The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into an exciting 2025-26 season with a blend of promising young talent and seasoned veterans. After a busy offseason that included the NHL Draft and free agency, here's an updated projection of what the Blackhawks' roster could look like.
Forwards
The forward lines are expected to feature a mix of skill and experience. Connor Bedard is slated to be the team's No. 1 center. Ryan Donato may return to the top-six, while newly acquired free agents like Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi are expected to contribute. Ilya Mikheyev is also likely to be back after a strong season. Other veteran forwards who may return include Jason Dickinson and Nick Foligno.
A potential forward lineup could look like this:
Several young forwards are on the cusp of breaking into the NHL. Oliver Moore is expected to bolster the Blackhawks' forward depth after making his debut last season. Landon Slaggert has played in 49 games over the past two seasons and could earn a steady spot in the lineup with a strong training camp. However, the Blackhawks may choose either Michael Misa or James Hagens with the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Defense
The Blackhawks' defense is filled with young talent. Alex Vlasic has established himself as a core member of the team's future. Sam Rinzel is projected to be an everyday defenseman. Kevin Korchinski is expected to be in the mix after spending most of last season with Rockford. Artyom Levshunov made his NHL debut last season and is also expected to contribute.
A possible defensive pairing could be:
Nolan Allan may also deserve more NHL time.
Goalies
The goaltending situation is expected to remain the same, with Arvid Soderblom and Spencer Knight. Soderblom stepped up when given the chance last season, and Knight performed well after being brought in.
Key Additions and Departures
The Blackhawks have made several key additions to their roster. Andre Burakovsky was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Kraken and will bring a veteran presence and speed to the team's top nine. Sam Lafferty was traded from the Buffalo Sabres and returns to the Blackhawks after playing for them in 2022-23.
What the Blackhawks Still Need
The Blackhawks could use more depth, especially on defense. They currently have six defensemen listed on their roster and would like to have more options.
Overall Outlook
The Chicago Blackhawks are building towards a brighter future with a core of talented young players and experienced veterans. While they may not be Stanley Cup contenders just yet, they are taking steps in the right direction. The 2025-26 season will be an important one for the development of their young players and the continued growth of the team.
