Chicago Blackhawks Final NHL Roster Projection | Connor Bedard’s 2025-26 Season Preview

Chicago Blackhawks Final NHL Roster Projection | Connor Bedard’s 2025-26 Season Preview

On today’s episode, I’ll project the Blackhawks final NHL roster when the regular season begins and I’ll also get into Conor Badard’s season preview. You’re Locked on Blackhawks, your daily podcast on the Chicago Blackhawks, part of the Locked On Network, your team every day. What’s going on, Blackhawks fans? Welcome on in to another episode of Lockdown Blackhawks, part of the Lockdown podcast network, your team every day. As always, I’m your host Jack Bushman. Also, Blackhawks beat writer for Chicago Hockey Now. Have to let you all know right off the jump that today’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. Go and download the FanDuel app now or check out FanDuel.com to get $300 worth of bonus bets when your first $5 bet wins. All right, Blackhawks fans. Happy Friday. kicking things off on the show here today. We got a lot to get into as we’re now just 4 days away from the start of the regular season against the Florida Panthers. And later on this evening, I’m recording this at around 2:30 p.m. Central time. The Blackhawks are set to play in their fifth of six preseason games at the United Center coming against the Minnesota Wild, who they of course defeated last weekend four to one in their first preseason matchup led by a hat-tick from my guy Frank the Tank Nazar. But here tonight, for the third consecutive preseason contest, the Blackhawks are icing pretty much all of their projected NHL lineup. And now that we are so close to the start of the regular season, there are a lot of things that are pretty set in stone. However, there are still some battles being fought over, particularly in the bottom six and who’s going to take that final left-handed defenseman spot on the Blackhawks blue line. So, I definitely wanted to go through my final Blackhawks roster projection and who they’re going to be taking with them come October 7th to face off with the Florida Panthers and who unfortunately I think is going to be left at home. First off, the lineup that the Blackhawks are rolling with here tonight. Like I said, a lot of their NHL regulars. This can honestly kind of serve as depending on when you’re listening to this, a little bit of a preview of tonight’s preseason matchup with the Minnesota Wild in addition to also being my projection of the Blackhawks final NHL roster. Uh Ryan Donado, Connor Baddard, Andre Burikovski for the third consecutive game are going to be together serving as the top line. Then the second line pretty straightforward as well as it’s been all throughout training camp and uh up to this point in the preseason as well. Tavo Terrainan, Frank Nazar, and Tyler Bertusi. I think there’s a real good chance that’s going to be the top two lines for the Blackhawks when they take on the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The third line here tonight though, Landon Slagert is finally going to be making his preseason debut. He’s missed all of the first four preseason games due to an injury. also was battling with a little bit of an illness. But I talked about on the show recently how head coach Jeff Blashel despite, you know, great performances from Oliver Moore and Ryan Green and also Colton Doc through uh through the first four games of preseason action. While Slagard has been out with an injury, that doesn’t mean it’s going to cost him his roster spot. And I’m really curious to see how Slagger is going to look along with Jason Dickinson and Ilia McKay. When training camp first started, that was kind of the quote unquote third line that Blash Hill first trotted out there. They finally get their first preseason contest here together against the Wild. And I think it’s a pretty noteworthy one for Landon Slagert, even though Blastill what he kind of alluded to recently regarding Slagert’s situation when talking with the media. And then down on the fourth line for the Blackhawks here tonight, Colton Doc, Nick Felino, and Sam Laferdy is going to be jumping into that right-wing spot on the fourth line. It was Ryan Green, Colton Doc, and Nick Felino as the fourth line the last time the Blackhawks played on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings. So, going with a little bit of a com a different combination there to round out this forward group. And that leaves Oliver Moore and Ryan Green as healthy scratches for the first time here in the preseason. They’ve actually played in each of the first four preseason games. And as I just mentioned, they both, I think, have looked really good in their push for securing one of these final NHL roster spots. And then of course along with Oliver Moore and Ryan Green healthy scratched for the third consecutive game is Lucas Reichel who has had rumors pick up over the last week