The 2026-27 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Chicago Blackhawks. After several seasons finishing in the NHL’s basement, they now have a collection of talent that can do damage. It is just a matter of putting everything together once and for all.
The Blackhawks have several names that could potentially break out in 2026-27, but there are a few that have a lot to prove to themselves and the organization. This list could easily be several places longer, but these three have a lot to prove in 2026-27.
Artyom Levshunov
Big expectations were placed on the second overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He has flashed potential in 86 games but is far from a complete product. The general belief is that young defensemen take longer to come into their own, but many will be expecting a sizable jump forward from Artyom Levshunov this season.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov and Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rutger McGroarty chase the puck (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
He has clear struggles in his own zone, especially when it comes to executing simple plays coming out of his zone. He’s in the first percentile according to JFresh in even strength defense, but it is hard to truly jump him as an 18/19-year-old.
Levshunov has shown promise as a puck-moving defenseman and the Blackhawks will need to remain patient. It would be unfair to expect him to become the franchise defenseman he was projected to be as a 20-year-old, but Levshunov needs to show more in his own end while continuing his upward trajectory offensively.
Roman Kantserov
Roman Kantserov slipped to the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft simple because of the Russian connection – he was committed to three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) at the time of his selection. With his commitments fulfilled, he is ready to step into the top six for the Blackhawks in 2026-27.
As a 21-year-old, Kantserov was outstanding for Metallurg Magnitogorsk, scoring 36 goals and registering 64 points in 63 games in a league filled with experienced, older players. He is undersized at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds but has a relentless motor and a high compete level.
He looks to slot in as either the first- or second-line right winger, giving him plenty of chances to produce early. The Blackhawks are counting on his game transferring to the NHL; it is time to show that he was well worth the wait.
Bowen Byram
The Blackhawks paid a heavy price for Byram, then doubled down by giving him a contract worth $12.5 million per season. The team believes he is a No.1 defenseman right now despite him being more of a No.3/4 for the Buffalo Sabres the past couple of seasons.
Bowen Byram, Buffalo Sabres (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
Byram has the potential to be a high-end offensive defenseman in the NHL. He tied career-highs in goals (11) and assists (31) reaching a new best for points (42) as part of Buffalo’s highly leveraged top four defensive group.
In Chicago, Byram will be the man. He will play top minutes against tougher competition, earn all the power play time he can handle, and be counted on to elevate his game. And though there are concerns about his play in his own end, Byram can make everyone forget about that by taking another jump forward offensively and justify to a degree the exorbitant price the Blackhawks paid to get him.
Can the Blackhawks Challenge for a Playoff Spot?
The Blackhawks are interesting because if feels like they have what it takes to challenge for a playoff spot. They find themselves behind the eight-ball with Connor Bedard’s injury but it seems like he’ll be back sooner than initially expected.
While the playoffs would be nice, the reality is that the Blackhawks at least need to be a threat to make the playoffs. Having another season in the basement will leave a lot more questions than answers, not to mention the impact it will have on the young core this team has wagered their future on.
Free Newsletter
Get Chicago Blackhawks coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.