Blackhawks Searching for Identity as Rebuild Hits a Crucial Stretch
The Chicago Blackhawks are deep into a rebuild, and while patience remains the mantra, the growing pains are becoming more apparent as the team crawls toward the Olympic break. The numbers don’t lie-losses are piling up, and the offense continues to sputter-but there are signs of growth beneath the surface, even if the results haven’t caught up just yet.
Let’s start with the power play, which has been a persistent sore spot. More practice might seem like the obvious fix, but the issue runs deeper than just reps.
It’s about execution, chemistry, and decision-making under pressure-things that can’t always be ironed out on the whiteboard or during morning skate. The Hawks are still figuring out how to get the puck to their playmakers in dangerous areas, and until they do, the man advantage will continue to be more of a momentum killer than a weapon.
One bright spot? The budding connection between Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.
The two young forwards are starting to find a rhythm together, flashing the kind of chemistry that could anchor Chicago’s top line for years to come. It’s early, and the sample size is small, but when they’re on the ice together, there’s a noticeable uptick in pace and creativity.
Reuniting them was a calculated move, and it’s starting to pay off.
Still, the Blackhawks’ rebuild is diverging from that of another struggling franchise-the San Jose Sharks. While the Sharks are showing signs of acceleration, the Hawks are staying the course with a more methodical, long-term approach.
General Manager Kyle Davidson remains committed to the plan, emphasizing internal growth and foundational development over quick fixes. “We have taken a nice step,” he said, pointing to the team’s improved structure and maturity in back-to-back games as evidence.
That measured approach extends to how the organization is handling top prospect Artyom Levshunov. The young defenseman has shown flashes of high-end potential, but there’s a real discussion happening about whether a stint in the AHL could benefit his development.
In the meantime, the coaching staff is working closely with him to improve his shot-specifically his velocity and deception. It’s all part of a larger effort to round out his offensive toolkit and prepare him for a long NHL career.
Veteran defenseman Connor Murphy, whose time in Chicago may be nearing its end, is still holding out hope to reward the city for its patience. He’s been a steady presence during some of the franchise’s leanest years, and his leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed in the locker room. Whether he finishes his career in a Blackhawks sweater or not, Murphy’s impact on this young core has been meaningful.
Jason Dickinson, another veteran voice, has found joy in mentoring the next wave of talent. But he’s also realistic-this is a young team, and that youth brings both energy and inconsistency.
For every glimpse of what’s to come, there are still stretches where the Hawks look like a team learning on the fly. That was evident in recent losses to the Blue Jackets, Penguins, and Panthers, where defensive lapses and a lack of finish around the net proved costly.
Consistency has been elusive, especially since Bedard returned from injury. He’s still working his way back into form, and the team is clearly still adjusting to having their star rookie back in the lineup. The flashes are there-his vision, hands, and hockey IQ remain elite-but the full rhythm hasn’t quite returned.
Still, progress is happening, even if it’s not always reflected in the standings. The Blackhawks have shown signs of growth in back-to-back situations, an area where young teams often struggle.
That’s not nothing. It’s part of the maturation process, and while it won’t fill the win column overnight, it’s a sign that the foundation is being laid.
Around the NHL: Headlines and Highlights
Elsewhere in the league, there’s no shortage of storylines. Patrick Kane made history, becoming the all-time leading scorer among U.S.-born players-a milestone that cements his legacy as one of the greats.
Injuries are taking their toll: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is out at least four weeks with a broken foot, and Canucks stars Brock Boeser and Zeev Buium have both landed on IR. Meanwhile, Devils forward Jack Hughes exited early with a lower-body injury, and Rangers star Artemi Panarin was scratched for roster management reasons.
Trades and signings are heating up too. The Islanders added depth by acquiring Ondrej Palat from the Devils and Soucy from the Rangers, while the Avalanche locked up defenseman Sam Malinski with a four-year extension. Detroit shored up its blue line by inking Ben Chiarot to a new three-year deal.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has been busy as well. Penguins forward Bryan Rust was handed a three-game suspension for his hit on Boeser, and the league fined Leafs winger William Nylander for an obscene gesture.
And in Boston, David Pastrnak became just the sixth player in Bruins history to reach 900 career points-another feather in the cap for one of the league’s most dynamic scorers.
As the Olympic break looms, teams across the league are either gearing up for a playoff push or digging in for a longer-term rebuild. For the Blackhawks, the focus remains on development, patience, and building something sustainable. The results may not be there yet, but the pieces are starting to come together.