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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! 🖤❤️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
Blackhawks Close Preseason with 4–0 Loss — Time for Big Decisions
The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their six-game preseason with a 4–0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night, finishing the exhibition schedule with a 2-4 record. It was a long, grinding camp where opportunities were there, but few players truly seized them. After dressing most regulars on Friday, Chicago iced a younger, AHL-heavy lineup for the finale. The result was familiar: another night that slipped away in the second period, as the Blues scored three unanswered goals and never looked back.
The opening period was a good one for Chicago’s young prospects. They battled hard, stayed structured, and managed to keep up with a veteran Blues lineup. It wasn’t flawless — there were a few nervous moments — but it was good enough to keep the game scoreless after twenty minutes.
The second period, however, told a different story. Just like Friday night, things fell apart quickly. The Blues’ experienced players took control and exposed the Blackhawks’ inexperience, scoring three times and putting the game out of reach. From there, the contest felt like a lesson in what separates seasoned NHLers from prospects still learning the pace and precision of the league.
Mixed Results in the Final Tune-Up
This was the last chance for several young players and fringe veterans to make an impression. A few played back-to-back nights, hoping to force the coaches’ hand, but no one truly changed the picture.
Head coach Jeff Blashill and general manager Kyle Davidson now face tough roster calls before Tuesday’s season opener in Florida. Expect most decisions Sunday and the official list submitted to the NHL by Monday afternoon.
Blue Line Questions Could Shift Plans
Chicago hoped to see a stronger statement from its young defense core, but Kevin Korchinski, Ethan Del Mastro, and Nolan Allan couldn’t quite rise to the occasion in their final auditions. Each had flashes of solid play, yet none produced the “I belong” game that locks down a roster spot.
That could push management toward signing Matt Grzelcyk, still in camp on a professional tryout (PTO). His veteran presence would help steady a blue line where Connor Murphy is the lone skater over 30.
There’s nothing wrong with starting prospects in Rockford. Korchinski and Del Mastro would benefit from heavy minutes at 5-on-5 and on both special teams rather than limited NHL usage. Development takes patience, and Chicago appears willing to play the long game.
Forward Picture: Moore, Greene and Reichel
Among the forwards, Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene both had good camps but didn’t complicate Blashill’s decision either. Moore’s speed stands out every shift, while Greene’s faceoff ability and defensive awareness are impressive for a rookie. Still, the smart move is likely to send them to Rockford for more ice time and special-teams experience.
Lukas Reichel remains the wild card. He’s been linked to trade rumors, but for now, management seems inclined to keep him. Reichel still offers offensive upside and can grow under Blashill’s system. For opening night, he may serve as the 13th forward—a middle-ground approach that gives the staff flexibility.
Roster Shape and Immediate Focus
The Blackhawks are expected to open the season with 13 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goalies. Alex Vlasic is projected to be ready for Tuesday’s game, giving the club another dependable option on D.
Blashill has emphasized structure since the first day of camp: five players connected on the ice, tighter puck support, cleaner transitions, and smarter decisions under pressure. Faceoffs and special teams were recurring problems—Chicago’s penalty kill and power play both struggled late in preseason. Eliminating those mistakes will be crucial once the games count.
Preparation and Scheduling Notes
Next season, the NHL is expected to slightly reduce its preseason schedule. Teams may play around four exhibition games with a shorter training camp. Less evaluation time will put extra pressure on young players to stand out quickly. For organizations built around development, that means every practice and rep will matter even more.
Wrapping Up Camp
The Blackhawks’ preseason wasn’t perfect, but it achieved its goal: giving management a clear picture of where each player stands. The real test begins Tuesday in Florida, when everything resets to 0-0 and the expectations start to rise.
In my next articles, I’ll dive into:
• The Winners and Losers of training camp,
• My Season Predictions, and
• The October Preview for the Blackhawks.Prospect Corner and Forum Update
While the HHS main site is still under migration, I’ll keep updates coming through the forum so we can continue our discussions.
A few prospect highlights from the weekend:
• Frondell scored a hat trick, standing out among Chicago’s European prospects.
• Nastresil netted his first NCAA goal, a solid start for the freshman forward.
• Several CHL prospects opened their seasons across Canada.Starting Monday morning, I’ll launch a weekly “Three Stars of the Week” column covering standout performances from the Blackhawks, IceHogs, and prospects.
Thanks for sticking with us through the technical issues. Once the site is fully back, I’ll make sure the conversation and community feel stronger than ever. Hockey is back—and so are we.
Frondell second goal of the day: https://x.com/Harian_Mossa/status/1974485257970749897
Another goal of Frondell https://x.com/Harian_Mossa/status/1974479614270493046
Blackhawks have recalled for today:
Taige Harding
Gavin Hayes
Kevin Korchinski
Paul Ludwinski
Martin Mišiak
Samuel Savoie
Aidan Thompson
Dominic ToninatoAs well as signing PTOs for today:
Cavan Fitzgerald
Brett Seney
Mitchell WeeksBecause the site isn’t ready yet, I’ll share some Blackhawks updates here in the forum to keep everyone informed. Here are my thoughts about last night’s game — feel free to reply and share what you thought about their performance.
BLACKHAWKS 2, WILD 3 — PENALTIES AND SPECIAL TEAMS TURN THE GAME AROUND
The Chicago Blackhawks dropped a 3-2 decision to the Minnesota Wild in their second-to-last preseason game. Both teams dressed close to full NHL lineups, and the pace felt like a regular-season matchup from start to finish.
