- This topic has 634 replies, 26 voices, and was last updated 9 hours, 9 minutes ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Once Grzelcyk got the PTO, unless he totally bombed in the pre-season you had to figure he was going to be signed. He was coached by Velluchi at Pitt. Last year, have to think he had some input in the decision to bring him in.
Unless Murphy defies precedent and has an injury free season (or gets traded at the deadline) your veteran (singular) is Vlasic, then Kaiser and Crevier as far as service time. No matter how talented the young D is, that is way too young a D core to go through an NHL season.
Unlike Brodie, Grzalek didn’t show the decline last year to think he is going to be as much a liability as Brodie was. I wish though that they would of picked up a vet that can play on the PK. Grzelcyk wasn’t on the PK with Pitt. And rarely with Boston.
Grzelcyk certainly leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive end. All in all, it was a somewhat lackluster preseason. Nazar and Dach were the bright spots.
Glad to see the season starting up, should be exciting. Just seems like the team has a distance to go to be comfortable in Blashill’s systems.
I do agree it becomes a far too young backline if Grzelcyk isn’t there.With the Bruins, as you stated, Grz filled his role, as the jump good stick guy with attack sense.
You also have to think how Boston had more than a few good big tough defenders Charlie McAvoy, Carlo,+ others so there was a niche spot for him.Glad to see DelMastro gets to hang around and practice with parent club.
If there is no injury, I would have rewarded Nolan Allan with a call-up.
There is lots to like in his both their games.There is no rush for Vlasic’s knee to get tested with urgency, when you can bring Ethan DM up.
Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Preseason: The Kids Are Coming, but Patience Still Required
Voila, the training camp is officially over, and the real season starts tomorrow night in Florida.
After 20 days of work and six exhibition games, the Chicago Blackhawks finish with a 2-4 record — but more importantly, with real answers. Head coach Jeff Blashill finalized his roster yesterday, closing the book on a camp that brought energy, competition, and a few surprises.This preseason wasn’t about the win-loss column. It was about discovery — who’s ready, who needs time, and who’s going to shape the future of this franchise. Let’s break down my main takeaways from camp and what we learned as the Blackhawks prepare for the 2025-26 season.
1️⃣ Standout Players: Rinzel and Nazar Take a Step Forward
The biggest standout on defense was Sam Rinzel, and it wasn’t even close.
The 2022 first-round pick played with confidence and poise beyond his years. His decision-making under pressure, his puck movement, and his ability to read the play impressed everyone — including Blashill. Rinzel looked like a player who not only earned a spot on the roster but who could play meaningful minutes in the top-four right away.His transition game is elite, and he doesn’t panic with the puck. He plays like a veteran — calm, assertive, and efficient. If he keeps growing at this pace, the Hawks might have found a cornerstone defenseman for the next decade.
Up front, Frank Nazar continued to show why management gave him a long-term deal this summer.
He was the most dangerous forward throughout camp — relentless on the puck, creative with his passing, and confident driving the play. He’s not intimidated by NHL speed or physicality. After his solid debut last season, Nazar looks ready to play a full year and make an impact.
If Bedard is the franchise centerpiece, Nazar might just become his perfect complement.Two young players — Rinzel and Nazar — left no doubt: they belong.
2️⃣ Players Who Seized Their Opportunity: Dach and Levshunov
Another major storyline was Colton Dach.
Last season ended with some doubts about his NHL fit, but Dach took that personally.
In his postseason exit meeting, the Blackhawks challenged him to study players who succeed in a 200-foot role — forwards who can be physical, responsible defensively, and still chip in offensively.
He accepted the challenge.Dach showed a new level of commitment, finishing the preseason with 14 hits in four games.
He didn’t just chase the puck — he created chaos on the forecheck and battled along the walls. The coaching staff doesn’t expect him to score 25 goals; they want him to be consistent, to become that grinder who brings energy and bite to the bottom six.
If he embraces this identity, Dach could carve out a long NHL career. Blashill liked what he saw and rewarded him with a spot on the opening-night roster.On defense, Artyom Levshunov also earned his chance.
The 2024 second-round pick came into camp in a tough battle with Kevin Korchinski, Nolan Allan, and Ethan Del Mastro. It wasn’t always perfect — he made mistakes, as all young defensemen do — but he showed enough skill and maturity to stay with the big club.
His skating, puck vision, and transition game are already NHL-ready. The key now will be patience. Development is never linear; it comes with ups and downs. For Levshunov, staying around the NHL environment, learning every day, and working with the staff might be more valuable than extra AHL minutes.
He’s not just a prospect anymore — he’s part of the future.3️⃣ The PTO Story: Grzelcyk Earns a Contract, Reichel Misses His Shot
When Matt Grzelcyk arrived on a professional tryout, the idea was simple — provide veteran insurance in case the young defensemen weren’t ready.
