3 Blackhawks Storylines to Follow Ahead of the 2026-27 Season – The Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

With their current stars and pipeline of prospects, the future looks bright for the Chicago Blackhawks, but it will take some time before we see playoff hockey in Chicago. Last season sparked the beginning of a new era with Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Alex Vlasic, and Spencer Knight putting together decent seasons.

Playoff teams aren’t built overnight, but the potential is inching closer as the weeks go by. Here are the three storylines worth following this season for the Blackhawks.

Patrick Kane’s Return

Patrick Kane will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he decides to hang up the skates. But before that time comes, we will get to see his last ride in Chicago.

On July 23, Kane signed a two-year, $8 million annual average value (AAV) contract with a full no-move clause to return to the team that drafted him. All eyes were on the 37-year-old when he hit the free agent market this summer because, according to Chris Chelios on 104.3 The Score, it was between returning to Chicago or his hometown Buffalo Sabres.

Bedard signed a five-year, $15 million AAV extension on July 18, and didn’t shy away from mentioning the possibility of Kane returning to the organization. “I don’t know what I could say to persuade his decision, but we’d all be so excited to have a player like that,” Bedard said. “That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him.”

“I’m not coming home to ride off into the sunset,” Kane said. “I want to be a big player here.”

This isn’t just a farewell tour. Kane was signed because Connor Bedard needed a linemate who can play at the same level, including on the power play. In his rookie 2023-24, Bedard and Philipp Kurashev played together, which led to Kurashev having the best season of his career with 54 points (18 goals and 36 assists). Since then, however, the top line has yet to produce consistent results.

Even at 37 years old, Kane still plays as he did during the Blackhawks’ dynasty years of the 2010s when he won three Stanley Cups with the organization. He still brings highlight-reel plays, and his return to Chicago should be a boost to the young core.

The season opener is Sept. 29 against the Vegas Golden Knights, while the home opener is Oct. 4 against the St. Louis Blues.

Anton Frondell’s First Full Season

The 19-year-old Swedish forward helped his country win gold at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship with eight points (five goals, three assists) and was named the tournament’s best forward. He made his NHL debut soon after, against the New York Islanders on March 24.

The third-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 games with the club while showing immense talent on the power play. He is a heavy shooter with a ton of power, and plays a similar game style to Bedard. This duo can carry a lot of offensive weight – either on the top line or on the power play – and their developing chemistry could be key in putting together great offensive numbers.

Who Will Step Up in Bedard’s Absence?

With Bedard out for at least the first month of the season with a shoulder injury sustained during practice on July 2, the team will need someone to step up and fill in early on. Here are the best options.

Frank Nazar

Arguably the Blackhawks’ second-best player, Nazar, like Bedard, generates a lot of electricity with his style of play. Coming off a season of 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) in 66 games, Nazar should remain in the team’s top six for years to come. Entering his second year of the seven-year, $6.6 million AAV contract, he will be a key part of the team’s ongoing rebuild. Because of his talent and speed, he’s the perfect type of player to fill in for Bedard.

Ryan Donato

The 30-year-old Donato has missed just six games in three seasons in Chicago. He recorded 62 points (31 goals, 31 assists) in 80 games in 2024-25 and 30 (15 goals, 15 assists) in 82 games last season. He has great net-front presence and tactical versatility to play anywhere in the lineup, which, like Nazar, can help contribute to more offense until Bedard returns.

Anton Frondell

Frondell has the potential to be a great two-way top-tier player. Since his NHL debut, he has shown he can move well all over the ice and is a strong addition to the power play. With his physicality and high hockey IQ, he’s a great option to earn more ice time in Bedard’s absence.