Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025 Preseason Guide

The Blackhawks are so young it isn’t quite right to say the “young players” will be vying for opening night roster spots. Instead, we will see the depth of the organization’s prospect pool. While we won’t see third overall selection Anton Frondell (he’ll be returning to Sweden after signing a three-year entry-level contract in July), players like Oliver Moore and Nick Lardis will have the chance to make an impression.

The preseason is important for these cusp players, and we’ve seen in the past that a player who can generate momentum early in the preseason can translate that into consistent regular season playing time. The Blackhawks only play the Red Wings twice in the regular season, but don’t think the players seeking NHL jobs will take the preseason showings lightly. An Original Six matchup gets the adrenaline pumping regardless of the time of year.

St. Louis Blues – Sept. 27 & Oct. 4

The rivalry between the Blackhawks and the Blues has somewhat cooled, but both teams still don’t like playing each other. And the Blues will be a good measuring stick for the Blackhawks during the regular season. The Central Division opponents will play each other four times, so the preseason will be an early chance to familiarize themselves.

The game on Saturday, Sept. 27 will only be the Blackhawks’ second of the preseason, so we will likely still see many fresh faces. However, by Saturday, Oct. 4, the veterans should be on the ice as they will be gearing up for opening night against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 7.

Will Connor Bedard’s offseason training be noticeable in the preseason? How will Frank Nazar look after signing a fresh contract? Will Sam Rinzel continue to look like a wily veteran at the ripe old age of 21? And will Artyom Levshunov continue to justify his second overall selection?

The Blues won all three games against the Blackhawks last season, so there will be some motivation for the Blackhawks to show up as well.

Minnesota Wild – Sept. 28 & Oct. 3

The Wild have grabbed headlines with the rumor of signing Kirill Kaprizov to a record-setting contract. But their offseason remained fairly quiet, much like the Blackhawks. So when the teams play on Sunday, Sept. 28, we will most likely see those players striving to make a name for themselves.

When the teams play again on Friday, Oct. 3, some of the big guns will roll out to gear up for the regular season. Keep an eye out for Kaprizov and who the Blackhawks deploy against him. Few can skate like the Russian, but I have a mental image of Nazar hounding him in the corner, making everyone realize (even more) the kid’s legit.

The Wild are also in the Central Division and will play the Blackhawks four times in the regular season. Last season, the Blackhawks only won one of four games against the Wild. If the team wants to take the next step, those series must swing in the Blackhawks’ favor. These two preseason matchups are a chance for the Blackhawks to generate momentum.

Yes, It’s the Preseason, but At Least It’s Hockey

Hey, I know. It’s the preseason. But as much as everyone piles on the preseason, it doesn’t mean nothing. Players can earn a spot. Teams can gel or begin to crumble (the Edmonton Oilers only won three preseason games last year and then started the regular season horribly). Injuries can unfortunately occur.

So hopefully there’s something here to pique your interest and hype you up for the regular season.