The Chicago Blackhawks may still be near the bottom of the standings, but if you ask general manager Kyle Davidson, this season is already a step forward. His young team is learning how to compete, how to win close games, and how to grow together in the process.
“I’ve been really encouraged,” Davidson said. “We’re competitive in every single game, and my hope is the young guys keep developing as the season goes on.”
Through 13 games, the Hawks have been exactly that—competitive. Despite being 5–5–3, they’ve outscored opponents 39–37, and most of their losses have been by a single goal. There’s effort, there’s structure, and above all, there’s growth.
Connor Bedard: Growing Into the League
No one has embodied that progress more than Connor Bedard. The 19-year-old phenom has taken another step in recent weeks, looking sharper, quicker, and more confident every game.
“He’s been fantastic,” Davidson said. “These might be the best games he’s played in the NHL so far. You’re seeing a young player grow into the league.
He’s a motivated person, he works hard, and he’s methodical about how he improves.”
Bedard has begun to play with the swagger that made him the most talked-about rookie in hockey last season. He’s not just producing points; he’s becoming the engine of the offense.
What impresses Davidson the most is how Bedard is now showing more of his personality—more leadership, more poise, and more presence on and off the ice.
“It’s easy to forget that he had to adjust to a brand-new league and situation,” Davidson added. “Now, you can see how comfortable he’s getting.”
No contract talks have started yet with Bedard’s camp, and there’s no rush. Davidson’s focus remains on letting his young star grow naturally, without distraction.
Jeff Blashill’s First Month: Building Identity Through Structure
When Davidson hired Jeff Blashill, he wanted a teacher—someone who could communicate, connect, and hold players accountable. So far, the results have been impressive.
“Blashill’s preparation and attention to detail have stood out right away,” Davidson said. “He’s organized, he builds relationships, and he has a system that fits our group.”
That system is fast, aggressive, and demands constant engagement. It’s also not easy to play.
Blashill is asking a roster full of young players to handle complex reads and rotations in all three zones—something many teams would avoid. But Davidson believes it’s the right approach.
“We have very talented players,” he said. “They’re young, but they can handle NHL-level systems. We’re not putting training wheels on. We’re teaching them to play like the team we want to become.”
The Hawks still make mistakes—missed coverages, turnovers, stretches of zone time against—but the habits are improving. For a rebuilding roster, that’s exactly what Davidson wants to see.
Oliver Moore: A Call-Up That Sends a Message
Nothing symbolizes this new era more than Oliver Moore’s recall from Rockford.
When Jason Dickinson went to injured reserve, Davidson had a choice—bring in a veteran placeholder or reward one of his prospects who earned it.
He chose the latter.
Moore, who led all AHL rookies with six goals in nine games, forced management’s hand.
He went to Rockford after training camp, kept a positive attitude, worked on his two-way game, and dominated at both ends of the ice.
“Make us make a spot for you,” Davidson told him.
Moore did exactly that. His call-up wasn’t just about need—it was about sending a message to every young player in the organization: earn your opportunity.
“He’s here to help us win a hockey game,” said Blashill. “He went down there, built confidence, and now he’s come back at the right time. His speed, his tenacity, and his compete level are exactly what we need.”
In his first game back against the Kraken, Moore was noticeable on nearly every shift. His legs gave Chicago a burst of energy, his forecheck created chances, and his work ethic stood out.
For a team that’s preaching development through competition, Moore is the perfect example of the plan working.
Rockford has been good for his growth, and he may return at some point this season for more seasoning. But after a confident debut, Moore looks ready to make a push to stay.
“I feel a lot more comfortable now,” Moore said. “Playing big minutes in Rockford helped me build my confidence and learn to produce. It’s never bad for your development to play in all situations.”
Power Play Concerns and the Next Step in the Rebuild
As the Blackhawks continue to develop their young core, Kyle Davidson knows the roster still needs improvement in several areas. One of the most pressing issues? The power play.
Through 13 games, Chicago ranks 21st in the NHL at 17.5%, with only seven goals on the man advantage.
That’s a sharp drop from last season’s 24.9% success rate — and a clear sign that the team misses a true power-play quarterback.
Of those seven goals, only one point has come from a defenseman, courtesy of Artyom Levshunov.
That’s telling. Last season, before he was traded to Florida, Seth Jones ran the first unit with confidence and poise, producing 15 power-play points (5G, 10A).
Since his departure, the Hawks have struggled to find a steady presence at the blue line.
Right now, Sam Rinzel is running Unit 1 and Levshunov is on Unit 2. Don’t be surprised, however, if Jeff Blashill decides to swap the two, giving Levshunov the bigger role.
He’s simply shown more ability than Rinzel — more accurate, more mobile, and more decisive with the puck.
When the Hawks drafted Kevin Korchinski seventh overall in 2022, they expected him to become that offensive defenseman who could drive a power play.
But since he’s still developing in Rockford, the team may have to look at other options in the near future.
For now, Davidson’s focus remains the same: accumulate assets and continue to build for the future.
The Blackhawks are expected to be sellers again at the trade deadline in March, but those moves will be aimed at strengthening the foundation — not patching holes.
If they can find a natural power-play quarterback in the next NHL Draft, perhaps someone like Villeneuve, it could address one of their biggest long-term needs.
One thing is certain: Davidson remains committed to building this team the right way.
From Bedard’s leadership, to Blashill’s structure, to Moore’s emergence, and now the ongoing effort to fix the power play, the Blackhawks are developing through patience and smart decisions — not shortcuts.
The process may take time, but for the first time in years, Chicago’s rebuild feels focused, aligned, and headed in the right direction.
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Hawks Search For The Right Fit Beside Bedard
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