Chicago Blackhawks Brace for Another Last‑Place Finish – What’s Next?

Chicago Blackhawks look set to repeat a last‑place finish in the Central Division as the 2026‑27 campaign opens without Connor Bedard, who remains sidelined after shoulder surgery. The team sits 15th in the Western Conference with a 29‑39 record and is riding a one‑game winning streak, but the odds of ending at the bottom remain high.

Can the Blackhawks defy the odds?

The Hockey News recently ranked the Blackhawks as the 30th‑best NHL team on paper, only ahead of the Pacific‑based Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. That low ranking fuels speculation that Chicago could again finish last in the Central, despite an 11‑point improvement last season. The division’s powerhouses—Colorado, Minnesota, and Dallas—continue to dominate, leaving little margin for error.

How will the injury to Bedard affect the rebuild?

Bedard’s absence forces the coaching staff to lean on young forwards like Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore. Their ability to generate offense will be tested against seasoned defenses. Roman Kantserov’s scoring touch from junior hockey remains unproven at the NHL level, while Spencer Knight’s goaltending will be under the microscope. If any of these players step up, Chicago could avoid the dreaded top‑five draft lottery.

What does the schedule say about early challenges?

The Blackhawks open the season with a home game against the Minnesota Wild on September 20, 2026. Facing a strong opponent early could either expose lingering weaknesses or spark confidence if they pull off an upset. The matchup will be the first real gauge of how the roster performs without its marquee rookie.

Is a quick turnaround realistic for a rebuilding club?

Historically, teams like the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins surprised analysts with winning seasons after being written off. Those turnarounds required multiple young players overachieving in their first years. Chicago’s path mirrors that scenario, but the Central’s depth makes a rapid climb unlikely. Most experts predict another year or two before the Blackhawks consistently challenge for playoff spots.

What are the key questions heading into the season?

Will Frondell, Nazar and Moore translate their junior success into NHL production? Can Kantserov adapt his goal‑scoring instincts to the faster pace of the league? How will Knight’s net‑minding evolve under a heavier workload? Answers will emerge over the next 82 games, but the immediate concern remains: avoiding another basement finish while the rebuild matures.

Where does the future lie for Chicago?

Even with a projected strong draft, the organization hopes to move beyond the top‑five pick mentality. If the Blackhawks finish last again, they’ll secure another high selection, but that also signals a prolonged rebuild. The front office must balance development with competitive urgency, ensuring the team isn’t stuck in a perpetual rebuilding loop.

What fans can expect right now?

Chicago’s supporters should brace for a gritty start, marked by youthful energy and growing pains. The one‑game winning streak offers a glimmer of optimism, yet the road ahead is steep. Keep an eye on the September 20 clash with Minnesota for the first real test of the Blackhawks’ resilience this season.