentially dominate the league. By prioritizing speed and agility, they’re looking to surprise opponents and capitalize on every scoring opportunity. This is a team in motion, constantly tweaking and improving its game plan to stay ahead of the curve.
Coaching staff, from the head coach to the assistants, are working overtime to identify areas ripe for improvement. Player development programs and drills are being designed with precision, targeting specific skills and tactics to give the team an edge. Everyone is on the same page—focused on developing a unified strategy to make 2025 a standout year. This spirit of collaboration is fueling the team’s journey towards greatness.
From a strategic standpoint: focus on growth, not all-in wins. Measurable progress (even if invisible in the standings) will be the true win this season. If they can check off “young core improves,” “veterans provide support,” and “more competitive consistency,” then 2025–26 will be a success — regardless of whether the playoffs happen.