or so suggesting that Kyle Davidson is trying to find a new landing spot for the 2020 firstround pick. Honestly, at this point in time, I I’d be a little bit surprised considering how the rumors have gone. Not that, you know, what Frank Saraveali says is the end- all beall, but it really does seem like the Blackhawks are trying to find Riel a new home. And also, again, it just considering he’s going to be on the outside looking in of this forward group, he’s not going to be given a top six opportunity this season. There just isn’t much of a future here with him for the Blackhawks. And I’ve talked about how I don’t think, you know, selling low on Riel is the smartest business move. But at the same point in time, as your general manager, you also want to do right by your players. and Lucas Reichel still a young man in this league. It’s clear it’s not going to be happening here in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen happen for him elsewhere with another NHL club. And while that will be upsetting to see as a Blackhawks fan if Lucas Riel, you know, goes and I I don’t think he’s going to ever be like a Gustav Forsling late type of bloomer, but uh it would be a little frustrating. But again, it’s clear he’s just not going to be given that opportunity here in Chicago. So, I I really am expecting Lucas Reichel to wind up getting dealt before October 7th against the Florida Panthers. But, as far as what do I think is going to happen with this Blackhawks forward group before next Tuesday? Who’s going to be part of the final cuts? Who are going to take some of these final jobs? Well, I do think, like I said, the top six, that’s set in stone. All six of those guys are obviously going to be part of the opening night lineup. I do think while tonight’s game is going to be important for his chances, I’m still expecting at this point in time to land for Landon Slagger to get that first opportunity along with Jason Dickinson and Ilia McKay. Obviously Dickinson and MV, we know they’re going to be part of that third line just really who’s going to be in that left wing spot along with them on opening night against the Panthers. And then down on the fourth line, Blackhawks fans, another kind of interesting situation here, Nick Felino and Colton Doc. I think it’s pretty clear at this point that Blashill likes what they have to offer with one another as two bigger, more physical forwards down there on the fourth line. We ob obviously saw Doc’s offensive game as he scored the lone goal in the Blackhawks last preseason game against the Red Wings. But who is going to be the third member of that fourth line kind of in a similar situation uh as the third line along with Dickinson and McKayv? Who’s going to be that third forward along with Colton Doc and Nick Felino? And to me, Blackhawks fans, I really do think even though it kind of seems like an outside chance now based on the roster the Blackhawks are going with tonight, Oliver Moore and Ryan Green, both as healthy scratches, could definitely foreshadow them being assigned to the Rockford Ice Hogs when the regular season kicks off. However, I just think the Blackhawks could really use a confident, true center iceman like Ryan Green, who’s done really well at the faceoff dot so far here in the preseason and presents a respectable, well-rounded two-way game. And this isn’t to say that Oliver Moore doesn’t, you know, provide those same qualities other than maybe not being as savvy at the faceoff dot right here, right now. Moore is definitely the faster of the two players. I think his skill set would mesh really well with Jason Dickinson and Ilia McKayv. But Landon Slagger has been on the professional scene these last couple of years. And just how Kyle Davidson has handled his prospects, he wants them to thrive and not survive at the NHL level. I think Oliver Moore could be NHL ready right here, right now. But I also think the Frank Nazar path is probably what they’re thinking for Oliver Moore. And that very well could be the same thing with Ryan Green here. Blackhawks fans. Let let me just say that I could definitely be wrong here about Ryan Green. However, do the Blackhawks, they could utilize Nick Felino as a center iceman, and he actually was. I think he was better than Jason Dickinson at the dot last year. He might have been the Blackhawks better best center iceman. However, I still feel like there’s an opportunity to allow Nick Felino to go back and play the wing. Also, as a guy who’s, you know, getting older and not, you know, the fastest on his skates, right? as a center iceman. I just think Ryan Green could provide a a legitimate center iceman on that fourth line who can win faceoffs and b he’s the faster of the two players between he and Nick Felino. I think he has the higher offensive upside than Nick Felino. And while that’s not, you know, necessarily what you’re looking for centering