A New Season, Familiar Questions
The NHL’s 2025–26 campaign is here, and while the spotlight often falls on the league’s powerhouses, one franchise finds itself at a critical crossroads. The Chicago Blackhawks enter the new season with renewed energy, fresh faces, and mounting expectations. However, their path to relevance runs through one of the toughest divisions in hockey, making every game matter more than ever.
Across the league, power dynamics are shifting. For the first time in years, multiple divisions seem poised for surprises. Several teams that have spent seasons rebuilding are now looking to break through their ceilings. The question is: will the Blackhawks be among them?
The Central Division Gauntlet
The Blackhawks are facing a brutal Central Division this year. The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche remain the undisputed preseason favorites, each boasting elite cores and playoff pedigree. Dallas, armed with Jake Oettinger in net and a roster stacked with depth, looks ready to build on last season’s success. Colorado, meanwhile, continues to lean on the brilliance of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to stay in the title conversation.
Just beneath the heavyweights lurk several wild cards. The Winnipeg Jets rely heavily on goaltending star Connor Hellebuyck, while the Utah Mammoth—formerly the Coyotes—are trending upward after a surprisingly strong debut in their new home. Minnesota remains a defensive powerhouse, and St. Louis believes it has the right coaching mix to return to the postseason picture.
Amid this crowded field, Chicago’s young core faces an uphill battle. The margin for error is razor-thin.
Chicago’s Wild Card: Connor Bedard’s Breakout Window
Connor Bedard enters his third NHL season with the weight of a city on his shoulders. After putting up 61 and then 67 points in his first two campaigns, expectations have skyrocketed. A jump to the 90- or even 100-point range isn’t just a hope—it’s what the Blackhawks need to stay competitive.
Bedard’s ability to elevate his linemates and stabilize Chicago’s offensive identity will dictate the pace of their season. However, for all his brilliance, hockey is not a solo sport. The supporting cast, including promising youngsters and key offseason signings, must keep pace for the Hawks to climb.
Across the League: Familiar Faces, New Battles
While Chicago fights to rise, the rest of the NHL is set for an intense season. In the West, the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are expected to dominate the Pacific. Over in the East, the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning once again lead their respective divisions, but challengers like the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings are closing the gap.
For the Blackhawks, this means there’s little room to hide. The league’s upper tier is stacked, and sneaking into a Wild Card spot will require both consistency and some upsets along the way.
What Success Really Looks Like This Season
Realistically, few analysts project Chicago to make the postseason in 2025–26. But that doesn’t mean the year is a wash. Internal growth, player development, and system stability under Jeff Blashill will be crucial markers of progress. If Bedard breaks out, if the defense holds, and if the young core begins to mature together, this could be the season that lays the foundation for a return to relevance.
🧭 Key FAQs
❓ Can the Chicago Blackhawks realistically make the 2026 NHL playoffs?
It’s a steep climb. The Central Division is stacked, but a strong season from Connor Bedard and improved depth could keep them in the Wild Card conversation longer than in previous years.
❓ Who are the top teams standing in Chicago’s way?
The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are the clear division leaders. Teams like the Jets, Mammoth, Wild, and Blues also pose serious competition for playoff spots.
❓ What would define a successful season for Chicago?
Player development, defensive improvements, and Bedard’s continued evolution are key. Even if the Hawks don’t reach the playoffs, building a stronger foundation for 2026–27 is crucial.
❓ Which NHL teams are favored to win the Stanley Cup this season?
The Oilers and Lightning headline the favorites, with Colorado, Dallas, and Carolina close behind.
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