First Period — Structure and Efficiency
Chicago came out organized and opportunistic. Even though the Wild outshot them 10–5, the Hawks made their chances count. Frank Nazar opened the scoring with his fourth of the preseason, showing great patience and finish. A few minutes later, Nick Foligno redirected a Sam Rinzel point shot to make it 2–0.
It wasn’t domination, but it was efficient hockey — good structure, clean transitions, and smart puck management.Second Period — Discipline Breaks Down
The second period changed everything. Chicago lost its rhythm with too many penalties, and Minnesota made them pay. Vladimir Tarasenko, Matt Boldy, and Ryan Hartman all scored on the power play, turning a 2–0 lead into a 3–2 Wild advantage.
The Hawks’ penalty kill never settled in — too many missed clears and coverage breakdowns. Their power play also failed to answer back, now 0-for-9 over the last two games. Momentum swung completely toward Minnesota, and Chicago spent most of the frame chasing the puck instead of dictating play.
Third Period — A Strong Push, No Finish
The third was Chicago’s best period. They controlled possession, outshot the Wild 15–4, and had multiple chances to tie it. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar both created offense, but couldn’t finish. Bedard is doing everything right — moving, shooting, creating — the goals will come soon.
Jason Dickinson centered a responsible and hard-working line with Landon Slaggert and Ilya Mikheyev, generating pressure and drawing a penalty. Colton Dach also had a solid game in limited minutes (10:53), showing strength and good reads.
On defense, Nolan Allan logged around 15 minutes and added an assist, staying calm and simple with the puck. Levshunov continues to learn — he’ll make mistakes, but his confidence is growing. Wyatt Kaiser impressed again with his poise, and Sam Rinzel looks like a player who could force decisions soon. Matt Grzelcyk was fine overall, but it’s still unclear how Jeff Blashill plans to use him.
The one big question is Sam Lafferty’s role. He played only 6:24 and didn’t get any penalty-kill time — the main reason Chicago brought him back. If he’s not going to be used on special teams, what’s his fit on this roster?
Postgame Thoughts
Jeff Blashill after the game:
“I liked our first and third periods. The forecheck and O-zone were the best they’ve looked. We just took too many penalties. There are still some areas in the D-zone we need to clean up — we have to be stronger on pucks and break out cleaner.”
Nick Foligno echoed the same message about discipline and system progress:
“Because of the way we’re coached, it’s coming fast. The information is clear and direct. You can see we’re improving every game. We just can’t beat ourselves with penalties.”
Coach Frenchy’s Take
This wasn’t a bad game at all — Chicago was 2–0 at 5-on-5 and played the right way for long stretches. But discipline, special teams, and faceoffs under 40% were costly. If they stay out of the box and keep playing connected as five-man units, this team will start to win these kinds of games.
The Hawks close the preseason tonight at home against the St. Louis Blues — puck drop at 6:00 PM CDT.
Here’s what I’ll be focusing on this weekend:
1. Power Play – Can they find more consistency and finish?
2. Ethan Del Mastro vs. Matt Grzelcyk – How does Del Mastro measure up against an established NHL defenseman?
3. Colton Dach’s performance – consistency
4. Greene vs. Moore – Battle for last spot
5. Blashill’s system – How well are the players adapting to his structure?Thanks a lot for the kind words, really appreciate it ? You’re right, it’s been busy the last few weeks, but hockey never stops for me! I’ll definitely keep an eye on the Hawks tonight and will share my thoughts here. Big weekend for decisions ahead — should be fun to follow.
Like many of you, I’m also impatient for the site to be back online. We’re currently waiting for the migration to be completed, and once everything is running again, I’ll be ready to post new articles about the team.
In the meantime, I’ve been following all the news around the Blackhawks and reading your comments here in the forum. If you have any requests or questions, feel free to ask me directly here — I’ll do my best to provide updates during this downtime since we can’t post on the front page.
It’s a big weekend ahead for the Blackhawks with some important decisions coming. Thanks for your patience — I wish I had better answers or updates, but this situation is out of my control. Hopefully, once the migration is finished, everything will be back to normal very soon.
Frenchy
The Blackhawks have sent these players to the IceHogs:
Drew Commesso
Nick Lardis
Ashton Cumby
Samuel Savoie
Aidan Thompson
Mitchell WeeksThey have sent AJ Spellacy back to the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL
31 players remain in training camp
Thank you so much for your kind words. Maybe I stay busy, but when people like you get involved in the forum and take the time to read my articles, it pushes me to work harder. I just love watching hockey and sharing my thoughts on the game. Please know that feedback and suggestions are always welcome.
You’re right about the need for more support behind Bedard. When you play teams like the Leafs or Panthers, you have to match both of their top lines — and that makes things complicated. For me, Nazar is the key to driving the second line, and the second pairing on defense will also be a big factor.
Looking ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about this season. If Moore stays, he brings even more speed, which makes the bottom six stronger. One thing I’ll be watching this week is how Blashill manages the third and fourth lines.
Thanks again for your comment, my friend!
You’re absolutely right. What I really like is how every young prospect is working hard to earn a spot — and honestly, they’ve exceeded my expectations. That makes Blashill’s decisions complicated, but it’s a great problem for a coach to have. Big week ahead for these kids. Thanks for your comment, my friend!