your fourth line, I still think Ryan Green is ready for this opportunity. And he’s between him and Oliver Moore, he’s the one who’s I think the Blackhawks view as a legitimate center iceman long term. So, I think Ryan Green is ready. I do think, you know, it would be tough to have Green make the NHL roster while Oliver Moore doesn’t because I do think Oliver Moore has been, you know, probably better than Ryan Green in the preseason, but they’re playing two different positions right now. And with Colton Doc cementing himself as part of the NHL roster on the left wing or on one of the two wings along with Landon Slagger seemingly going to get the first opportunities if he’s healthy from Jeff Blahill. That’s just kind of why I’m projecting Oliver Moore to start the season in the AHL while Ryan Green makes this NHL roster. And again, I could definitely be wrong on that, but that’s the way I’m projecting things to shake out right now. And that would leave Sam Laperty, Lucas Riel if he’s here. And then also Joey Anderson is still part of the Blackhawks NHL training camp roster, but obviously he’s injured at this point in time and isn’t going to be playing in any of these six preseason games. But if Lucas Reichel winds up getting traded like I expect him to, I do think Sam Laughafer and Joey Anderson would be two real savvy extra forwards for the Blackhawks going into the season because again, they’re guys who, you know, aren’t you’re not going to feel bad about if you’re healthy scratching them on a regular basis. Uh they can come into the lineup every now and again and you know, as veterans, as savvy defensive players, uh they’re going to play the right style of hockey. But again, they just don’t have to be in there on a nightly basis, and they fit that spot a whole lot better than Oliver Moore or Ryan Green, who you want playing on a regular basis and getting those consistent reps. One thing I will say though, um, even if Lucas Reichel does wind up getting traded, like I expect, I do think there’s a chance the Blackhawks only keep 13 forwards on their roster, uh, Sam Lafery would then be just my lone extra of this forward group. If Lucas Reichel does wind up staying with the Blackhawks, I think he’s going to be in that extra spot along with Sam Laughafery and then that would lead obviously Joey Anderson being reassigned back to the Rockford Iceogs of the AHL. I think that’s probably what’s going to happen with Anderson, but I’m really curious to see what the Blackhawks are going to do with him once he winds up getting fully healthy. So, that’s the way I see the Blackhawks forward group shaking out right here, right now. I think it’s really just going to it’s going to be down to whether the Blackhawks want to start Oliver Moore and Ryan Green up in the NHL or if they feel like they both could use more time down in the AHL. Obviously, the uh tonight’s lineup could definitely be giving a hint that both of those guys are going to be joining on with the Rockford Ice Hogs. However, for the reasons that I just described, I really do think Ryan Green would be an upgrade in that fourth line center spot. And one thing Jeff Blash also mentioned when talking with the media not all that long ago, he said in terms of weighing, you know, what’s better for a prospect playing in the NHL right now in a more minimal role as opposed to going down to Rockford and playing, you know, on the top line in all situations. He said it’s a case by case situation. And it does depend on the player, but he also said if a guy needs to work on things offensively in particular, he thinks Rockford would be a good spot for them. Whereas if they need to round out their game a little bit more defensively, he think that they could best do that up around these NHL guys. And to me, between Oliver Moore and Ryan Green, Oliver Moore is definitely the one with the higher offensive upside. I still think, you know, he’s going to be best known and he’s going to make his biggest impact with his two-way play and how he just uses that speed all over the ice. But between those two, I’m expecting Oliver Moore to be the better offensive player down the road. And I just wonder, again, I could be completely wrong about this, but I just wonder if that’s kind of maybe what he was talking about there. And Ryan Green is a pretty, you know, strong two-way player of his own right. It’s a fascinating situation with both of those two guys, Blackhawks fans. And Blashel said they’re not going to be making any final decisions until the these two weekend preseason games wrap up. But, uh, yeah, it’s going to be really fascinating to see who winds up stealing those final jobs. I’m going to give it to Ryan Green right now in that fourth line spot. Landon Slagert, I think he’s going to be sticking in that left-wing third line position. And then that’s going to leave Sam Laughaferty as the extra forward