2026-27 Chicago Blackhawks Season Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks enter the 2026–27 season with a reshaped roster after a busy offseason that saw them bring back Blackhawks legend Patrick Kane, lock up their franchise cornerstone, and make a splashy trade for a top-pairing defenseman. The moves signal a push toward competitiveness, blending youth with experienced pieces as they aim to climb out of the basement.

Key Additions

Bowen Byram (D) – Acquired from Buffalo on June 23 in exchange for the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in the 2026 draft and defenseman Louis Crevier. The 25-year-old left-shot defenseman signed a six-year, $75 million extension ($12.5 million AAV) starting in 2027–28, currently making him the highest-paid defenseman in the league. He brings puck-moving ability, offensive upside, and top-four minutes.

Patrick Kane (RW) – Signed a two-year, $16 million deal on July 23, returning to Chicago for a homecoming. The 37-year-old franchise icon adds elite skill, power-play quarterbacking, and mentorship for the young core.

Ian Cole (D) – Signed a one-year, $4 million deal on July 1. The 37-year-old veteran provides defensive stability, physicality, and leadership on a young blue line.

Cole Smith (LW) – Signed a three-year, $9 million deal ($3 million AAV) on July 1. The 30-year-old adds grit, physicality, and bottom-six depth.

Jordan Greenway (LW) – Acquired from Buffalo in the Byram trade. The 29-year-old brings size, speed, and physicality to the fourth line.

Roman Kantserov (RW) – The 21-year-old Russian prospect signed his entry-level contract in May and is expected to make the NHL roster, adding scoring punch and skill.

Anton Frondell (C) – The 19-year-old Swedish first-round pick is pushing for a top-nine role, bringing skill and two-way play.

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Key Subtractions

Ilya Mikheyev (RW) – Signed a four-year, $15.4 million deal with Tampa Bay on July 1st. The 31-year-old scored 18 goals and 36 points in 77 games last season, a significant loss of penalty-kill and middle-six depth.

Andre Burakovsky (LW) – Traded to Ottawa for a 2027 sixth-round pick. The 31-year-old had a down year, and the move clears cap and roster space.

Louis Crevier (D) – Dealt to Buffalo in the Byram trade. The 6’8″, 225-lb defenseman had a solid season but was expendable.

Matt Grzelcyk (D) – Remains unsigned as a free agent. The 32-year-old had 12 assists in 69 games, providing veteran depth on the left side.

Core Retained

Chicago kept its young core intact, with Connor Bedard (signed a five-year, $75 million extension), Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, Wyatt Kaiser, Spencer Knight, and Arvid Soderblom all under contract. Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Sacha Boisvert provide veteran support.

Impact on 2026–27

The Blackhawks’ offseason moves signal a clear shift toward competitiveness. Byram adds a potential No. 1 defenseman, Kane brings elite skill and mentorship, and the veteran signings (Cole, Smith) provide stability. While Bedard’s shoulder surgery will delay his return until November, the additions should push Chicago up the standings, with realistic expectations of moving out of the basement.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $101,580,824
Roster – 22/23
Projected cap space – $2,419,176
Deadline cap space – $11,174,289

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Depth Chart