Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to take a step back and appreciate what you have — and if you’re a Chicago Blackhawks fan, there are more positives than the standings might suggest. At 10-8-5, this team is playing better than anyone expected. Even with no wins in their last four games, the Hawks went 5-3-2 in their last 10, staying competitive every night and pushing good teams to the limit.
The purpose of this article is simple: shine a light on what Chicago should be thankful for right now, from breakout performances to strong coaching and the growth of their young core. The Blackhawks may still be rebuilding, but their effort, structure, and identity have taken a big step forward this season. Fans have real reasons to feel encouraged — even during tough stretches.
What the Blackhawks Should Be Thankful For
1. Be Thankful for the Progress: Chicago Is Finally Competing
One year ago, the Blackhawks were sitting at 8-12-2 and already drifting out of the race. Today, they stand at 10-8-5, playing faster, harder, and far more competitive hockey.
The biggest difference? Chicago is in meaningful games every single night — the best thing you can ask for in a rebuild.
This season, the Hawks have already played 11 one-goal games, and they’ve been blown out only once by four goals or more. That tells you everything about their identity.
They compete. They battle. They stay in the fight until the final whistle. Almost every major team category is improved from last year:
- shot suppression
- goals against
- scoring depth
- special teams structure
- defensive-zone reads
- physicality and board battles
Chicago is no longer an easy matchup.
They play with intensity, physicality, and a real team-first effort. Even during tough stretches, they don’t quit. And for a young team full of prospects learning the NHL, this is GOLD.
Playing tight, meaningful games — with leads to protect or deficits to chase — is the most valuable development environment you can give young players.
Bedard, Nazar, Korchinski, Levshunov, Moore… they’re learning how to win real NHL minutes, not garbage-time hockey.
It’s not perfect yet, but compared to last season?
The progress is undeniable — and absolutely something the Blackhawks should be thankful for.
2. Connor Bedard’s Breakout Season
Connor Bedard is the clear MVP of the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s showing exactly why he was the first overall pick and why so many scouts described him as exceptional.
In his third NHL season, Bedard isn’t just good — he’s becoming one of the league’s most dangerous players.
After 23 games, Bedard sits at:
14 goals, 19 assists, 33 points — 4th in NHL scoring.
That alone is impressive, but the real story is his development.
Last season he finished with 4-12-16 in the same span.
This year?
He has doubled his production and elevated every part of his game.
It’s not just about points.
Bedard has taken a massive step in his full 200-foot game:
+12 improvement in plus/minus.
Faceoffs up to 50.2%, compared to 28.9% last year.
Shots on goal up from 57 to 75.
Plays heavier, more intense, more competitive.
Confidence is growing shift by shift.
And the skating? This is where the jump is most visible.
He already has 77 bursts between 20–22 MPH, and 5 bursts above 22 MPH, according to NHL Edge data.
He’s not just making plays — he’s exploding through the neutral zone with speed we didn’t see a year ago.
Bedard is becoming a dominant NHL player, the kind of franchise star every team dreams about.
The scary part for the rest of the league?
This is only the beginning of Connor Bedard.
3. Spencer Knight’s Strong Performance
Spencer Knight has been one of the biggest surprises of the Blackhawks season — and a major reason why Chicago is playing meaningful hockey. Everyone knew he had talent, but this year he’s showing another level: calm, composed, and delivering big saves at big moments.
Knight currently ranks top 10 in the NHL in:
- GAA
- SV%
- Shutouts
- High-Danger Save Percentage (HDSV%)
Those numbers say everything: he’s not just playing well — he’s playing elite.
What makes his performance even more impressive is the situation around him. Chicago’s defense is young, with Levshunov, Korchinski, and Kaiser still learning the league. Mistakes happen.
Turnovers happen. Missed coverages happen. But Knight has been the one erasing problems, saving breakdowns, and keeping the Hawks alive in tight games.
When the Hawks needed stability, he gave them a real No. 1 goalie presence.
When the team needed confidence, he delivered momentum-changing stops.
When the game was on the line, Knight made timely, clutch saves that preserved points in the standings.
If Chicago is staying above .500, if they’re playing one-goal games, if they’re in the playoff race longer than expected — Spencer Knight is a huge part of that story.
He’s not just bouncing back; he’s proving he can be the backbone of this rebuild.
This is the Spencer Knight the Blackhawks hoped for… and he’s arriving at the perfect time.
4. Jeff Blashill’s Strong Coaching Season
Jeff Blashill is making the absolute most of his second chance as an NHL head coach. After years in Detroit with a roster that wasn’t ready to compete, he finally has a young, talented group in Chicago — and he’s proving he belongs behind an NHL bench.