on the outside looking in. And if Lucas Reichel is still a member of the Blackhawks come next Tuesday, I think that’s where he’s going to be alongside Sam Laferdy as well. Let me know in the comment section below, Blackhawks fans, what you think is going to be happening with both Oliver Moore and Ryan Green before the start of the regular season on Tuesday. Coming up in just a moment, make sure to stick with me for segment two as I’ll dive into my Blackhawks projected blue line. But first, I do got to talk to you all about one of today’s sponsors, which is FanDuel. The NFL season is now fully underway, and FanDuel is making sure you’re ready for every kickoff with a camp miss offer. Right now, new customers can bet just $5. And if that bet wins, you’ll get $300 in bonus bets to use all across the app. And what I personally love about FanDuel is that it’s quick, it’s easy, and the best way to add a little more energy to your Sundays with player props, same game parlays, and more ways than ever to now get in on the action. Are you ready to play? All you got to do is download the FanDuel app now, or go and visit fanuel.com today in order to get started. Again, that’s fuel.com to place your first $5 bet and get $300 worth of bonus bets when it wins. Real quick, just a reminder to please go and smash that like button and subscribe to Lockdown Blackhawks on YouTube if you haven’t done so already and enjoy what you’re watching here today or on a daily basis. Segment two, picking up where I left off getting into the defenseman now for the Blackhawks tonight against the Minnesota Wild. Similar to the forward group, a majority of the projected NHLers are in the lineup and it’s going to be Matt Grizzlick along with Sam Renzel on the top defensive pairing for the second consecutive game as Alex Vlic still not healthy enough to return. Not expected to be in the lineup tomorrow either against the St. Louis Blues in the preseason finale. However, the Hawks, they are hopeful that Vic is going to be healed enough from that cut that he suffered from escape blade. That was I think last Sunday against the Minnesota Wild as well. Um they’re hopeful that he’s going to be cleared in order to return for the season opener on October 7th and we know if he is he’s going to be on this top defensive pairing along with Sam Renzel. Second pairing tonight for the Blackhawks. Wyatt Kaiser, Ardum Labinov. They’ve been attached at the hip all throughout camp and the preseason thus far. This is their fourth game of preseason action for both of them. They’ve spent it spent all four of those games together as the Blackhawks second defensive pairing. Think it’s pretty clear that’s going to be the second pairing for the Blackhawks on October 7th against the Florida Panthers. Even though I, you know, don’t think it’s been the strongest camp or preseason for RD Levchenov, he definitely has picked up his play in these last couple of games. He and Kaiser as a pairing have performed sturdier as well after kind of getting off to a sloppy start, which I don’t think is really all that surprising considering both two very young players. Wyatt Kaiser was obviously dealing with some contract situations uh early on in training camp. Those things tend to happen, but love to see them both kind of um clean up their game defensively for the most part in their last couple of preseason contests together. You know, I was um kind of outspoken about a week week and a half or so ago that Arty Lechnov I just didn’t think he was ready to thrive up at the NHL level. And again, it’s that thrive, not survive mentality that Kyle Davidson and even Jeff Blasial is really starting to preach. Uh, I still kind of feel that way. I don’t know if Arty Lechnov is ready to thrive in the NHL. I just feel like structurally and positionally and in terms of decision-m, he’s still got some clear strides to be made in that area. However, given his size, how well he does move the puck and his offensive abilities, I think given the type of situation, given the type of season that it is for the Blackhawks, I understand Arty Lechinov starting off in the NHL, but uh I don’t want to put this like bad ju guu on him or out there in the ether. I would not be surprised if it’s not the greatest start to his first full season up in the NHL with the Blackhawks for the 2024 number two overall pick. And then rounding things out on the third defensive pairing tonight for the Blackhawks, it is not going to be Ethan Delmro who I thought, you know, Tuesday against the Red Wings on the ice for two of the three Red Wings goals against. I don’t think neither was I. Neither was his fault solely, but I still think again he just didn’t win over the coaching staff as a whole in this preseason as much as I wanted him to and as much as I kind of expected him to based on what we saw from EDM in the latter half of last season when he was up in