Breakdowns & BOLD Predictions for 2026…

On Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks returned to the UC for the first time since April. The Red Wings came in and spoiled the party with a 3-1 win. It wasn’t a poor effort by any means. The Hawks actually looked strong at even strength, but special teams and mistakes made the difference. And while the scoreboard tells one story, the details tell another. From the chemistry in the top six to the battles on defense to a confident game from Colt and Doc, there’s a lot to unpack as we get closer and closer to October 7th. So, today I’ll talk about what I saw in that game, the players who stood out, and go over a few bold predictions I have for the season ahead. To start things off, the Blackhawks played a solid game at five on five, but they went 0 for six on the power play. Every time it felt like the momentum was about to shift, Cam Telbot just slammed the door for Detroit. On the other end, the Wings made the most of Chicago’s mistakes, cashing in three times and taking the win back to Hockey Town. Jeff Blashield didn’t sugarcoat it. He called the young defense a roller coaster. Flashes of really good hockey mixed with costly errors. his message, start evening things out. If there’s one clear strength so far, though, it’s been the Hawks top six. For the second straight game, they carried the play. Lashel has been preaching chemistry, and it’s looking like it might be paying off. Nazar’s connection with Terravine and Bertusi looks like it picked up right where it left off last season. Meanwhile, Connor Badard and Ryan Donado continue to click with another veteran, Andre Burkovsky, alongside them, bringing speed and instincts. That line looks dangerous. The numbers back it up. Nearly 18 minutes together at even strength and the Hawks top two lines led Detroit in shots, chances, and high danger looks. While the forwards are buzzing, the defense is where things get interesting. The top four look set. Vacic Renzel, Kaiser, and Levchenov with Murphy locking down the third pair. That leaves two spots wide open. Ethan Del Mastro has struggled this preeason trying to force things and getting caught out of position often. Since joining the Blackhawks on a PTO, Matt Grizzlick has been steady but quiet. Maybe a little too quiet, which leaves Nolan Allen and Louis Creier to make their cases. Allen brings physicality. Meanwhile, it’s obvious the Blackhawks really like Creier, who brings reliability. Both will get chances to prove themselves over the weekend. Then there’s Colton Doc. After the game, he said he’s playing with more confidence than ever. And you can see it. One goal, four shots, five hits, and a statement play that screamed, “I belong here.” Watch this goal again. Doc takes this play into his own hands. Notice the patience off the rush. Instead of forcing a dump, he challenges the D wide, drops his shoulder, and drives straight through the middle lane. Once he cuts inside, it’s all about poise. Quick hands, protects the puck from the stick check, then releases in stride before the goalie can reset. That’s a pro finish. Head up, no hesitation. Levinov would also lead all blue liners with five shots. Renzel had four on 11 attempts and Kaiser added more looks from the point. You could see the defense is taking a shoot first mentality. Heading into the 2025-26 season, for the first time in years, expectations are rising. The Hawks young core is growing, gaining confidence, and now surrounded with more talent. So, let’s get bold here for a minute. Let’s make some predictions. First off, I think Spencer Knight is going to prove he’s a legit NHL starter this year. Last season, in 15 games with the Hawks, his numbers didn’t exactly jump off the page. an 893 save percentage, a 3.18 goals against average, and a.533 quality start percentage. But the context matters. Coming over from Florida, he walked into one of the toughest situations in the league and still managed to hold his ground. Now, with a stronger team in front of him and another year of experience under his belt, I can see the 24year-old hitting at least a 9005 to 910 save percentage and keeping his goals against under three. That kind of stability would be just what Chicago needs. And if he delivers, Knight can finally prove he’s the real deal as an NHL starter. Next, I think Artum Levchenov will have a great first full season in the NHL. In 18 games last season, he quietly showed flashes. Six assists, 20 blocks, 19 hits. Not bad for a kid still finding his way. Now with a full season, a top four roll, and more opportunity, I think he pushes into the 35 to 45 point range. Add on 100 hits, and 100 blocks, and that’s the kind of impact I expect to see from Arty this year. Last season, before Frank Nazar got his call up, he was lighting up the AHL. He made it crystal clear he was too good for that league, almost forcing the Blackhawks hand to bring him up in late December. This year, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a similar story play out with Nick Lardis. Nazar’s path was a reminder that starting in the AHL isn’t a negative at all. Something I feel like a lot of people have forgotten over the years. He said himself that his time there was nothing but positive for his development. A stepping stone needed for proving he belonged in the NHL. This year in Rockford, all eyes are on 20-year-old winger Nick Lardis. And for good reason. The kid absolutely torched the OL last season. He buried 71 goals with the Brford Bulldogs, a feat no one has pulled off since John Tiveres dropped 72 back in 2007. On top of that, he added 46 apples, then exploded in the playoffs with 11 goals and 15 points in just seven games. The production speaks for itself. At the junior level, Lardis knows exactly how to put the puck in the net. He’ll open the season in Rockford, and the big question becomes whether that scoring touch can translate to the pro level. The signs are pointing towards yes. Drafted in the third round, 67th overall in 2023 at 5’11, 185 pounds, he doesn’t bring overwhelming size, but the pure goalc scoring ability is there and he’s shown steady progression. Even before his monster 2025 season, he had already posted 29 goals and 50 points in just 37 games, plus eight points in six playoff games. What really stands out though is how prepared he’s looked for his next step. At prospect camp, Lardis made it clear he came in with a plan to showcase his speed, skill, and improved strength. He trained all summer with NHL talent like John Tiveres, Evan Bousard, and Dylan Cousins. He’s not just trying to survive at the pro level. He’s pushing himself to thrive. With everything we’ve seen so far, there’s no reason to think Lardis can’t be the next guy to follow right in Nazar’s footsteps. Now, this last prediction is not really bold, but I think Connor Bernard finally hits the point per game mark in 2026. And the reason is simple. For the first time in his NHL career, he’s got real support around him. Ryan Donado is fresh off a career year with 31 goals and 62 points, showing he can hold his own in a top six role. On the other wing, Andre Burkovsky has proven that he can put up strong numbers when healthy. Put those two with Bedard and suddenly the Blackhawks franchise centerpiece isn’t carrying the load alone anymore. With that kind of help and with the wave of young talent around him, that could also boost his production. And that’s not even mentioning all the offseason work he’s put in to sharpen his skating and build up his strength. Penciling Bedard in for 30 plus goals and 50 plus assists feels realistic. You can call this his breakout year, but I truly believe it’s just the warm-up. But what do you think? Can Bedard hit point per game this season? Will Spencer Knight lock down the net? And is Lev Shinov ready to break out as a top four stud? Let me know in the comments. And as always, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Blackhawks breakdowns all season long. [Music]