Blashill’s fingerprints are all over this team.
A Clear Structure and Identity
From the opening week, the Hawks have played with a tight, disciplined system:
- strong backpressure
- aggressive puck support
- five-man defense
- clean exits and controlled entries
Even when the roster is banged up, the structure holds. That’s coaching.
Smart Decisions: The 11F/7D Setup
His decision to go with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen has been a quiet game-changer.
It gives young D like Korchinski, Levshunov, and Kaiser more controlled minutes, and it keeps the team fresh late in games. It also lets him double-shift Bedard or Nazar when needed.
It’s creative. It’s modern. And it works.
Development First — But Still Playing to Win
Blashill has found the perfect balance between rebuilding and competing.
He’s protecting young players when needed, pushing them when they’re ready, and giving them real responsibility in tight games. That’s exactly what a rebuilding team needs.
Players are clearly playing hard for him, and that says everything.
The Hawks skate with intensity, pressure, and energy every night.
They don’t quit.
They don’t sag after mistakes.
They stay in games — and that comes from the head coach’s message.
Handling Injuries and Lineup Chaos
With veterans like Foligno, Dickinson, Burakovsky, and others missing time, most coaches would struggle.
Instead, Blashill has kept the group competitive and confident.
He’s steady, calm, and consistent — and the players feed off that.
Why Blashill Matters to the Blackhawks
Simply put:
Chicago finally has a coach who fits the timeline of the rebuild.
Blashill is building a real foundation, teaching the details that young players need, and guiding the core in the right direction. He isn’t wasting his second chance — he’s maximizing it.
His impact is becoming a key part of Chicago’s progress this season.
5. The Veteran Support Crew: Leadership, Stability, and Real NHL Minutes
A rebuild doesn’t work without the right veterans, and Chicago’s support crew has quietly played a massive role in keeping the team competitive. They don’t always get the spotlight, but their presence, habits, and leadership have helped stabilize a roster full of young players learning the NHL.
Tyler Bertuzzi
Bertuzzi missed a few games, but when he’s in the lineup, his impact is obvious.
He brings grit, screens goalies, and battles in the hardest areas of the ice. His goals in tight — rebounds, tips, net-front chaos — give the Blackhawks an element they’ve missed.
He currently leads the NHL in high-danger chances, showing exactly why his style fits this team so well.
Nick Foligno & Jason Dickinson
Unfortunately, injuries have slowed both players, but their value goes beyond the scoresheet. Foligno is the heartbeat of the room — vocal, professional, and always setting the standard for how the young core should practice and compete.
Dickinson remains one of the most reliable two-way veterans on the roster. When healthy, both play big roles in tough matchups, penalty killing, and protecting leads.
Andre Burakovsky
Burakovsky has been in and out of the lineup, but when he plays, he adds stability and scoring chances. He’s calm with the puck, helps extend offensive-zone time, and gives Chicago another skilled winger who can support Bedard or Nazar.
Ilya Mikheyev
Mikheyev is all about speed, work ethic, and pressure. His north–south game is exactly what Jeff Blashill wants. He creates space, forces turnovers, wins races, and helps both special teams. Mikheyev gives Chicago honest, consistent shifts every night.
Teuvo Teräväinen
The definition of consistency. Teräväinen brings poise, intelligence, and clean execution on both sides of the puck. He stabilizes whatever line he plays on and gives the coaching staff a trusted forward who rarely makes mistakes.
Matt Grzelcyk & Connor Murphy
On the blue line, the veterans are just as important. Grzelcyk and Murphy bring experience, structure, and leadership to a defense full of young players.
They manage tough minutes, make steady reads, and set daily habits for players like Korchinski, Rinzel, and Levshunov. Their presence helps calm the team during rough stretches and keeps the system from falling apart.
Why This Group Matters
This mix of veterans gives Chicago balance.
They:
- support the kids
- carry difficult matchups
- steady the team after bad shifts
- maintain structure
- set the standard on and off the ice
Their contribution is a big reason why the Blackhawks compete every night, avoid bad habits, and play meaningful, structured hockey. In a rebuild, this kind of leadership is invaluable — and absolutely something Chicago should be thankful for.
6. Growth of the Young Prospects: Nazar, Greene, Rinzel, Levshunov
One of the biggest bright spots of the season is the steady growth of Chicago’s young core. For a rebuilding team, nothing matters more than seeing your prospects take real, measurable steps — and that’s exactly what’s happening in Chicago.