the NHL. And Nolan Allen is going to be getting an opportunity tonight along with Conor Murphy. And Allen, his last time out had a really good showing against the Minnesota Wild. his physicality was on display like every time he was out there on the ice. Um, and he’s another guy who like Del Mastro has now been on the professional scene for the last two years. So, I do think there’s still an opportunity or I guess I should say a slight possibility that Matt Grizzlick gets an NHL contract because Del Mastro and uh Allen are so young. But again, given the type of season that it’s going to be for the Blackhawks and like yes, Nolan Allen is still what, 22, 23 years old. Same with Ethan Del Mastro, they’re still pretty young. But I also think with the type of season it’s going to be for the Blackhawks, the prospects are the priorities. I I do think Nolan Allen and Ethan Del Mastro, despite what he’s shown in training camp thus far, they’re both ready to be NHL defenseman. So, I would just go that route over giving Matt Grizzlick a contract to me personally. But I do think, you know, it’s a meaningful game tonight for Nolan Allen. If he shows out well and provides a good defensive anchoring along with Conor Murphy on that third pairing, I think Nolan Allen’s going to be part of the Blackhawks NHL roster come opening night. I just don’t think you could have Kevin Cinsky, Nolan Allen, and Ethan Delmro all open up the season in the AHL if you wanted to by giving Matt Grizzlick a contract. But again, I just even though Grizzlick would provide some veteran presence on the back end and the Blackhawks obviously don’t have a lot of that. It’s basically just Conor Murphy and the kids, I still don’t think he’s like a real solution. I haven’t seen anything good really from Mecca here in the preseason. And I just don’t think he’s done enough to earn an NHL contract here from the Blackhawks. And I just rather would play Nolan Allen or Ethan Delastro. I’d rather give them the opportunities over an aging veteran who has no future here in Chicago like Matt Grizzlick. So Ethan Delmastro, Louis Creier are the extra defenseman here for the Blackhawks tonight. Obviously, Alex Blic is out with an injury. How I project this Blackhawks blue line to open up the regular season. Assuming Alex Blic is going to be good to go on Tuesday, he’s going to be up on that top pairing along with Sam Renzel, Wyatt Kaiser, Arty Lebanon. They’re going to be the second pairing. And I’m going to guess it’s going to be Nolan Allen and Connor Murphy. And it pains me a little bit to say that as I I’ve always been EDM over Allen personally in my mind. I just think Nolan Allen’s, you know, provided the steadier play defensively. And even though Ethan Delm Mastro is the bigger of those two bodies, I think Nolan Allen is definitely the more physical of those two. So that’s why I’m giving Nolan Allen the edge right here, right now. Then obviously that leaves Louis Creier as the seventh defenseman. It’s time for him to be in that role. He’s also uh not waivers exempt, so the Blackhawks don’t want to send him down to Rockford and lose him to another club for nothing in return. So, makes a lot of sense to have Louis Krevier as the seventh defenseman. And that to me means Ethan Delmro is going to be going back down to the Rockford Ice Hawks to open up the season in the AHL. And I’m not expecting Matt Grizzlick to be given a contract offer by the Blackhawks before the start of the regular season. Honestly, that would kind of rattle me a little bit. And I’ve said, it’s kind of funny how I’ve turned my opinion on this matter because when the Blackhawks first gave Grizzlink the PTO, I said I think there’s a better chance of him making it than people expect. I I don’t want him to get that PTO any or to sign that NHL contract any longer because again he’s just not a priority for this group long term and I don’t think he’s really deserved it over someone like Nolan Allen personally. So EDM I think is going back down to Rockford. But uh how Nolan Allen fares here this evening definitely could be an indicator of what’s going to be happening with this Blackhawks blue line. But that’s going to take care of my final roster projection for the Blackhawks to enter the 202526 regular season. No real need to go through the goalenders because it’s obviously going to be Spencer Knight and Arvid Solder Bloom as the number one and number two. But speaking of the 2526 season, Blackhawks fans, before I wrap up today’s show, I still got to break down what I think is in store for Connor Baddard in his junior year in the NHL. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for making Lockdown Blackhawks your very first listen here before I dive into segment three. And a reminder to go and check out the Lockdown NHL podcast for your second listen of the day where the action never ends. There is no offseason bringing you the daily leaguewide stories that matter the most with the local coverage that you love from Locked On. And you can easily find Lockdown NHL on YouTube or wherever you may be listening to your podcasts. Segment three, it’s time to get into my first of a couple season previews that I’ll be doing before the regular season begins against the Panthers. And just as a heads up, the next Blackhawks season preview that I will be covering on tomorrow’s show. Yes, I will be dropping a podcast on Saturday to recap the Blackhawks game tonight against the Wild. Then also project uh and go through a preview of the preseason finale against the St. Louis Blues, which by the way sounds likely that there’s going to be a ton of NHL or AHL guys, excuse me, in the Blackhawks lineup for that one. Considering it’s the back end of a weekend backtoback and then, you know, they would only have two days off before the regular season begins against Florida. You don’t really want your NHL guys to already be exhausted going into the start of the regular season. And it’s been a very active training camp and preseason for the Blackhawks thus far in the way that Jeff Blash has worked them. So, uh, yeah, fully expecting an AHLheavy lineup for the Blackhawks. Maybe even not a there might only be like two or three guys who play in both games of this weekend backtoback tomorrow against the Blues. Uh, but Frank Nazar, he will be the next season preview that I go over today though, of course, got to get into number 98, Connor Badard. His third NHL campaign. once again still without a true like real top liner alongside him unless the Blackhawks were to make some crazy trade throughout the course of the season. Uh and likely going to be playing on one of the worst teams in hockey yet again as the Blackhawks are yeah they have a lot more speed and they have a lot more youth and a lot more potential puzzle pieces on the scene. But I do think under a new head coach with all of these new pieces coming in, it’s going to be a little bit of a struggle for them at times, especially on the defensive side of things. But there is no doubt that because of that speed and because of the youth movement that’s on the NHL scene now, this Blackhawks group offensively, I think, has a lot more upside than they’ve had in seasons past. Defensively, considering that Murphy’s probably going to be the only veteran of the group, I I think they really could struggle back there. But offensively, uh, I really do think this Blackhawk team is just more capable than we’re going to see in these last couple of seasons. And tie that together with Baddard’s uh, just getting more experience at the NHL level right now, two seasons down, another year of experience in addition to the way his offseason training has gone. I mean, definitely looks faster out there on the ice. That’s been super noticeable. I think he looks stronger and bulkier than he’s been in his first two NHL seasons. And again, just combining that with everything that’s going on around the team with the amount of speed he has alongside him, even though there’s not a real trlin liner, I’m still expecting Connor Baddard to put together his best season in the NHL with the Blackhawks yet here as a junior. Exactly what that’s going to look like, what the numbers are going to be. I’m going to get there in just a second, but before I do, I wanted to first go through Bard’s stats from the last two seasons. first in 2023 2024. Played in 68 of the team’s 82 games. Obviously suffered that fractured jaw on a hit from New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith. But in those 68 games played, Bard tallied 22 goals, 39 assists for 61 points on an 82game pace. Would have likely finished somewhere right around 70 points. And out of the 22 goals that he scored in those 68 games, only four of them came on the power play. 18 of his 22 goals in his rookie season despite the Blackhawks being a putrid offensive bunch came at even strength. And what I think is also noteworthy about that Blackhawks fans is he only shot 10.7% as a rookie, which isn’t bad by any means. Anything in double digits you’ll take. But I do think and I’ve mentioned this on the show a lot over these last couple of years. I think Connor Bernard like has the capability to be a 12 13% shooter consistently in this league with his type of release with the type of power that he has. The shot also looks harder than it has in his first two NHL seasons so far in the preseason. He’s been noticeable every single night. Again, just reasons why I believe he is going to take that next step as the Blackhawks offense, I think, is going to kind of take a little bit of a next step as a team as well. Uh, but 10.7% I definitely think there’s room for growth for Baddard in that category. Averaged 19 minutes and 47 seconds of time on ice as a rookie. Where he struggled the most was probably at the faceoff dot, which really didn’t change as a sophomore. Won just 38.9% of his faceoffs in 23-24. And then the Blackhawks as a team that season averaged just 2.17 goals per game. Boy, was that brutal. That was good for dead last in the NHL. And then their power play wasn’t a whole lot better. 