The Chicago Blackhawks have found themselves in a challenging position this season, sitting at 8-14. This places them dead-last in the Central Division and makes them the second-worst team in the NHL.  

With a minus-13 point differential, this leaves Chicago fans uneasy. The arrival of Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard, a highly anticipated star from Northern Vancouver, Canada, raised expectations for a brighter season. However, the reality has been far less promising. 

The Chicago Blackhawks’ struggles can largely be attributed to the ongoing rebuilding efforts after the Stanley Cup teams of the 2010s. While Bedard has shown flashes of brilliance, the team around him lacks the depth necessary to secure consistent wins. 

The Blackhawks can not afford depth due to expensive contracts still being on the table with players not in the organization anymore, such as Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, who are no longer part of the roster. These financial constraints limit the team’s ability to go out and sign big players, holding them back from competing in the NHL. 

The Blackhawks roster has a total of three players with a positive +/-. However, there is hope for this team. This season (24-25) is the first year the Blackhawks will not be paying Kane and Toews. This will allow for the Blackhawks to use their allotted 88 million dollars a year to invest in key players who can add new talent and address the roster’s deficiencies. . 

While the current season may not yield success, Blackhawks fans remain hopeful for the future. Blackhawks fans were spoiled in the 2010s, winning three Stanley Cups in the span of six years. That legacy fuels both the passion and patience of the team’s loyal supporters, who are eager for another dominant stretch.

Now, the Blackhawks are focused on fostering young talent, making smart offseason acquisitions, and continuing to navigate their rebuilding process. With time and careful planning, Chicago could once again find itself competing at the top of the NHL.