5 Blackhawks Who Could Break Out in 2026-27

“That’s the chemistry and what we’re building here in Chicago,” Nazar said. “A lot of guys come in and fit in right away.” With the right fit on his line, it’s easier to put together good offensive numbers.

Anton Frondell

Entering his first full season in the league, Anton Frondell will be aiming to become one of the Blackhawks’ best players. He made his NHL debut in March 2026, after making the jump from the Swedish Hockey League. With the current direction in Chicago, players like Bedard, Vlasic, and Nazar will very likely be the new leadership group in this next chapter of hockey. With Bedard showing a high hockey IQ in his first few seasons in the league and Frondell’s play style fitting well with the team, Frondell could have a breakout season in Chicago.

“During my first games playing with Connor [Bedard] and [Ryan Greene], I ask questions between every shift like ‘did I do it right’ because everything was so new,” Frondell said. “They’ve been taking care of me, showing me around and stuff, so I felt very welcomed.”

Nick Lardis

Nick Lardis has been a Blackhawks fan favorite since his days in the Ontario Hockey League. With 117 points (71 goals, 46 assists) with the Brantford Bulldogs in 2024-25, including 15 points in the playoffs, his style should make him one of the most dominant offensive players in the league.

No matter where the puck is, Lardis will create scoring chances. The 67th-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Lardis’ speed on the wing makes him a breakout candidate in 2026-27. His quick, high-velocity shot and ability to transition anywhere on the ice should make him a good fit on the top line with Bedard.

“I think I learned a lot,” Lardis said. “Not a lot of on ice stuff, but even just how to be a pro off the ice I think was important.” The key in developing young talent isn’t just about what they do on the ice, but even moreso about how they condition and work on game preparation to become a better player.

Lardis made his NHL debut on Dec. 13, 2025, a day after Bedard injured his shoulder in St. Louis. Since then, with the great season he had in Brantford, it isn’t a new thing for Lardis to be aggressive in the offensive zone to provide scoring chances. With strong enough conditioning and enough ice time, his offensive power will lead to him potentially finish top-five on the Blackhawks in poinnts.