{"id":621634,"date":"2026-07-13T14:00:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T14:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/621634\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T14:00:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T14:00:30","slug":"blackhawks-2026-27-projected-lines-pairings-without-bedard-the-hockey-writers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/621634\/","title":{"rendered":"Blackhawks 2026-27 Projected Lines & Pairings Without Bedard – The Hockey Writers –"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Blackhawks <\/a>and their fans received some harsh news on July 2, when they learned their franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard <\/a>sustained a left shoulder injury during an offseason skating session. On July 8, the organization reported Bedard had undergone successful surgery, and set his timeline for recovery at approximately four months.<\/p>\n

This puts the Blackhawks without their star player until early November, meaning he\u2019ll miss over a month at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign. It\u2019s a tough blow for a team that\u2019s trying to take the next step towards playoff contention.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s been some talk that general manager Kyle Davidson <\/a>could be more aggressive in acquiring an additional forward this offseason now that Bedard is sidelined. But it has to be the right situation and the right fit. I wouldn\u2019t want the Blackhawks to sign someone just to sign someone, regardless of Bedard\u2019s status.<\/p>\n

All this said, let\u2019s look at what the forward lines and defensive pairings could look like to start the season, sans Bedard, with the Blackhawks\u2019 current roster. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Blackhawks Forward Lines<\/p>\n

When the Blackhawks signed Russian prospect Roman Kantserov<\/a> on May 14, I took a stab at way too early projected forward lines<\/a>. After all, Kantserov was an exciting addition. The expectation is he could be the elite sidekick Bedard\u2019s been looking for since he was drafted. Alas, the two will have to wait a little longer to find out.<\/p>\n

\"ConnorConnor Bedard has been looking for a similarly-talented winger to play alongside since he joined the Chicago Blackhawks. (Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

These lines also included veterans Ilya Mikheyev<\/a> and Andre Burakovsky<\/a>, who we now know have been traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Ottawa Senators, respectively. But for a starting point, I\u2019ll share this lineup below: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tyler Bertuzzi \u2013 Connor Bedard \u2013 Roman Kantserov<\/p>\n

Frank Nazar \u2013 Anton Frondell<\/a> \u2013 Nick Lardis<\/p>\n

Teuvo Teravainen \u2013 Oliver Moore \u2013 Ilya Mikheyev<\/p>\n

Ryan Donato \u2013 Ryan Greene<\/a> \u2013 Andrew Mangiapane<\/p>\n

Extras:\u00a0Landon Slaggert, Andre Burakovsky<\/p>\n

We also now know the Blackhawks acquired depth forwards Jordan Greenway <\/a>(from the Buffalo Sabres) and Cole Smith <\/a>(from the Vegas Golden Knights). Let\u2019s insert them into our new lineup, remove those departed and the injured Bedard, and then discuss each line combination separately.<\/p>\n

Bertuzzi \u2013 Frondell \u2013 Kantserov<\/p>\n

Teravainen \u2013 Nazar \u2013 Lardis<\/p>\n

Greene \u2013 Moore \u2013 Smith<\/p>\n

Slaggert \u2013 Donato \u2013 Greenway<\/p>\n

Extras: Mangiapane, Sacha Boisvert<\/a><\/p>\n

First Line Thoughts<\/p>\n

Bertuzzi \u2013 Frondell \u2013 Kantserov<\/p>\n

In my initial projections, I had Nazar on the wing to better balance out the top-six. But with Bedard out, I\u2019ve slated him back in at center. However, I believe Frondell will receive top line center honors over Nazar. Frondell usurped Nazar as second line center at the end of last campaign, and head coach Jeff Blashill <\/a>has raved about his strong two-way game.<\/p>\n

\"AntonAnton Frondell hit the ground running with the Chicago Blackhawks, being promoted to second line center shortly after joining the team. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Bertuzzi and Frondell gained some good chemistry last season, so it makes sense to continue that. Bertuzzi can win puck battles and be the net front presence for this line. Kantserov can hopefully provide some scoring punch alongside the youngster and the veteran. He can also become accustomed to top-line minutes and responsibilities in preparation for Bedard\u2019s return. <\/p>\n

Second Line Thoughts<\/p>\n

Teravainen \u2013 Nazar \u2013 Lardis<\/p>\n

With Bedard out, Nazar obviously needs to step up and produce on a more consistent basis. He showed flashes throughout last season, but never seemed to put it all together. Honestly, this could really be his opportunity to shine. <\/p>\n

The same goes for Lardis. The 21-year-old scored a respectable 10 goals and 15 points in 41 games last year, and got some run with Bedard to close out the season. Perhaps he and Nazar can find some good chemistry together. \u00a0<\/p>\n

To round out the second line trio, I went with the Teravainen. Granted, the veteran had arguably his worst NHL season in 2025-26. But hopefully that\u2019s behind him, because the Blackhawks need the 31-year-old to have a bounce back campaign.<\/p>\n

\"TeuvoTeuvo Teravainen had a rough campaign last season with the Chicago Blackhawks. (Photo by Michael Reaves\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Teravainen is an extremely smart player, and defensively sound. When playing well, his game could be the perfect complement to the other two. Plus, he and Nazar gelled when they lined up together earlier last season.<\/p>\n

Third Line Thoughts<\/p>\n

\u00a0Greene \u2013 Moore \u2013 Smith<\/p>\n

Moore fared better at center than he did on the wing, and he finished last season as the third line center. He found he was able to utilize his speed more to is advantage when playing down the middle. Greene, on the other hand, performed pretty much the same whether he was at center or wing. Therefore, I put him on Moore\u2019s wing. Two young players with the opportunity to grow together. <\/p>\n