16.6% on the season. That was 28th out of 32 teams. Then that takes us to the 24-25 campaign last season for Bard. 82 games played. Played in every game for the Blackhawks. Love to see him be healthy enough for the entirety of the season and really get the feel of that grind. Not that, you know, he didn’t get that playing in 68 games, but playing the full 82, I think, just gives you that experience of what it’s like day in and day out to be not only a part of the team’s lineup, but a focal point for the Blackhawks as well. In those 82 games, 23 goals for Bard, which I think was maybe the most disappointing part considering he potted 22 and 68 the year prior, 44 assists. We did see the growth in the playmaking, but again, not a ton considering he had 39 and 68 games the year prior. altogether totaled 67 points. Still led the Blackhawks in that category. What was interesting though, it was almost kind of done in a polar opposite way from his rookie season because of the 23 goals that he scored. Connor Baddard had 11 power play ties last year. That was actually tied for 32nd in the NHL. So only 12 of his 23 goals that he scored in 82 games last season came at even strength. And while I do think that could be kind of looked as a scary underlying statistic, I also think it’s a result of the Luke Richardson style of play that the Blackhawks were suffering through for the first couple months of the season there and then uh you know having to get into a new system under Ander Sorenson. But once that finally got established in those final couple months of last year along with again guys like Nazar, guys like Sam Renzel, just more speed being added to the Blackhawks lineup, giving them a higher offensive upside, then we really saw things start to click for Connor Baddard. So while that could be a little bit concerning that he only scored 12 even strength goals uh in 82 games last year, I I really do think that’s ultimately going to be an outlier type of stat in Connor Baddard’s career. Then he shot 11.8% last season. nice rise from his rookie season. I do still think though 12 13% is well in the capability. Averaged 20 minutes and 17 seconds of time on ice. Little bit larger of a role than he had in his rookie campaign, but didn’t fare better at the faceoff dot. Unfortunately, it was actually worse as he won just 38.3% of his faceoffs. What was interesting though, while the Blackhawks weren’t all that much better offensively last season, 2.73 goals per game was good for 26th in the NHL. They were a top 10 team on the power play last year, 24.9% on the season. That was seventh best in the NHL. Bard had 11 power play tallies. Tyler Berusi had 10 power play tallies. I think getting Frank Nazar in that bumper role also late in the season was a sign of some good things to come. and along with Sam Renzel quarterbacking that Blackhawks top power play unit. I really do think I don’t know if it’s going to be a top 10 ranking again for the Blackhawks man advantage, but I do think they’re going to be in the top half of the league with their capability on that top unit. Unfortunately, I do think they’re going to be giving up a decent amount of short-handed goals considering, you know, Sam Renzel, Connor Baddard, Frank Nazar, some young players out there. It’s kind of been a symptom of uh what what’s happened so far in the preseason given up a lot of short-handed opportunities. But again, adding Sam Renzel, adding Frank Nazar as top power play staples, I think is going to make this power play a little bit more dangerous for all parties involved. And then that takes us to the 2526 campaign. Blackhawks fans, everything that I’ve been talking about takes me to right here, right now. What numbers I am projecting Connor Badard to put up in his third NHL season. Well, of course, I’m going on an 82game pace. The hope is that Badar is going to be able to play in all 82 for the second consecutive season. He had 23 goals last year while only striking 12 times at even strength in 82 games. Again, along with the speed, the increase Bard’s offseason training to help alongside him. I I expect him to score a lot more even strength goals than he did last year. and maybe he doesn’t score as many power play tall ties, but I really still think he’s going to be the most dangerous player on the ice during the Blackhawks man advantage. So altogether, I’m projecting Connor Baddard to score 30 for the first time in the NHL this season. Shoot, he had 22 in 68 games on the worst offense in all of hockey in 2023 2024. Badard’s hitting 30 for the first time this year. Blackhawks fans, I’m projecting