Chicago Blackhawks Training Camp Update
As the Chicago Blackhawks reach the mid-point of their training camp, the anticipation builds for the season opener just a week away. On October 10, the team will face the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, where the Panthers will unveil their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner. For the Blackhawks, however, the challenge lies ahead: they are focused on reshaping their squad to reflect a future that mirrors the success of teams like the Panthers.
Preseason Games and Lineup Decisions
With three preseason games remaining at home, there are still crucial decisions to be made regarding player roles and lineup configurations, particularly for both forwards and defensemen. As the season approaches, it’s important to note that while the chosen lineup for opening night will likely serve as a starting point, adjustments can and will occur throughout the season, particularly with numerous young players expected to rotate in and out of the lineup.
For opening night, fans could see a forward lineup including Andre Burakovsky, Connor Bedard, Ryan Donato, Teuvo Teravainen, Frank Nazar, Tyler Bertuzzi, followed by Colton Dach, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev, with Nick Foligno, Lukas Reichel, and Landon Slaggert rounding it out. Landon Slaggert’s health has been noted as pivotal for this lineup, and while Ryan Greene is talented, it appears he may start in the AHL given the depth at forward. The returning Sam Lafferty may contribute in the lineup inconsistently but is viewed more as a steady presence rather than a regular starter as the team focuses on player development.
The emerging talents of Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar will be supported by adept wingers. In fact, many observers believe these two could form a potent one-two punch down the center.
Defensive Lineup and Goaltending Situation
Defensively, the Blackhawks have identified five players—Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, Wyatt Kaiser, Artyom Levshunov, and veteran Connor Murphy—as their most reliable and NHL-ready options if they remain healthy. The organization’s commitment to youth is evident, especially with the presence of Matt Grzelcyk in camp on a professional tryout (PTO). His opportunity hinges on proving he is the best choice over younger prospects who are eager to claim a roster spot. Notably, Nolan Allan‘s recent physical performance against the Minnesota Wild has strengthened his candidacy for a roster spot, putting pressure on the likes of Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro.
In goal, Spencer Knight is poised to claim the starting position. After being acquired in the trade for Seth Jones, Knight is eager to show his capabilities as the main goaltender for the Blackhawks. Backup duties appeared to favor Arvid Soderblom; however, the competition with Drew Commesso has heated up, with the team opting to send Commesso to the Rockford IceHogs for further development while maintaining Soderblom in a supporting role.
Upcoming Preseason Matchups
With three more preseason matchups against the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues, the upcoming games will be critical for those in contention for the final roster spots, featuring a mix of established players and newcomers vying for their positions. Changes are still possible leading up to opening night, and any late-season injuries or standout performances could alter the projected lineup significantly. Fans looking for updates on the team’s progress are encouraged to follow The Hockey News for ongoing coverage of the Blackhawks’ season preparations.
