Three Blackhawks Players Fans Have Fallen For in 2025-26 - And Why It Matters
The Chicago Blackhawks didn’t exactly head into the Olympic break riding a wave of momentum - just two wins in their last eight games tells that story. But even in a season that’s more about development than dominance, there are reasons for fans to stay invested. While Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are already household names in Chicago, a few other players have carved out their own spot in the hearts of Blackhawks faithful.
Let’s take a closer look at three players who’ve earned that love in 2025-26 - not just with flashes of brilliance, but with consistent, meaningful contributions that are shaping the next phase of this rebuild.
3. Spencer Knight - The Steady Hand in Net
When Spencer Knight arrived in Chicago as part of the Seth Jones trade, there was intrigue. But it didn’t take long for that to turn into optimism - and now, full-on confidence.
After just 15 games with the Hawks last season, GM Kyle Davidson clearly saw enough, locking Knight in with a three-year, $17.5 million deal before the season began. That decision is aging well.
Through 39 starts, Knight has posted a 16-16-7 record with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage - numbers that place him firmly among the NHL’s top 20 in key goaltending categories. He’s tied for fifth in shutouts (3), and his high-danger save percentage (.843) ranks 10th in the league. That’s elite company, especially considering the workload he’s facing behind a team still figuring things out offensively.
The Blackhawks are near the bottom of the league in goals per game (2.65, seventh-worst), but defensively, they’ve held their own - 13th in goals against per game (3.16). That’s a testament to Knight’s poise between the pipes. He’s rarely had an off night, and his calm presence has become a foundation for a young team trying to find its identity.
Head coach Jeff Blashill has praised Knight’s composure, and the locker room clearly rallies behind him. Back in December, when Jason Dickinson was asked about Connor Bedard’s Olympic prospects, he made a point to say, “Connor is the most valuable player on our team, maybe next to Knighty. Knighty’s been playing lights out for us…”
That kind of respect - from teammates, coaches, and fans - doesn’t come easy. But Knight’s earned it, start after start. In a season full of questions, goaltending isn’t one of them.
2. Ryan Greene - From Long Shot to Top Line
Every NHL season has its breakout stories, but few are as compelling - or as unexpected - as Ryan Greene’s. At 22 years old, Greene wasn’t even projected to make the opening night roster.
He was supposed to begin the year with the Rockford IceHogs. Fast forward to now, and he’s become a fixture on the Blackhawks’ top line, skating alongside Bedard and Andre Burakovsky for 22 games - the most-used line combo on the team.
Greene’s rise has been as rapid as it’s been impressive. Early in the season, he told reporters his focus was on being a reliable, bottom-six forward - someone who could play a 200-foot game and bring defensive detail. That mindset hasn’t changed, but his role certainly has.
With injuries to Bedard and Nazar earlier in the season, Greene was leaned on heavily - and he delivered. He’s posted seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points, which puts him ninth on the team in scoring.
Among NHL rookies, he ranks tied for 13th in assists, 21st in goals, and 16th in points. He’s also handled faceoff duties with a 45.5% success rate.
Greene’s been more than just a fill-in - he’s become a key piece of the puzzle. And when he was a healthy scratch for the first time this season on February 4 against Columbus, fans took notice. That kind of reaction says everything about how far he’s come and how much he means to this team’s future.
1. Wyatt Kaiser - The Breakout on the Blue Line
If you’re looking for a player who’s exceeded expectations on the back end, look no further than Wyatt Kaiser. The 21-year-old defenseman entered the season without a contract extension in place, but the two sides came to terms just before training camp on a two-year, $3.4 million deal. That’s looking like a bargain.
Kaiser is fourth on the team in average ice time (19:10), leads all Blackhawks defensemen in goals (5), and has chipped in 12 points overall. But it’s not just the numbers - it’s the way he’s played.
Whether paired with Artyom Levshunov or working in other combinations, Kaiser has shown he can be effective at both ends of the ice. He’s smart, steady, and rarely overwhelmed - a rare trait for a young defenseman still adjusting to the NHL pace.
Head coach Jeff Blashill singled him out in late January, saying he was playing his best hockey of the season. Unfortunately, Kaiser suffered a lower-body injury on February 4 against Columbus, but there’s optimism that it’s not as serious as initially feared. That’s good news for a team that’s already thin on the blue line.
Fans have embraced Kaiser’s emergence - even giving rise to the #wkfc hashtag on social media: the Wyatt Kaiser Fan Club. It’s a fitting tribute for a player who’s quickly become one of the most reliable pieces on the back end, especially on the penalty kill.
GM Kyle Davidson clearly saw the potential, and Kaiser is proving him right. His growth this season has been one of the brightest spots in a year focused on development.
Honorable Mentions and What’s Next
While Knight, Greene, and Kaiser have stolen the spotlight, they’re not the only ones making noise. Louis Crevier, Oliver Moore, and Tyler Bertuzzi have all had their moments and could play bigger roles down the stretch.
When the Blackhawks return to action on February 26, the focus will shift to how this young core finishes the season. Wins may still be hard to come by, but the foundation is being laid - and these three players are a big part of it.
In a season built on patience and potential, Chicago fans have found a few new reasons to believe.