him to finish with 32 goals. I think he’s going to continue to take strides in the playmaking department. I think he’s going to finish with 49 assists for the Blackhawks this year. And I’ve mentioned on the show previously, maybe once or twice, it actually might have been during a crossover episode, but uh I’m expecting Conor Bedard to put together an 80point campaign for the first time in the NHL. It’s happening this year, Blackhawks fans. 32 goals, 49 assists, 81 points for Connor Bard in 82 games this year. I’m guessing he’s going to have right around 10 or 11 power play goals again this season. Uh, but with how much harder he’s shooting the puck and how much better I think his one-time is looking as well, I wouldn’t be like too surprised if he winds up beating that number that he had last season. And then altogether for his shooting percentage, I’m expecting it to be above 12% for the first time in the NHL in his role in terms of time on ice. I think it’s going to be just about as similar as last year, right around 20 minutes, maybe uh 20 and a half minutes per game. But I do think they’re very comfortable playing Frank Aar situations as well. So, might not be like a super big leap for Baddard or anything. I mean, 20 minutes per game as a forward is usually what you see kind of guys top out at. So, don’t really think it’s going to be getting too much higher, but I do think he’s going to be again be right around 19 20 minutes per game playing in all offensive situations as the most dangerous threat on the Blackhawks man advantage. And with the increase in help of Nazar, Sam Renzel on the power play, uh, I think another year with Ryan Donado as well, establishing that chemistry with one another is going to be good for Bard as well. I really do believe it’s going to be his best season in the NHL so far. Blackhawks fans, the faceoff dot though is really somewhere where he needs to make strides as well. It’s got to be above 40% here this season. And while if it doesn’t happen for Bard at the dot as a 20-year-old, that doesn’t mean it’s never going to happen. Doesn’t mean he’s never going to be a good faceoff man. If three years in, he’s not like showing at least progress, right? Again, getting up over 40% which is like, come on, that’s what you should be hitting. If you’re an NHL center, uh if he doesn’t get there this season, then I think, you know, in addition to how he looks in transition play as a responsibly defensive minded center, is he going to make strides in that area once again? If not, along with faceoff struggles again, then we could potentially be talking a little bit more seriously about Connor Baddard being a long-term winger as opposed to a center. But altogether, the Blackhawks really just need him to be their biggest impact player moving forward, regardless of what position he plays. Considering the amount of depth that the Blackhawks have in their prospect pool, but I could not be more excited for Connor Badard here this season. He’s looked excellent in training camp and the preseason. the extra gear that he’s bringing with him, I really do think is just going to allow him to have so many more opportunities out there, both for himself and for his linemates. Um, and 80 points I think is going to be happening this season. Blackhawks fans, go and drop below in the comments section. Let me know how many points, how many goals you think Conor Bedard is going to be putting up in his third NHL season. Whether you agree with me, whether you think my numbers are too high, too low. Give me your full two cents down below in the comments section. But that’s going to take care of today’s episode of Lockdown Blackhawks. Everyone, as always, thank you all again for joining me on the show. Be sure to subscribe to Lockdown Blackhawks on YouTube. Follow Lockdown Blackhawks for free as well. That way you can get all of the latest episodes as soon as they’re uploaded. As always, I’m your host Jack Bushman. Can follow me on XJack Bushman 2. But make sure to check out my Strictly Blackhawks account, talking hockey. Till the next episode, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your Friday nights. I’ll see you next time on the Lockdown Blackhawks podcast, part of the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day.

Friday’s episode begins with a deep dive into what the Chicago Blackhawks’ final roster looks like for the start of the 2025-26 season on October 7th against the Florida Panthers. Host Jack Bushman breaks down Oliver Moore & Ryan Greene’s chances of making the NHL club out of camp and what happens with Nolan Allan and Ethan Del Mastro on the back end. The episode concludes with Connor Bedard’s 2025-26 season preview. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Final Forward Group (0:55)

Defensemen (14:25)

Bedard’s Season Preview (22:10)

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