Hawks Notebook: Resetting & Big Decisions

1- The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to turn the page quickly after a difficult loss in Toronto, one that lingered in the room longer than most. Following practice on Wednesday, Jason Dickinson acknowledged how painful the defeat was, but also stressed the importance of moving on. Over the course of an NHL season, he explained, games like that happen — nights where the result feels unfair and frustrating — and teams have no choice but to reset. With a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens next on the schedule, the message inside the locker room is clear: short memory, full focus.

2- On the roster front, all signs point toward defenseman Artyom Levshunov potentially returning to the lineup tonight in Montreal. While head coach Jeff Blashill has not officially confirmed the move, Levshunov has been trending in that direction, and his presence would add mobility and stability to a blue line that continues to evolve. His development remains a priority, and getting him back into game action would be another important step.

3- Veteran leadership could also be on its way back soon. Nick Foligno is traveling with the team and is edging closer to a return from injury. The question now is timing — whether he draws back into the lineup tonight in Montreal or waits until Saturday’s game in Ottawa. Either way, his return would give the Blackhawks a needed boost, both on the ice and in the room, as the team navigates another challenging stretch of the season.

4- Around the league, the NHL’s annual holiday roster freeze is set to run from December 20 through December 27. While this temporarily halts trades and most roster movement, it also puts pressure on front offices to finalize evaluations before the deadline arrives. For the Blackhawks, that window matters.

5- Down in Rockford, the IceHogs made a notable move on Wednesday. General manager Mark Bernard announced that forward Marcel Marcel has been released from his AHL contract as he intends to pursue other opportunities in Europe. Marcel, 22, appeared in 80 games with the IceHogs, recording 19 points on six goals and 13 assists. A native of Plzeň, Czechia, he was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the fifth round (131st overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. The move clears a spot while allowing the player to continue his career overseas.

6- In goal, Laurent Brossoit cleared waivers on Tuesday and was assigned back to Rockford. The organization will now look to give him more game action with the IceHogs while continuing to explore trade options. With the ability to retain salary, Chicago could revisit the market to see if interest improves over the coming weeks.

7- One of the most encouraging developments for the organization this season continues to come from overseas. Blackhawks prospect Roman Kantserov has taken a major step forward in the KHL. Through 34 games, the 2023 second-round pick leads the league with 22 goals and sits tied for second with 39 points. Production at that level, at his age, hasn’t been seen often — Kirill Kaprizov was the last comparable example. Kantserov now looks far more like a legitimate top-six NHL winger than a long-term project. With his KHL contract set to expire after this season, he is widely expected to sign and join the Blackhawks next year.

8- At the NHL level, Connor Bedard’s injury has had a significant impact on the Blackhawks’ season and may also cost him a chance to represent Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics. Before going down, Bedard was on pace for approximately 117 points — a mark that only nine players in NHL history have reached at age 20. Even amid the struggles, one thing is clear: the Blackhawks have a true superstar in the making.

9- That reality brings major decisions to the forefront for general manager Kyle Davidson. Over the next several weeks, Davidson must evaluate which players fit into the long-term vision and which could be moved for future assets. With more than seven unrestricted free agents set to hit the market at season’s end, the Blackhawks are in a position to accumulate additional picks. The organization is already well-positioned for the 2026 draft, making 2027 and 2028 logical targets for further stockpiling.

10- One decision looms larger than all others. Connor Bedard has been eligible to sign an extension since July 2025, but to this point, there has been no indication that talks have progressed publicly. From the organization’s perspective, it would be preferable to get a deal done early in 2026 rather than waiting until the summer, eliminating distractions and providing long-term clarity. Given Bedard’s trajectory and the league’s current contract landscape, an eight-year deal north of $11 million annually remains a realistic expectation.

11- Through all of it, Jeff Blashill’s challenge remains unchanged: keep the Blackhawks competitive and playing meaningful games while continuing to develop the organization’s young core. Wins and losses matter, but progress matters more. How Chicago balances both over the remainder of the season will shape the next phase of this rebuild.

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— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 17, 2025