Frank Nazar
After a strong debut, Frank Nazar hasn’t been as consistent on the scoresheet — partly because he missed time with an injury — but his impact on the ice has never dipped.
Every night he proves the value of his new contract through the way he skates, competes, and creates offense.
Nazar brings elite creativity, soft hands, and the ability to make plays at full speed. He can set up teammates or finish chances himself, and he already looks comfortable driving a top-six line.
Even when he isn’t scoring, he is noticeable with his forecheck pressure, puck retrievals, and transition speed.
With 15 points in 21 games and averaging over 19 minutes of TOI, Nazar is clearly trusted by Jeff Blashill in every situation — 5-on-5, power play, and key moments late in games. For a young player early in his career, that says everything.
He is shaping into the perfect center #2 behind Bedard, and his game should only grow from here. For the long-term future of the Blackhawks, Frank Nazar is a major piece of the puzzle… and he’s only scratching the surface.
Ryan Greene
Ryan Greene has been one of the biggest surprises for the Blackhawks this season. The 22-year-old rookie has stepped into the lineup and immediately shown he belongs.
Through 23 games, he has 2 goals, 6 points, and a +4 rating, while averaging 15:30 of ice time — impressive numbers for a first-year player in a competitive lineup.
What stands out most is his versatility. Greene has filled every role Blashill has given him:
- bottom-six checking line
- middle-six support
- and even shifts on the top line with Bedard
He’s a smart hockey player who reads plays extremely well and rarely gets caught out of position.
His two seasons at Boston University built a strong foundation — Greene was known for his reliability on both special teams, his defensive awareness, and his ability to handle tough matchups.
The 57th overall pick in 2022 is now showing that same maturity in Chicago. He may not put up big offensive numbers, but that’s not his game. His value comes from his responsibility, stability, and the trust he has earned from Jeff Blashill.
Greene is proving to be the kind of player every successful team needs — dependable, adaptable, and quietly effective.
For a rebuild, finding a young forward this NHL-ready is a win. And Greene is becoming a piece the Blackhawks can confidently build around in their middle six.
Sam Rinzel
Sam Rinzel’s development has taken a real step forward this season. The 25th overall pick in 2022 is beginning to show why the Blackhawks believed in him on draft day.
His skating is elite, his puck-moving confidence continues to rise, and his defensive reads are improving as he adapts to the pace of NHL hockey.
From Day 1, Jeff Blashill showed trust in Rinzel. He opened the year on the top pairing with Alex Vlasic, a clear sign of how highly the coaching staff views him.
But the NHL is a different world, and matching him night after night against top opponents led to some early struggles.
Blashill recognized that quickly and adjusted Rinzel’s usage — protecting him, giving him better matchups, and allowing him to reset his game.
He was a healthy scratch last week, and instead of going backward, Rinzel responded the right way.
He came back sharper, calmer, and more focused. His gap control has improved, his decision-making under pressure is better, and he’s starting to play with more authority in his own zone.
The physical tools are undeniable: big frame, long reach, smooth stride, and the ability to move pucks with poise.
Right now, he’s still learning the NHL speed and tightening his defensive-zone coverage. But the foundation is there, and there’s no doubt he projects as a top-four defenseman for the Blackhawks.
It’s just a matter of time — and every game is another step forward.
Artyom Levshunov
Artyom Levshunov entered the season with pressure that most 19-year-old defensemen don’t face.
His selection at 2nd overall in 2024 sparked a loud debate among fans and analysts — many believed the Blackhawks should have drafted Ivan Demidov. Levshunov heard all of that noise, and this season he is quietly answering with his play.
After a steady debut late last year, Levshunov has taken on a much bigger role this season and is showing why Chicago committed to him.
His early weeks were what you’d expect from a young defenseman: good moments mixed with tough ones. He struggled at times with the NHL tempo, especially reading rushes and managing the defensive zone when pressure arrived quickly.
His gap control wasn’t always there, and he had a few games where the play got away from him.
But what stands out — and why his stock is climbing — is how fast he has adjusted.
Over November, Levshunov produced 8 points, including his first NHL goal last game, and earned a promotion to the first power-play unit.
That wasn’t handed to him; it was earned. His poise with the puck has grown dramatically. He now walks the blue line with confidence, keeps plays alive, and makes quick reads that weren’t there in October.
On the breakout, he has stopped rushing plays and instead lets the game come to him — a sign of maturing patience.
Defensively, his progress has been steady. He’s winning more board battles, using his long reach effectively, and correcting his positioning faster.
Early in the season, he’d overcommit or lose track of his check; now, he’s closing space quicker and playing stronger around the crease.
