As the National Hockey League (NHL) prepares to start the 2024-25 season, fans are beginning to get excited for the approaching season. Unfortunately, Chicago sports have had a rough couple of years, including the Chicago Blackhawks. The team slowly fell down the rankings of the league, landing within the bottom three the past couple of years.
Fortunately, the team has begun to rebuild during the past few years, including rookie Connor Bedard. First draft pick at just 17 years old, Bedard created new hope for the fans and the team. At the end of his first season, Bedard ended with 22 goals and 61 points within a total of 68 games. In addition, Bedard was the recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy for being the top rookie of the 2023-24 season.
Bedard wasn’t the only notable rookie from the season, players Kevin Korchinski and Frank Nazar were also notable additions to the team during that season. After a late start to the season in April, Nazar scored on his first ever attempt in the NHL.
In the 2024 draft, the team acquired eight new players for the team, including three first round picks: defenseman Artyom Leshunov, center Sacha Boisvert and left wing Marek Vanacker. Unfortunately for the team, Leshunov and Vanacker are currently both injured, leaving them unable to play.
After not naming a captain in the absence of former longtime captain, Jonathan Toews, the franchise has finally named Nick Foligno as the captain for the 2024-25 season. Foligno started in the NHL in the 2007-08 season. In the league, Foligno has played for the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and currently the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks start their preseason on Sept. 25 with an opening game against the Detroit Red Wings. On Oct. 8, they will play their first official game against the recently rebranded Utah Hockey Club. As the season begins, fans can only hope these new additions and leaders help the team succeed this year.
