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Thanks for your comment — and I get where you’re coming from. Seeing Bedard take that faceoff with a second left was surprising, and then for it to end in an injury just made the whole situation worse. It’s tough for him personally and obviously tough for the team as well.
As for Brossoit, I agree — he was a solid signing before the injury. Right now, he’s still working his way back to full form, but I think January is a realistic window where things could change. If Soderblom continues to struggle, we could very well see Brossoit get a look with the big club. It would also make sense from an asset-management standpoint, possibly showcasing him for other teams.
I understand the frustration — losing Bedard like that is tough, especially given how important he is to the team and the league. I’m not dismissing how it felt to watch, but I’m simply relaying what Blashill said afterward, calling it a freaky injury. That’s the information we have from the coach.
That said, there’s no question the Blackhawks are not the same team without Bedard. The last few games have made that very clear. Offense, puck possession, and confidence all take a hit when your best player is out.
At the same time, if you zoom out, another bottom-five finish isn’t necessarily bad news for where this organization is. The 2026 NHL Draft top five looks very strong, with a mix of high-end talent and size, which fits exactly what this roster still needs.
This is still a rebuild, and the most important thing right now isn’t squeezing out meaningless wins — it’s the development of the young core. If adversity forces these players to mature, get stronger, and play through contact, that’s part of the process.
Appreciate you sharing your perspective — these are fair emotions to have as a fan during a rebuild.
That’s a really good point, and you’re absolutely right to bring up the retention limit and the new cap-compliance rules for the playoffs.
That said, the Brossoit situation doesn’t have to be decided right now. If he performs well over the next 4–6 weeks, his situation can be revisited later in the season. There’s no urgency to burn a retention spot immediately.
It’s also important to remember that the trade value of most Blackhawks players right now isn’t great. Moving contracts like Mikheyev, Dickinson, or Murphy without retention is extremely difficult in the current market, unless you’re willing to take back an overpaid contract attached to a draft pick.
If a contender runs into LTIR issues or season-ending injuries, that could open a door closer to the deadline — but even then, the return likely won’t be significant. At this stage, it’s more about flexibility and timing than forcing a move.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment — these are exactly the kind of cap and asset-management discussions that matter moving forward.
Great comment — and honestly, you’re touching on something that goes beyond just last night’s game. What you described about the Blackhawks is very similar to what we’re seeing with the Montreal Canadiens this season, and that’s why the comparison works so well.
Yes, the Canadiens are missing several regulars, but when they face bigger, more mature teams like LA, Minnesota, or Washington, the same issues show up: lack of sustained offensive-zone presence, limited physicality, and inconsistency. That’s not just a systems problem — it’s an immaturity problem.
The final score doesn’t fully reflect how much control Montreal had last night. Knight probably saved two or three goals, and there were multiple disallowed goals as well. Still, your main point stands: size, strength on the puck, and forecheck pressure matter, especially when games tighten up.
What you’re describing — big forwards who can hold pucks, absorb contact, and establish a real offensive-zone presence — is exactly what both organizations are missing at times. And no, Roman Kantserov alone isn’t the answer to that issue.
Without Bedard in the lineup, this is where veterans have to step up. Guys like Bertuzzi, Donato, and Mikheyev need to set the tone physically and emotionally. Young players can’t be the ones taking all the punishment every night.
At the end of the day, the Blackhawks — like the Canadiens — need to get bigger, stronger, and harder to play against. Skill is there. The next step is maturity and edge. Time will tell, but management has to recognize it moving forward.
Thanks again for the thoughtful comment — and FYI, I apologize if I missed replies lately, I’m no longer receiving email notifications.
Thanks for your comment.
First, Marcel Marcel requested the release himself to pursue opportunities in Europe. He didn’t see a realistic path to the NHL with the Blackhawks organization, so this was more about opportunity than the team moving on from him.
I understand the frustration after the loss to Toronto, but I disagree that the team showed no interest. The Blackhawks competed hard for over 55 minutes. Unfortunately, the game turned quickly with two goals in eight seconds, and that changed everything.
As for the rookie line, I agree — it showed promise. It should be back together tonight, especially with Levshunov returning to the lineup and EDM coming out.
We’ll see if Blashill sticks with it, but there are encouraging signs moving forward.
Thanks for your comment — you’re absolutely right.
With Bedard likely out, this is the perfect moment for the young guys like Nazar, Moore, Greene, Levshunov and the rest to step up, take on bigger roles, and prove they belong. It’s also a good test for this group to learn how to win without relying on one player to carry the offense.
Like I’ve said many times, this season is about evaluation and development — and this is a great opportunity for all of them.
I don’t expect it. He has one more year left…
Second, his next deal should be around $2M.
Kaiser got $1.7M for two years…
Meanwhile, Crevier is a third-pairing defenseman in the NHL…
Ivar Stenberg has 6G 18A 24P in 25GP in the SHL. Ivar is projected to reach numbers we have never seen out of an 18y/o in the SHL. He is on pace for 12G 37A 49P in 52GP
Daniel Sedin has the record for 18 y/o point totals
in the #SHL 50GP 21G 21A 42PGREAT COMMENT.
You’re bang on – this is a long season and a young, rebuilding team. The scoreboard and the standings matter, but the real priority right now is the development of the core and the next wave coming through the pipeline. A rough 2nd quarter like this is exactly what teaches them how to become pros – dealing with pushback, adjustments, and adversity. That’s how you separate “talented kid” from true NHL player.
For KD, the next few months are all about evaluation – who’s part of the core, who fits the identity, who needs more time. For Blashill, it’s about keeping this group playing meaningful, structured hockey, pushing the pace, competing every night, and helping these kids grow while still trying to win. If they keep doing that, the lessons from 2–5–2 will be way more valuable than the 10–6–4 start.
