Blackhawks Slog Along

Connor Bedard smiles after a penalty call on Jan. 9. // Photo by John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/TNS

Connor Bedard has officially played his first games as captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard, forward, returned on Oct. 13, multiple weeks earlier than anticipated, after a shoulder surgery in July.

There was speculation about whether it was safe for Bedard to be back on the ice so early. NHL medical teams do not have the best reputation this season, after Brock Faber of the Minnesota Wild returned to the ice with a skull fracture. Fans questioned how a professional medical team could have missed something like that, putting a player’s life in danger.

Despite concerns, Bedard looked solid on the ice. He scored in his second game of the season on Oct. 15, with an assist from right winger Patrick Kane. The veteran’s contract seems to be working alright for the Blackhawks, as he has six points total, but only one goal as of Saturday. Kane became the NHL’s career leader in assists among U.S.-born players following his assist to Bedard. He surpassed the previous leader, who had 894 assists. Kane currently has 897 as of Saturday.

Anton Frondell, left wing, has become a highlight of the team this season. He has one goal and five assists as of Saturday. Frondell was the third overall pick in the 2025 draft. He played only 12 games in the 2025-2026 season but scored three goals and had six assists.

Frank Nazar, right wing, is back to the ice after a two-game suspension at the beginning of October. He returned on Oct. 15, scoring a goal his first game back. Nazar is consistent and quick, a powerhouse on the ice. According to NHL Edge, he’s in the 90th percentile in skating speed, topping out at 22.81 mph.

The team is currently missing Kevin Korchinski, who appeared to be getting his chance at the big leagues this season. He played some games in the NHL over the past few seasons but was primarily playing for the Rockford IceHogs, a minor league affiliate to the Blackhawks.

He’s been a healthy scratch, and it’s not clear why. He played one game on Oct. 3, after signing a two-year contract over the summer, and he is not injured. If the issue is his performance, it is unfair to hold it entirely against him, as he’s been primarily practicing in the minor leagues and has not gotten a true chance to play in the NHL.

Complaining about the Blackhawks feels like a broken record. Season after season, the team feels too slow, too sloppy, and the defense is nonexistent. The team ranks 13th of 32 teams in max skating speed. The max for the team is 23.34 mph while the NHL average is 23.14 mph.

They definitely fall behind when it comes to shot speed, coming in 30th. Their average speed is 58.71 mph, while the league average is 60.47 mph. The team needs to focus on speed and tightening up their defense to have a chance at success this season.

The team seems to be content just chugging along. Coaches refuse to give younger players whom they draft playing time, instead focusing on veterans like Kane and showering Bedard with praise. He may be a generational talent, but there are so many young players who need experience and attention.

In a more surprising and fun light, the Blackhawks had an unexpected social media moment on Oct. 13. Following the team’s win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the social media admin posted three pictures of Bedard and Kane with the caption “thank you so much not only to God but Jesus.” The post was referencing a speech that Justin Bieber gave during the 2011 Video Music Awards, but that fact was lost on many fans.

Comments believed that the team had endorsed Christianity on the social platform X. The team does not have the most engaging social media, but maybe the admin has brainstormed ideas in the offseason. Regardless, it’s been quite a start to the season for the Blackhawks — a suspension, the captain returns, and the fans undergo religious psychosis. That’s Chicago hockey for you.