With only Connor Murphy as the established veteran on the blue line, Chicago needed another experienced voice.
Grzelcyk didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he was steady, responsible, and professional.
He did exactly what the organization hoped he would do — show the kids how to prepare and compete every day.Yesterday, he was rewarded with a one-year deal worth $1 million.
Expectations are modest — he’s not here to carry the team — but he’s the type of veteran who can help the younger players like Levshunov, Rinzel, and Kaiser learn the finer points of NHL hockey.On the flip side, Lukas Reichel is the big disappointment of camp.
He trained hard this summer and came in determined to prove himself after an inconsistent season. But it just didn’t happen.
Despite getting top-six minutes in preseason, he didn’t show enough intensity or consistency to earn the coaches’ trust. The harsh reality: Reichel isn’t built to play a bottom-six role, and right now, he hasn’t done enough to secure a top-six one.Because he’s no longer waiver-exempt, he made the roster — but it feels more like an automatic move than an earned one.
He’ll start the year as the 13th forward, and trade rumors have already started swirling.
Unless something changes quickly, his future in Chicago is uncertain.4️⃣ The Bubble Players: Moore, Greene, and Allan Impress but Head to Rockford
Several young players came close but ultimately didn’t make the cut.
Oliver Moore stood out with his elite speed and energy.
Ryan Greene also had solid camps, who impressed with his faceoff work.
Both,left strong impressions, but the numbers game worked against them.Korchinski, Allan, and Del Mastro were also in that mix on defense.
Del Mastro started with an advantage — Blashill likes his game — and he handled heavy minutes late in camp.
Korchinski struggled early and was among the first cuts. He still has tons of potential but needs more AHL seasoning.
Allan looked more confident as camp progressed, logging big minutes and showing steady improvement, but he’ll also start in Rockford to get more ice time and special-teams reps.These guys are close. Their time will come soon — and playing 20+ minutes a night in the AHL will help their development more than sitting in the press box.
5️⃣ Concerns Going Into the Season
Let’s be honest: this team still has growing pains ahead.
My first concern is the penalty kill.
The system is new, and with such a young defensive group, there will be mistakes. Murphy and Vlasic are dependable, but beyond them, questions remain.
Can Kaiser, Rinzel, and Levshunov handle tough PK assignments? That remains to be seen.
Up front, I’m less worried — the forwards are structured and committed — but on the blue line, it might get ugly at times.My second concern is the youth on defense in general.
Four or five defensemen under 24 in one lineup is a lot to ask for in an 82-game grind.
It’s exciting, but it’s risky. Expect ups and downs, and don’t be shocked if GM Kyle Davidson looks to add another veteran before the deadline to stabilize things.Finally, the 5-on-5 play must improve.
Last year, the Blackhawks’ special teams were decent, but their possession metrics (CF%, xGF%) were among the league’s worst.
They need to control the puck more, limit shots against, and improve in the faceoff circle — especially for Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.
You can’t generate offense without possession, and you can’t have possession if you can’t win draws.6️⃣ Big Picture: Rebuild Patience and Development
Blackhawks fans, the message is simple — be patient.
This camp reminded everyone that the rebuild is still ongoing, but the pieces are coming together.
The future is bright if the organization continues to develop properly and build smartly around its young core.Expect ups and downs, expect learning moments, but also expect progress.
Bedard should take another step. Nazar and Rinzel look ready to contribute. Levshunov and Dach bring fresh energy.
Meanwhile, prospects like Moore, Greene, and Allan will keep developing in Rockford, waiting for their next call-up.As the season unfolds, don’t panic when mistakes happen.
Enjoy the ride, appreciate the growth, and trust the process.
This is still a rebuilding team — but one that’s starting to look more like an NHL team again.Some players are entering contract years, so expect movement at the trade deadline as Davidson continues to stockpile assets.
The focus for 2025-26 is simple: development, structure, and progress — not panic.Final Thoughts
The Chicago Blackhawks exit training camp with more clarity than they had a month ago.
They’re younger, faster, and still learning — but there’s real hope.
The journey back to contention will take time, but camps like this one show the foundation is getting stronger.So buckle up, Hawks fans. The season starts in Florida, and while the record might not matter yet, the progress absolutely does.
The message from Coach Blashill is clear: no shortcuts — just hard work, patience, and growth.Enjoy the ride, stay positive, and remember — the future of this team is skating right in front of us.
? — Coach Frenchy
Nice write-up Coach! My extra 2 cents:
While they are still young, I think we definitely need to see a notable improvement in the standings vs the last two years. At some point, the team needs to begin to gel together and prove they can battle out some wins when they need to, otherwise, you run the risk of having a bunch of good individuals instead of a team.