There are still mistakes — all young defensemen make them — but he no longer lets one bad shift spiral into a bad period.
The coaching staff clearly trusts him. His minutes have climbed, he’s being used in tougher situations, and the PP1 promotion shows they believe he can help drive offense from the blue line.
He’s not flashy, but he is effective, and his impact is growing game by game.
Is he perfect? No.
Is he proving why the Blackhawks drafted him at #2?
Absolutely.
Levshunov may not be the highlight-reel winger Demidov is, but he brings something Chicago desperately needed — a long-term, top-pair, right-shot defenseman who plays mistake-resistant hockey, moves well, and keeps getting better.
His November surge, his first NHL goal, his power-play jump, and his steady defensive improvement all point to one thing:
Chicago made this pick for the long haul — and this season, Levshunov is showing exactly why.
What the Blackhawks Hope for Next
1. Play Meaningful Games Until the End of the Season
The biggest goal this year isn’t just stacking wins — it’s staying relevant. The Blackhawks want their young core competing in games that matter deep into March and April.
Those pressure moments shape habits, build confidence, and create the foundation of a winning culture.
And even in the last two games, where Chicago failed to earn a point in the standings, the effort told a different story.
They went head-to-head with two of the best teams in the NHL and did not look out of place. They played with structure, pace, and intensity — exactly the type of hockey you need to survive in meaningful games.
This is why staying competitive is so important for the long term. Every close contest helps this team grow.
Every tight third period teaches the young players what it takes. And the way the Blackhawks have played since the start of the season shows that they are capable of being in almost every game.
Keeping that standard will give them a chance to win nightly — and that’s exactly how you build a team ready to take the next step.
2. Stay in the Playoff Race as Long as Possible
Nobody is putting pressure on the Blackhawks to clinch a playoff spot this season — and that’s exactly why staying in the race matters even more.
Remaining within reach of a Wild Card forces this young group to push, to compete, and to believe. It creates energy in the room, keeps the city invested, and introduces the roster to the rhythms of meaningful hockey.
This is more than just “playing important games.”
It’s about learning how to handle pressure.
How to manage tight third periods.
How to protect a one-goal lead on the road.
How to execute when every shift matters.
The longer Chicago stays in the fight, the more valuable the lessons become. Young players learn what it actually takes to win close games.
Veterans reinforce the standard. And together, the group builds habits that carry from one season to the next.
For a rebuilding team like Chicago, staying in the hunt is almost as important as making the playoffs themselves.
It accelerates development, sharpens identity, and gives the organization a true measure of where the core is headed.
3. Avoid the Long Losing Streaks That Have Hurt Them in Recent Years
One of the biggest obstacles for a rebuilding team isn’t talent — it’s the long losing streaks that drain confidence and fracture momentum.
In past seasons, those brutal 6–7 game slides didn’t just damage the standings; they damaged belief. Players showed up to the rink knowing they were chasing ghosts instead of chasing wins.
This year, the objective is simple but critical: stop the bleeding faster.
Bounce back. Reset. Don’t let one tough week spiral into a lost month.
For a young roster, extended slumps can affect everything: their confidence, their habits, even their mental toughness. A rebuild is fragile by nature, and when losses pile up, that fragility shows.
This is where the veterans matter. Their experience, leadership, and daily professionalism help stabilize the room and keep the group focused on the next shift — not the last mistake.
And here’s the difference this season: even in losses, Chicago is rarely getting blown out. They’re in one-goal games. They’re forcing overtime. They’re pushing elite teams to the edge.
When you’re competitive every night, the losing streaks feel different — the team still feels connected to the battle.
That’s why avoiding long slumps is such a priority. It protects confidence, sustains the culture, and keeps the rebuild on track.
When your games are meaningful, close, and competitive, it’s much easier for players to walk into the rink every day believing the next one is theirs.
4. A Clearer Evaluation of The Hawks Prospect Pool
One of the most important parts of Chicago’s rebuild is getting a true read on their prospect pool.
The organization finally has real depth again, but this season is about identifying which young players can take the next step — and which ones still need more time.
Across the AHL, NCAA, CHL, and Europe, the Blackhawks have a diverse group of prospects who could shape the future of this franchise.
In Rockford, Ethan Del Mastro, Nick Lardis, Nolan Allan, Kevin Korchinski, and Drew Commesso continue to anchor the development pipeline.
Del Mastro is playing big, mature minutes on the blue line. Allan brings size and defensive reliability, while Lardis adds speed and scoring touch.
Commesso remains one of the most important long-term projects in the organization, giving Chicago a potential homegrown NHL goaltender if his progression continues.
