Connor Bedard poised to lift Blackhawks out of cellar for 2025-2026 season

• It's netted them some of the best young talent in the last three NHL Drafts, but it has yet to translate into wins on the ice.

Driving the news: The Blackhawks kick off the 2025-2026 season Tuesday night against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

Zoom in: This season, the 'Hawks seem primed for another subpar season, opting not to splurge on free agent players this offseason.

• They do have a new coach, Jeff Blashill, who could be good for developing young players.

The key: Connor Bedard. After a promising rookie season in 2023, the phenom had a sophomore slump last year. The 'Hawks are hoping this season he becomes the superstar that he has been projected to become.

• Outside of Bedard, the 'Hawks will feature young players like forward Frank Nazar, last year's No. 2 pick Artyom Levshunov, rookie defenseman Sam Rinzel and goalie Spencer Knight.
• Veterans Andre Burakovsky, Ryan Donato and Teuvo Teravainen will play a factor, too.

Zoom out: It's been a tough run for the 'Hawks on and off the ice. Last year, the team's broadcast home, CHSN, failed to secure a deal with Comcast, which led to dismal television ratings.

Reality check: That was last year. Comcast is now showing the network, albeit at a hefty price, and the team's young core is poised to break out.

The intrigue: This season will be interrupted in February for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, which could feature some young Blackhawks on several countries' hockey teams.

The bottom line: Hockey fans are starved for a winner on the West Side. It's high time the 'Hawks started moving back in that direction.