I think this is a pivotal year for KK. He needs to take that opportunity in RFD by the cojones and assert his game on the opponents. If he doesn’t he runs a real risk of getting lost in the wash. He got a year in the NHL and almost a full year in the AHL. He did look better to me this preseason, but there wasn’t enough of a difference from his previous play.
I think Bedard will certainly get his points, but I think Nazar has a chance at being the most reliable. He’s got a game that translates to any situation. I think after about 10-15 games, the Bedard/Donato/Burakovsky line will start to gel and be really dangerous.
I’m really happy that Kaiser stuck with this team. He’s gotten so steady and he seems to know how to play off of Lev really well (no small feat). For being a small guy, he holds his own at the blue line and near the crease pretty well.
Man, what is with these forums and posts just disappearing? Btw, looks like McDavid just made a statement signing for less to stay in Edmonton. 12.5 Mil for the best player in his prime.
Man, what is with these forums and posts just disappearing? Btw, looks like McDavid just made a statement signing for less to stay in Edmonton. 12.5 Mil for the best player in his prime.
You checking the “I’m not a robot box” just below the comment field before submitting your post?
Surprised at McD signing for only 12.5M. Giving Stan the opportunity to fill in pieces around him the next 2 years. Good for him.
Surprised at McD signing for only 12.5M. Giving Stan the opportunity to fill in pieces around him the next 2 years. Good for him.
I don’t like it either. Stan will have plenty of cash over the next two seasons as is. Salary cap is supposed to be around $104 million for next season and Stan has $71 million in contracts for next season including McJesus’ new deal. $35 million to add a goalie, 3-4 d-men and a couple bottom six forwards. Be nice to see Kyle send Stan his leftovers (Reichel & Crevier) in a trade. Two cheap contracts for next season and we take Isaac Howard in return.
Lukas Reichel = Cedric Benson
I had hoped that Greene and or Moore would make the team. With the Greene emergency call up, we know who is first up. I’ve not seen anything on Slaggert or heard anything the entire preseason. Did he make the team? Chunk, I think you’re expecting a lot expecting an improvement in the standings. KD is saying “I added vets and nothing happened. Now I’m going to try it this way.” Young defense, young goalies and a slow but steady matriculation of young talent. Time will tell but I expect to see a half dozen players from Rockford come up for a period this season. In the coming years, our high draft choices in college and Juniors to follow. It will also keep Danny’s cash budget down.
Lukas Reichel = Cedric Benson
I had hoped that Greene and or Moore would make the team. With the Greene emergency call up, we know who is first up. I’ve not seen anything on Slaggert or heard anything the entire preseason. Did he make the team? Chunk, I think you’re expecting a lot expecting an improvement in the standings. KD is saying “I added vets and nothing happened. Now I’m going to try it this way.” Young defense, young goalies and a slow but steady matriculation of young talent. Time will tell but I expect to see a half dozen players from Rockford come up for a period this season. In the years to follow, our high draft choices in college and Juniors then following. It will also keep Danny’s cash budget down.
Yeah, I am expecting a lot, but they should be as well. This is year four and Bedard and Nazar have NHL experience. They have what are expected to be serviceable vets to go along with them. I’m all for development, but if they don’t start getting better results, they run the risk of turning into Buffalo.
Slaggert has a LBI, but they obviously aren’t being specific at all. I’m hoping he didn’t reaggravate his strained, but but we’ll have to wait and see.
Surprised at McD signing for only 12.5M. Giving Stan the opportunity to fill in pieces around him the next 2 years. Good for him.
Yes, I know to check the box, and usually I check that post actually posted, but what I’m talking about isn’t just a me thing. There were like about a half dozen additional posts by other users, then I came back a couple hours later and they are all gone. It’s like they restored the database from a backup.
Buffalo’s compass is broken, not only do people from afar don’t know what they are doing, fans don’t and most certainly the org doesn’t.
When you are accumulating talent and nurturing it, the Reichel/Kurashev players start getting passed over which is what’s beginning to happen. internal competition begins to breed competitiveness which grows through the org.
Oh and on a good note i read that Boisverts dad said he’s going to Boston U for this year and then signing with the Blackhawks…
We’re back, Blackhawks fans! 🏒 The HHS site is finally up and running again. Sorry for the delay and for the posting issues over the past few days.
I’ll be publishing two to three new articles before the first game of the season. If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to share them in the forum under each post — I really appreciate your support.
Apologies if I can’t reply to everyone, but know that I read and value all your comments.
Let’s enjoy the start of the 2025-26 NHL season!
Go Blackhawks Go! 🖤❤️
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.