As an NHL rumors expert, I’ve seen my fair share of teams stuck in a perpetual rebuild. The Chicago Blackhawks are at a critical juncture where they need to start showing tangible progress, and the 2025-26 season will be a true test of their trajectory. While the front office has been preaching patience, the time for moral victories is over. Let’s dive into the three biggest questions facing the Blackhawks this season.
Who Will Ride Shotgun with Connor Bedard?
The most pressing question on everyone’s mind is who will start the season on Connor Bedard’s line. The generational talent has shown flashes of brilliance, but he needs consistent linemates to truly thrive. My sources tell me that a healthy Andre Burakovsky is the frontrunner for the left-wing spot. His offensive instincts and veteran presence would be a huge asset for Bedard.
On the right side, Ryan Donato is a strong candidate after a career year. His willingness to go to the dirty areas and his previous chemistry with Burakovsky in Seattle make him a natural fit. Don’t be surprised if we see a few different combinations throughout the season, but this trio has the potential to be a legitimate top line in the league.
The Blackhawks Goaltending Conundrum
The Blackhawks’ goaltending situation is far from settled. While the plan seems to be to start the season with Spencer Knight as the No. 1 and Arvid Soderblom as the backup, the wild card in this equation is Laurent Brossoit. If he can return to form after two surgeries, he could push for playing time and create a healthy competition in the crease. However, the lack of a clear update on his status is concerning. The Blackhawks can’t afford to have any question marks in goal if they want to be competitive.
The real intrigue here is how much leash Knight will have. He’s still young and has a ton of potential, but he’ll need to be sharp from the get-go. If he falters, the pressure will mount on Soderblom to step up. This is a situation worth monitoring closely as we head into the preseason.
2025-26 Chicago Blackhawks Pre-Season Schedule
Here is the full pre-season schedule for the Chicago Blackhawks:
- Tuesday, September 23, 2025: vs. Detroit Red Wings @ Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI – 7:00 PM EDT
- Saturday, September 27, 2025: vs. St. Louis Blues @ Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO – 7:00 PM EDT
- Sunday, September 28, 2025: vs. Minnesota Wild @ Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN – 6:00 PM EDT
- Tuesday, September 30, 2025: vs. Detroit Red Wings @ United Center, Chicago, IL – 8:00 PM EDT
- Friday, October 3, 2025: vs. Minnesota Wild @ United Center, Chicago, IL – 8:00 PM EDT
- Saturday, October 4, 2025: vs. St. Louis Blues @ United Center, Chicago, IL – 7:00 PM EDT
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The post Chicago Blackhawks Season Preview 2025-26: The 2 Burning Questions That Will Make or Break Their Season appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
