Regression, injuries, and back-to-backs define another uneven week for the Blackhawks as prospects shine at World Juniors.
The Chicago Blackhawks sit in 31st place (14-18-6, 34 points) on Monday morning. One spot above the Vancouver Canucks. There’s World Juniors news to recap, games to mull over, and some roster updates to look at, and more in this week’s look at the Hawks.
Dec 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Noel Acciari (55) defends Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic (72) during the third period at United Center. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Tasting Flight – Game Recaps
In both of the Blackhawks’ losses, the Hawks had favorable analytics. The Hawks had a 52.78% Corsi over the Flyers, and a 62.50% Corsi against the Penguins (who I imagine just wanted to desperately prevent another lead from being squandered). The Hawks’ lone win—their first in seven games—came against one of the league’s best teams in the Dallas Stars.
The results don’t matter. The Hawks have regressed heavily following an exciting two months where they were a playoff team. Now with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar both out of the lineup, the losing has exposed some concerns regarding roster construction.
Story continues below.
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Monday Morning Skate
Connor Bedard was on the ice before practice on Monday morning. Ben Pope reported that this will not affect his recovery timeline. Head coach Jeff Blashill moved players around in the lineup; of note was Olive Moore’s promotion to 2C. Pope reported that Blashill wants to see how Moore performs in that role. Blashill staying with consistent lineups has been extremely welcoming over former head coach Luke Richardson’s lineup carousel. I personally think the blueline needs some shaking up. Artyom Levshunov and Alex Vlasic would be more ideal than their current top pair.
Closing Time – News Recap
Note: This does not reflect Monday’s results. The 2026 IIHF World Juniors are in full swing, and the Blackhawks’ prospects have been performing well. Anton Frondell (third overall pick in 2025) has one goal and two assists in two games with Team Sweden. Vaclav Nestrasil (first round pick in 2025) has one goal and three assists in two games with Team Czechia. A.J. Spellacy (third round in 2024) has two points in two games. Spellacy assisted on two goals in Team USA’s opening game against Team Germany.
Landon Slaggert was recalled from Rockford on Dec. 27 and has played first-line minutes with Tyler Bertuzzi and Jason Dickinson. Slaggert played over 14 minutes in both games—his highest of the season—and grabbed an assist on Dec. 27. Slaggert replaced Ilya Mikheyev in the lineup, who’s welcoming the birth of his child and is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New York Islanders.
Nick Foligno was activated off injured reserve and scored his first goal of the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
What’s On Tap Next?
The Blackhawks have a busy month ahead of them, and that includes three back-to-backs. As Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times pointed out, the Blackhawks have been outscored 27-7 on the backend of back-to-backs. The Hawks host the Vegas Golden Knights after a roadtrip to take on the Washington Capitals to conclude the week.
Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. New York Islanders – 7:30 p.m. CT
Thursday, Jan. 1 vs. Dallas Stars – 7:30 p.m. CT
Saturday, Jan. 3 @ Washington Capitals – 6:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, Jan. 4 vs. Vegas Golden Knights – 6:00 p.m. CT