Chicago Blackhawks: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Sam Rinzel will have to make the most of his ice time this season

Last season was Sam Rinzel's first full season of professional hockey. Splitting his time between the NHL, where he played 54 games, and the AHL, where he played 23 games, Rinzel had a mix of ups and downs.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Blackhawks perfect storm, plus notes on Bedard, Byram, Kaiser & more

Things are ramping up in the hockey world as we get closer to training camps and opening night on Sept. 29. That means we’re busy, busy, busy here at Blackhawk Up, giving you the best coverage around!

Connor Bedard News / Blackhawk Up / September 9

What does Connor Bedard have in store for year four?

Ever since Connor Bedard was drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023, he has been the Blackhawks' best player. He has been the team's leading scorer and has gotten better with each season, which is what you want to see from a franchise player.

Chicago Blackhawks News / The Hockey Writers / September 9

3 Blackhawks Storylines to Follow Heading Into Training Camp

The Chicago Blackhawks training camp is right around the corner, and it’s beginning to feel like the NHL news cycle is picking up. Connor Bedard has been seen on the ice and skating, we’re getting quotes from the Blackhawks rookies from the rookie showcase, and it feels like the hockey season is here.

Macklin Celebrini News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The ''EA NHL,'' covers since 2000' quiz

How many of the players to grace the cover of each EA NHL video game going back to 'NHL 2000?"

The 'First-overall NHL Draft picks' quiz

The 'Conn Smythe Trophy winners' quiz

The 'Most NHL goals all-time' quiz

Wyatt Kaiser News / Blackhawk Up / September 9

Now is the time for Wyatt Kaiser to cement himself in the Blackhawks' long-term plans

Since joining the NHL, Wyatt Kaiser has been a solid and reliable left-handed defenseman on the second or third pairing. He has been a key piece on the Blackhawks blue line.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The best and worst NHL free agency deals since 2000

The NHL has had an interesting new millennium. It was a league sans a salary cap when the 2000s started… and then the owners locked the players out for an entire season.

Kurtis Gabriel News / Ball Exclusives / September 9

Kurtis Gabriel, hockey and the pursuit of happiness

At the age of 29, Kurtis Gabriel died for the first time. After bouncing between three teams in six years, Gabriel was over the moon, signing his first one-way contract with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Blackhawk Up / September 9

The Blackhawks could have the perfect storm in 2026-27

We’ve talked a lot here at Blackhawk Up about how the Chicago Blackhawks have improved in the offseason, and should be able to find more success in 2026-27.

Roman Kantserov News / The Hockey Writers / September 9

The Risks and Rewards of the Blackhawks Testing Roman Kantserov at Center

Roman Kantserov is one of the most intriguing additions to the Chicago Blackhawks heading into this upcoming season. He’s among the most anticipated prospects entering the league. Kantserov was one of the best, if not the best, wingers in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) last season.

Chicago Blackhawks News / The Hockey Writers / September 8

What Is the Chicago Blackhawks’ Ceiling in 2026-27?

The Chicago Blackhawks are heading into the season without realistic playoff aspirations again. The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs nine of the last 10 seasons, so if everything goes well, could they clinch a berth?

Bowen Byram News / The Hockey Writers / September 8

Blackhawks’ Bowen Byram Contract Looking Better All the Time

The Chicago Blackhawks are at a critical development in their rebuild efforts. They have been down this path before and patience is critical as the young, talented core attempts to develop and come into their own.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The defining figure for every NHL franchise

People will talk about the “Mount Rushmore” for a franchise, which is to say the four people, usually four players, that most define the franchise. Not always the four-best players, but the four that evoke the essence of the franchise.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Blackhawk Up / September 8

Blackhawks options at center, players with the most to prove, Vlasic, Commesso & more

Labor Day weekend has come and gone and that means it’s that much closer to the start of the season for the Chicago Blackhawks. The prospect showcase starts this week, and training camp will begin on September 17.

