Get ready for the excitement of Chicago Blackhawks hockey returning. Anticipate the upcoming season with lineup predictions.
This is my favorite time of the year. Chicago Blackhawks hockey is on the cusp of returning. Preseason games leave you guessing how the lineups will look. The anticipation for opening night. Bears football (which can either be depressing or exciting).
Recently, there hasn’t been a lot for Blackhawks fans to get excited about. 2023 had Connor Bedard. 2021 had a skeptical retool (and we all know how that one started). But what about 2025? I doubt there’s anything groundbreaking, and I don’t want to get myself up for the letdown (as Ron Luce likes to say), but I’m genuinely excited to see these kids play.
Man. What happened. I’m supposed to be pessimistic around here.
Apr 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Blackhawks Happy Hour
3. Swanky Franky
Last week, the Chicago Blackhawks were handing out tickets to fans at Union Station. Keeping in theme with their centennial celebration, the Blackhawks decorated a ticket booth with decor reminiscent of the 1920s.
2. Connor Bedard. Stop Worrying About His Contract.
It’s insane how much this bears repeating. Connor Bedard’s contract talks aren’t anything to be concerned about. Blackhawks fans understand this. I hope. Bedard is going to see how year three turns out. If he looks great, he can expect a fat paycheck. But Vancouver Canucks fans, who live rent-free in my head for some reason, won’t stop making this a big deal.
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1. The Perfect Throwback Night
I love some solid Blackhawks nostalgia. Look up a Hawks game from the early 90s—make sure you can hear that organ—and you’re in for a hell of a night. Patrick Comisky put together the perfect Blackhawks centennial celebration. Too bad Comisky isn’t actually in charge of this stuff, because he should be.
Closing Time — News Recap
The Chicago Blackhawks signed veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to a PTO last week before training camp started. You can read more of my thoughts in the link. I’m expecting one of (or both) Kevin Korchinski and Artyom Levshunov to go to Rockford. Grzelcyk, if signed, would give the Blackhawks depth on the blueline.
The “big” signing of the week, however, was Wyatt Kaiser. The Blackhawks signed Kaiser to a two-year deal with a $1.7 million AAV on Sept. 17, the night before training camp was scheduled to start.
Speaking of shocking news, goaltender Laurent Brossoit was listed as injured and is expected to miss a significant amount of time due to surgery. Broissoit has played an impressive zero games while signed to the Blackhawks.
There are numerous storylines heading into the preseason and beyond. You can catch up on the latest ones here. I share my thoughts on the roster battles on the blue line and among the forwards, Lukas Reichel’s future, and what Blackhawks fans should actually be concerned about with Connor Bedard (it’s not his contract).
Wonder what Connor Bedard’s third NHL season will be like? I write about Bedard’s season preview here.
What’s On Tap Next?
Can you believe it? This week, we’re going to see the Blackhawks play NHL hockey in the United Center. It’s only preseason, but hockey is FINALLY here. Here’s what you can expect this week:
Tuesday, Sept. 23 @ Detroit Red Wings – 6 p.m. CT
Saturday, Sept. 27 @ St. Louis Blues – 6 p.m. CT
Sunday, Sept. 28 @ Minnesota Wild – 5 p.m. CT
Only one game during the work week and two on the weekend. On Tap Sports Net will have game previews and recaps to keep you informed.
I also have some Blackhawks tactics in the oven (should be out this week) and will continue through the Eastern Conference with team previews. Had a hiccup (I didn’t save my Excel sheet), so my Florida Panthers preview is pushed back a hair.
Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube and the Four Feathers Podcast for more Chicago Blackhawks content, updates, and hot takes!