After a few days of training camp, one thing is clear: this year’s Chicago Blackhawks look very different under head coach Jeff Blashill compared to the past two seasons.
Camp has been faster, more detailed, and far more demanding. Players are being pushed to focus on every shift, every battle, and every repetition.
We’ve already seen a few line combinations emerge, and the top six is beginning to take shape. Expect a first line of Burakovsky–Bedard–Donato, followed by Bertuzzi–Nazar–Teravainen on the second unit.
That leaves the bottom six, and more specifically, a key question: who should join Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson on the third line?
That trio is designed to be a hard-nosed, forechecking, shutdown group. Foligno and Dickinson bring grit and leadership — but who is the best fit to complete the line? Let’s look at the main candidates.
The Candidates
Lukas Reichel – A talented skater, but he doesn’t bring the physical edge this line requires. Reichel managed just 24 hits last season and finished with a –16 rating.
His skill set fits better in a scoring role than in a shutdown role, which makes him unlikely for this spot.
Colton Dach – At 6’4”, Dach has the size and strength to play heavy minutes. He averaged three hits per game in limited action and uses his body well, but his defensive consistency remains a work in progress.
He’s an option, but still raw for a key third-line role.
Ilya Mikheyev – The most experienced of the group, Mikheyev scored 20 goals in 80 games last season while skating with Foligno and Dickinson at times.
Importantly, he finished with a +4 rating, one of the few Blackhawks on the positive side. His two-way reliability and familiarity with the line make him a very strong candidate.
Landon Slaggert – Played 33 games last year, mostly on the fourth line with an average ice time of 12:18.
While he’s a good skater, his smaller frame and lack of physicality limit his fit on a shutdown line. Slaggert likely remains better suited for depth minutes on the fourth line.
Oliver Moore – The most dynamic of the bunch, Moore turned pro late last season and played nine games with Chicago. He’s fast, skilled, and brings offensive creativity.
If Blashill wants a bit more speed and playmaking on the third line, Moore is the best fit. But at just 19, he lacks NHL experience, and his ability to thrive in a defensive role is still uncertain.
Possible Lineup
It ultimately comes down to Blashill’s vision:
- If he wants chemistry and reliability, the trio of Foligno–Dickinson–Mikheyev makes the most sense.
- If he wants youth, speed, and skill, Oliver Moore could be given the opportunity.
Here’s one possible opening-night look:
1st Line: Burakovsky – Bedard – Donato
2nd Line: Bertuzzi – Nazar – Teravainen
3rd Line: Foligno – Dickinson – Mikheyev
4th Line: Moore – Lafferty – Slaggert
Extras: Lukas Reichel, Colton Dach
Defense pairs:
- Vlasic – Rinzel
- Kaiser – Murphy
- Grzelcyk – LevshunovExtra: Crevier
Note: Korchinski or Del Mastro could force their way into the lineup, which might allow GM Kyle Davidson to move on from Grzelcyk if the young defensemen prove ready.
The Bigger Picture
If the Blackhawks go this route, they could have 10 players under the age of 23 in their lineup to start the season.
Davidson has been clear: this season is about evaluation and development. There will be growing pains, but the long-term outlook remains extremely bright.
Blackhawks fans — patience is required, but the future in Illinois is worth getting excited about.
Credit
Stats and roster information courtesy of CapWages.com
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