Connor Bedard News / On Tap Sports Net / September 7

Connor Bedard Back on the Ice in Chicago After Shoulder Surgery

Connor Bedard was on the ice Monday at the Blackhawks Ice Center, about two months after left shoulder surgery. Video posted by fans on X showed Bedard skating on his own and taking light shots.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'NFL's active passing-leaders' quiz

The '2026 NFL Week 1 starting QBs' quiz

The 'Last 1st-round QB by NFL team' quiz

The 'NCAA football national champions' quiz

Drew Commesso News / Blackhawk Up / September 7

It's not impossible for Drew Commesso to make the Blackhawks in 2026-27

Goalie Drew Commesso is one that many are watching next season. The 24 year old is heading into his fourth year pro, but he has only five games of NHL experience, as he has spent the majority of his Chicago Blackhawks tenure with the Rockford IceHogs.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Blackhawk Up / September 7

Where are they now? The 2020 Blackhawks playoff team

It's been six years since the Chicago Blackhawks last appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2020 postseason at Rogers Place during the pandemic.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Blackhawk Up / September 7

3 Blackhawk’s players with the most to prove in 2026-27

General manager Kyle Davidson made some solid offseason additions this summer in an effort to make the Chicago Blackhawks a better team. As we know, he added Patrick Kane and young Russian prospect Roman Kantserov at forward, as well as some depth players in Cole Smith and Jordan Greenway.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Blackhawk Up / September 5

The Blackhawks have a lot of options down the middle

On a recent episode of "Powers and Laz", a podcast hosted by Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, Powers suggested the Blackhawks may look to rookie Roman Kantserov as the team's top line center to start the season.

Alex Vlasic News / Blackhawk Up / September 5

How Alex Vlasic's leadership can be even more significant in 2026-27

Defenseman Alex Vlasic has been pretty much a leader on the defense since his first full season in 2023-24, and it's something he has hasn't taken lightly.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Blackhawk Up / September 5

Reasons to be pessimistic about the 2026-27 Blackhawks

As previously outlined, there are plenty of reasons to feel better about the Chicago Blackhawks chances for success this season as opposed to past years.

Chicago Blackhawks News / NHL on ClutchPoints / September 5

Blackhawks’ Anton Frondell gets real on Connor Bedard shoulder injury

The Chicago Blackhawks will be without Connor Bedard to begin the 2026-27 season. The star Blackhawks forward injured his shoulder during a practice over the summer.

Chicago Blackhawks News / The Lead / September 2

Are the Blackhawks on Their Way Towards 2010-Level Depth?

When people think about the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks, the first names that come to mind are Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith.

Kevin Korchinski News / The Rink / September 2

Blackhawks re-sign Kevin Korchinski to two-year deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced last week that they agreed to terms with restricted free agent blueliner Kevin Korchinski on a two-year contract. The contract carries a $1.325M annual cap hit, running through the 2027-28 season.

NHL News / Daily Faceoff / August 29

Blackhawks re-sign Kevin Korchinski to two-year contract

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms on a new two-year contract with restricted free agent defenseman Kevin Korchinski, the club announced Saturday afternoon.

Cale Makar signs record-setting extension with Avalanche

Will Auston Matthews find a second gear later in his career?

Connor Hellebuyck makes his trade request from Jets official

Potential trade destinations for Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck would approve a trade to multiple teams

Kevin Korchinski News / Pro Hockey Rumors / August 29

Blackhawks Sign Kevin Korchinski To Two-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed their last restricted free agent of the offseason. According to a team announcement, the Blackhawks have signed defenseman Kevin Korchinski to a two-year, $2.65MM ($1.325MM AAV) contract.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Daily Faceoff / August 29

Do the Blackhawks have too many good prospects?

The Chicago Blackhawks might be a team on the rise, but if they want to get over the hump, they might need to do something about the large number of young players in their ranks.

Chicago Blackhawks News / Daily Faceoff / August 26

2026-27 NHL team preview: Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks’ marketing team probably wished the club’s centennial season wasn’t a total crapshoot. In early April, the Hawks were eliminated from playoff contention for the sixth consecutive season, with the team finishing second last in the Western Conference with 72 points.