The Chicago Blackhawks face a busy week ahead, with a schedule packed with important matchups and compelling storylines. Here's a look at what's in store for the team and its fans:

Schedule:

The Blackhawks' schedule for the upcoming week of January 26th is as follows:

• Sunday, Jan. 25: vs Florida Panthers
• Tuesday, Jan. 27: @ Minnesota Wild
• Thursday, Jan. 29: @ Pittsburgh Penguins
• Friday, Jan. 30: vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Key Storylines:

• Return of Connor Bedard: The biggest buzz around the Blackhawks is the potential return of rookie superstar Connor Bedard. Bedard has been out with a shoulder injury since mid-December and was expected to be sidelined "until January". Blackhawks fans and management are eagerly awaiting his re-evaluation and possible return to the lineup. The team activated Bedard from injured reserve. His presence has been missed, and his return would provide a significant boost to the team's offense and overall morale.

• Frank Nazar's Absence: Adding to the Blackhawks' injury woes, forward Frank Nazar is on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury sustained in late December. He's expected to be out for approximately four weeks. The simultaneous absence of Bedard and Nazar has put a strain on the team's forward depth, requiring veteran players like Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson to shoulder more of the offensive burden.

• Goaltending Stability: Arvid Soderblom has recently played well for the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have also recalled goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy from Rockford. With Petr Mrazek also in the mix, the Blackhawks will aim for more consistency in net this week.

• Inconsistent play and defensive struggles: The Blackhawks are trying to regain their footing after a difficult end to 2025. While they secured a morale-boosting shootout victory against the Dallas Stars on New Year's Day and another against the Washington Capitals, consistency has been an issue. Improving their defensive game will be crucial for success in the upcoming games.

• Trade Deadline Speculation: With the Blackhawks likely out of playoff contention, speculation is growing about potential trades involving veteran players with expiring contracts. Nick Foligno and Connor Murphy's names have surfaced in trade discussions as possible assets the team could move for future gains.

The Blackhawks face a challenging but exciting week. The potential return of Bedard and Nazar's eventual comeback offer hope for the offense, while the team looks to solidify its defense and goaltending. As the trade deadline approaches, decisions regarding veteran players could also reshape the team's future.