On Tuesday The Chicago Blackhawks returned to the UC for the first time since April… but the Detroit Red Wings came in and spoiled the party with a 3-1 win. It wasn’t a poor effort by any means. The Hawks actually looked strong at even strength.
And while the scoreboard tells one story, the details tell another. From the chemistry in the top six, to the battles on defense, to a confident game from Colton Dach… There’s a lot to unpack as we get closer and closer to October 7th. So today, I’ll talk about what I saw in that game, the players who stood out, and a few bold predictions I have for the season ahead. #hockey #chicagoblackhawks #nhl #connorbedard #blackhawks #chicago
audio credit @WhiteBatAudio

21 comments

  6. No,more excuses,no more well it’s a rebuild,well their young,well training camp is tough,this is all a lamp shade to cover the fact that in the last four years,the Blackhawks have had numerous high draft picks!Well we are waiting,or the person,or persons makig these picks should seek another profession!We got Bedard and Nazar,others need to perform,enough of this ,it takes time,remember,people in my home town of Chicago,are still talking about the 1985 Bears,and it took the Cubs,108 years to win a World Series!Enough of that crap!

  7. Oliver is going to get more looks and tests early this season, Spencer will have a chance to settle into a rhythm if our D isnt falling in his lap every time our zone is occupied and show everyone hes going to be a beast, 2010 Hawks D man puck cycling and blue line slappers will make a comback and Beddard will be there stitching up the crease with passes…. to people that actually show up to play. I have a lotta hope i know

  9. This was super glass-half-full, which is fine, but it's likely that both good and bad things happen. My positive take is that I think Vanacker will have a good bounce-back. That team is loaded, and I think O'Brien wins OHL MVP. My negative take is that there is a controversy with Levshunov not wanting to be sent down. His advanced umber last year were terrible while being the most sheltered D in the league that they're have to start giving him D zone starts whoch can get messy.

  10. I’m with you regarding Bedard’s breakout year. He’s looked hungry, fast, and commanding plays on the ice during the preseason. I think he puts up 32 goals and 53 assists for 85 points.

  13. Cam Talbot had a good game. The Hawks had MANY great looks. The Hawks played against the Wings well, but luck was on the Wings side. I think we’re about to start seeing some good things happen. I think many things will hinge on Rinzel stepping up to the NHL level (which he seems to be doing well). He’s had a few miscues, but he’s also had some great plays.

  18. Not a bold prediction, but I think the Hawks finish somewhere from 18th to 26th in the league. Not a playoff contender, but a great step up from the absolute basement. I see them 5th or 6th in the central, over Nashville, Utah, and possibly St. Louis.

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