Blackhawks Bank on Bedard, Byram to Lead Rebuild Forward

The Blackhawks took a measured step forward this summer, locking up Bowen Byram to a six-year, $75 million extension and adding veteran depth on defense with Ian Cole. The 2025-26 season saw Connor Bedard continue his ascent with 75 points, but the team finished 29-39-14 and dead last in the Central Division. The offseason moves suggest patience, not a playoff push.

Last season in review

Chicago scored 213 goals and allowed 275, a goal differential that tells the story of a team still learning to compete. Bedard led the way with 30 goals and 45 assists in his second NHL season, while Tyler Bertuzzi chipped in 32 goals and 58 points. Byram, acquired midseason, posted 11 goals and 42 points from the blue line. In net, Spencer Knight went 19-25-11 with a .902 save percentage, solid enough to suggest he can hold the crease but not carry the team. The Blackhawks finished eighth in the Central, 72 points, and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

Ins and outs

• In: Bowen Byram (signed six-year, $75 million extension)
• In: Ian Cole (signed one-year contract as a free agent)
• In: Cole Smith (signed three-year contract)
• In: Drew Commesso (signed two-year contract, goaltender)
• In: Dylan Anhorn (signed two-way contract)
• In: Connor Mackey (signed two-way contract)
• In: Dillon Boucher (signed two-way contract)
• In: Connor Mylymok (signed two-way contract)

No major departures have been confirmed. The roster picture remains largely intact from last season's core.

The big question

Can the defense take a real step forward? Byram's extension signals the organization's belief that he can anchor the blue line for years to come, and Cole brings playoff experience. But the Blackhawks allowed 275 goals last season, and one offseason won't erase those habits. If the defensive structure doesn't tighten, even Bedard's brilliance won't be enough to climb the standings.

X-factor

Bowen Byram. The 23-year-old defenseman posted 42 points in his first season with Chicago and just signed a long-term deal that makes him a cornerstone. If he can elevate his two-way game and quarterback the power play, the Blackhawks have a legitimate top-pairing anchor to build around. His development will dictate whether this rebuild accelerates or stalls.

Bold prediction

Chicago will finish sixth in the Central Division, out of the playoffs but closer to respectability. Bedard will crack 85 points, and Byram will post a career-high in assists. The gap between the Blackhawks and the playoff picture will shrink, but not close.

The outlook

The Blackhawks open the season on the road against Vegas on September 29, and the path ahead remains steep. Locking up Byram was the right move, and adding Cole gives the blue line some veteran presence. But this is still a young team in a brutal division, and the offseason didn't deliver a game-changing addition. Progress, not playoffs, is the realistic goal. If Bedard and Byram both take another step, Chicago could be dangerous in a year or two. For now, the rebuild continues.