From Chicago Sun-Times · · 3m
Five storylines for Blackhawks training camp
Connor Bedard's rehab, roster crunch, and line combo puzzles dominate a condensed two-week prep for the season opener.
In brief
Connor Bedard's rehab, roster crunch, and line combo puzzles dominate a condensed two-week prep for the season opener. The Blackhawks have less than two weeks to sort out their roster, line combinations, and Bedard's recovery timeline before their September 29 season opener in Las Vegas. Originally reported by Chicago…
Training camp starts Thursday
The Blackhawks begin their first on-ice day Thursday after an off-ice day Wednesday. They have less than two weeks to prepare for their September 29 season opener in Las Vegas.
Bedard's shoulder recovery timeline
Connor Bedard had left shoulder surgery on July 8 with a four-month recovery estimate pointing to early November. He won't be ready for the season opener but hopes to return as soon as possible.
Bedard's skating progression unclear
Bedard has been skating individually and lightly shooting. The key questions are when he'll skate with the team, when he'll shoot with them, and when he'll be cleared for contact.
24 players, 23 roster spots
The Blackhawks have 24 healthy players competing for 23 opening-night roster spots. The condensed camp gives prospects less time to prove they belong.
Fourteen forwards in the mix
Patrick Kane, Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, Roman Kantserov, Tyler Bertuzzi, Oliver Moore, Ryan Greene, Nick Lardis, Ryan Donato, Teuvo Teravainen, Cole Smith, Jordan Greenway, Landon Slaggert and Andrew Mangiapane are all competing for forward spots.
Eight defensemen competing
Bowen Byram, Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser, Ian Cole, Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro are vying for defensive roster spots.
Prospects heading to Rockford
Forward prospect AJ Spellacy, despite impressive showings in prospect games, will almost certainly start his first pro season in Rockford. Young goalie Drew Commesso probably won't steal Soderblom's backup job yet.
Del Mastro finally signs contract
Ethan Del Mastro signed a two-year, one-way contract Wednesday with a nine hundred fifty thousand dollar salary-cap hit. The 23-year-old defenseman had been one of the last unsigned restricted free agents.
Del Mastro's roster spot in doubt
Del Mastro showed promise in 24 NHL games in 2024-25 but struggled in 19 games last season. He enters camp as the presumed eighth defenseman and could face waivers if he doesn't impress.
Center depth chart unsettled
Frondell and Nazar will start at center, but the other two center spots are wide open. Kantserov, Moore, Donato and Greene are all possibilities.
Kane's linemate question
Which center will slot next to Patrick Kane on the first line? Who will play on the opposite wing? The Hawks' forward depth chart has dozens of possible combinations.
Defense handedness imbalance
The Hawks need to solve their right-side shortage. Will Bowen Byram or Ian Cole shift to their off-side as left-handed shots? Levshunov and Rinzel are their only natural righties.
Hellebuyck demands trade
Winnipeg franchise goalie Connor Hellebuyck has demanded a trade and reportedly won't report to Jets camp. His departure could help the Hawks climb the Central Division.
Fantilli and Nikishin unsigned
Columbus and Carolina young studs Adam Fantilli and Alexander Nikishin remain unsigned restricted free agents. Fantilli and the Blue Jackets' asking prices reportedly aren't close.
Larkin demands trade from Detroit
Detroit franchise center Dylan Larkin has demanded a trade, been stripped of the captaincy and won't be at Red Wings camp. The Wings' general manager situation also seems messy.
The essence
The Blackhawks have less than two weeks to sort out their roster, line combinations, and Bedard's recovery timeline before their September 29 season opener in Las Vegas.