Korchinski is having a solid season so far, but there’s no reason to rush a call-up until injuries force the issue on Chicago’s blue line.
The NCAA group is also critical, with Sacha Boisvert, Adam Gajan, and Vaclav Nestrasil all working through major development seasons.
Boisvert has the long-term upside to become an NHL center, while Gajan continues to show the athletic tools that could make him a future NHL option in goal.
Nestrasil adds depth and intrigue — he has the kind of skill set that could translate into an NHL role if his game continues to mature.
In the CHL, Marek Vanacker, A.J. Spellacy, and Nathan Behm are logging heavy minutes. Vanacker’s skill and two-way game make him one of the most intriguing junior forwards in the system.
Spellacy brings intensity, pace, and potential as a middle-six winger, while Behm is growing his game in the WHL with a strong blend of size and physical presence.
In the USHL, West is expected to begin his season soon after wrapping up his football schedule last week.
Overseas, the Blackhawks are monitoring two of the most important pieces of their future: Anton Frondell in the SHL and Roman Kantserov in the KHL.
Frondell has the profile of a true top-six NHL forward if his development stays on track.
Kantserov remains one of the most fascinating prospects in the system — smaller, skilled, and dynamic — with the main question being how his game will translate to NHL speed and physicality when he eventually makes the jump.
For the Blackhawks, the goal isn’t for every prospect to hit — it’s for two or three of these players to take real steps forward and eventually become full-time NHL contributors.
If even a handful of them break through over the next two seasons, the rebuild accelerates dramatically.
Improvement across every level of the organization is essential, and this season will play a major role in determining which prospects are truly part of the Blackhawks’ future.
5. What’s Next for GM Kyle Davidson: Adding the Right Long-Term Pieces
The next phase of Chicago’s rebuild falls directly on the shoulders of GM Kyle Davidson.
With a promising young core forming and the team already outperforming expectations, Davidson’s challenge is to build around Bedard, Nazar, Levshunov, and the emerging pieces without rushing the process or cutting corners.
The first key decision comes at the trade deadline:
Do the Blackhawks become sellers again, or do they hold steady if they’re still in the playoff conversation?
With several veteran players on expiring contracts, Davidson has a real opportunity to add more assets for the next two drafts.
But if the team is still hovering around meaningful games in March, maintaining stability might be the smarter move for the development of the young core.
Next summer becomes even more important. Davidson will need to decide which veterans fit the long-term plan and which should be replaced as the roster evolves.
The balance between youth and experience has been one of Chicago’s strengths this season, and preserving that mix will be essential as more prospects push for NHL spots.
In terms of roster construction, Davidson’s priorities are clear:
- Add a top-six forward to support Bedard or Nazar long-term.
It doesn’t need to happen immediately, but at some point a skilled, reliable winger will become necessary. - Add 1–2 physical bottom-six forwards with size and grit to help stabilize the lineup.
Chicago needs more experience, more heaviness, and more defensive reliability in those depth roles. - Continue accumulating picks and future assets, especially if veterans can return value at the deadline.
Davidson doesn’t need to swing for the fences next summer. What he needs is patience, smart asset management, and opportunistic moves that fit the timeline of the rebuild.
If the right deal appears — whether through free agency or trade — he shouldn’t hesitate. But the foundation is strong, and there’s no need to force big acquisitions too early.
The key is simple:
Keep building, keep adding, and keep the long-term vision intact.
The Blackhawks finally have momentum, and Davidson’s careful, disciplined approach will determine how quickly this rebuild transforms into real contention.
Final Thoughts: A Thanksgiving Message for Hawks Fans
Even though this article comes out one day after Thanksgiving, the message remains the same: this season, the Chicago Blackhawks have given their fans plenty to appreciate.
From Bedard’s rise to Knight’s resurgence, from Blashill’s structure to the growth of the young core, and from the leadership of the veterans to the promise of the prospect pipeline — the foundation is finally taking shape.
Rebuilds are never easy, and they rarely move in a straight line. But for the first time in years, you can feel real progress, real identity, and real belief in the direction of this franchise.
Enjoy the ride — and enjoy watching a team that competes, grows, and represents the future of Chicago hockey.
Happy Thanksgiving (a little late) to all the readers of Hockey Hot Stove. The best is still ahead.
And I’m truly thankful for everyone who takes the time to read my articles. Your support means everything, and I’m grateful to share this journey with all of you.
KEEP READING: Blackhawks coverage
Blackhawks Weekly Recap: (Week 1)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 2)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 3)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 4)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 5)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 6)
Blackhawks October Report Card
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