Greene spent a lot of time playing next to Bedard on the top line last season, where he did quite well for himself. But he\u2019s thought of as more of a depth player on a more talented team. Either way, his versatility is something that will come in awfully handy for the Blackhawks this coming season. He\u2019s defensively responsible but also can find the back of the net when given the opportunity.<\/p>\n

\"RyanRyan Greene has proven a very versatile player for the Chicago Blackhawks, lining up at center and on the wing. (Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

You may have noticed by now there\u2019s a theme with my line combinations, of having a veteran to complement younger players. Hence, rounding out the third line with the newly acquired Smith<\/a>. He doesn\u2019t offer much in the way of scoring, but he does have a physical edge. This line could become the new shutdown line, but with a threat to score.<\/p>\n

Slaggert \u2013 Donato \u2013 Greenway<\/p>\n

Extras: Mangiapane, Boisvert<\/p>\n

This is your typical grit line. Slaggert has always taken pride in being hard to play against. However, it will be important for him to have a good start to the season. There\u2019s lots of similar-minded players currently with the Rockford IceHogs knocking on the door to replace him. Not to mention Mangiapane, who also plays with an edge. However, I have a hunch Mangiapane could become what Sam Lafferty<\/a> was last season, an insurance player who\u2019s a healthy scratch more often than not.<\/p>\n

Donato is another guy that brings a lot of energy. He\u2019s very versatile and can play up and down in the lineup, including at center. I believe fourth line center is where the Blackhawks will need him the most. Boisvert plays center as well, but I think some quality time with the IceHogs will do him good first.<\/p>\n

\"RyanRyan Donato is a player that brings a lot of energy to the Chicago Blackhawks. (Photo by Michael Reaves\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Finally, we have Greenway, included in the blockbuster trade to attain defenseman Bowen Byram<\/a>. The 29-year-old offers size in that he\u2019s 6-foot-6, 231 pounds. He\u2019s also not afraid to drop the gloves. He\u2019ll likely become the Blackhawk\u2019s new enforcer.<\/p>\n

Blackhawks Defensive Pairings<\/p>\n

Moving on to defense, we already touched on the addition of Byram from the Sabres. Byram will automatically make the Blackhawk\u2019s defensive corps better, with the expectation he\u2019ll be the No. 1 defenseman for the club.<\/p>\n

However, the team had to give up Louis Crevier<\/a> as part of the Byram deal, leaving the Blackhawks with only two natural right-handed defensemen in Levshunov and Rinzel. Additionally, they acquired 37-year-old Ian Cole<\/a> to be a steady veteran presence on the back end.<\/p>\n

With these changes, let\u2019s look at the new projected defensive pairings.<\/p>\n

Byram \u2013 Rinzel<\/p>\n

Vlasic \u2013 Levshunov<\/p>\n

Kaiser \u2013 Cole<\/p>\n

Extras: Korchinski, Del Mastro<\/p>\n

Defensive Pairing Thoughts<\/p>\n

Since the Blackhawks have such high hopes for Byram to elevate their group, I see him on the top pairing and on his natural left side. Can Rinzel live up to top-pairing expectations on the other side?! Well, I believe he\u2019s further along in his development than Levshunov, even if Levshunov\u2019s ceiling might be higher.<\/p>\n

\"BowenBowen Byram, shown here with the Buffalo Sabres, is expected to be the new No. 1 defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks. (Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Hence Alex Vlasic<\/a> and Levshunov on the second pairing. With Byram in the fold, some of the pressure can be taken off Vlasic, who can now fall back into more of a defensive defenseman role. His defensive responsibility can be a good complement to Levshunov, since the Belarusian\u2019s play can be an adventure at times in the defensive zone. It can also free him up to be more aggressive offensively, which is his strength.<\/p>\n

I slotted Kaiser on the third pairing, although depending on chemistry I could also see him and Vlasic flipped. After all, Kaiser and Levshunov played well together last season. <\/p>\n

It would make the most sense to play Cole on his off side. He\u2019s obviously the most experienced defenseman, so the transition wouldn\u2019t be as difficult for him. Plus, he indicated at his introductory press conference he\u2019s actually played close to half his career on his off side.<\/p>\n

Finally, things get a little tricky when it comes to Kevin Korchinski <\/a>and Ethan Del Mastro<\/a>. Both were tendered qualifying offers by the Blackhawks, meaning contract extensions should be coming. Both would also have to clear waivers to be sent down to the IceHogs. It\u2019s certainly not ideal for either of these players\u2019 development to sit out on a regular basis. So just how will the Blackhawks balance this?<\/p>\n

\"KevinKevin Korchinski is a young defenseman who hasn\u2019t yet found his place in the Chicago Blackhawks\u2019 lineup. (Photo by Melissa Tamez\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Blackhawks could want to rotate Rinzel and Levshunov in and out of the lineup, giving them a chance to observe and learn from the outside at times. The same could be true for Korchinski & Del Mastro. Del Mastro probably has the most experience playing on his off side, so this could wind up being an advantage to him as he tries to crack the lineup.<\/p>\n

Coach Blashill is also known for deploying a seven defenseman lineup, which would give an additional blueliner playing time. Plus, injuries always seem to factor into things.<\/p>\n

But it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Perhaps Cole becomes more of a true seventh defenseman (as a healthy scratch) as the campaign progresses, and younger D-men grow into their roles. However, I also wouldn\u2019t be at all surprised to see either Korchinski or Del Mastro be part of a trade before the season starts.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame we have to complete this exercise without the inclusion of Bedard among the forward lines. Nevertheless, it\u2019s always fun to attempt to predict lines and pairings! We\u2019ll follow up on these projections during training camp, once we have a better idea what Coach Blashill has in mind for his roster combinations.<\/p>\n

Until then, what are your thoughts on these projected lines and pairings?!<\/p>\n

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