Training camp for the 2026-27 Chicago Blackhawks has concluded, marking an adjustment period as the preseason schedule was shortened. Teams now must quickly finalize their lineups and strategies, with squads like Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights having more clarity due to their established talent bases around players like Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Eichel. For the Blackhawks, the lineup remains uncertain despite showing improvement on paper compared to previous years. New additions Patrick Kane and Bowen Byram will need to establish chemistry once the regular season begins against the Golden Knights in Las Vegas.
On the first day of camp, General Manager Kyle Davidson mentioned the necessity of adapting to new rules and quickly forming a cohesive NHL lineup. This urgency aims to ensure the team is prepared to perform strongly from day one. Throughout camp, Coach Jeff Blashill maintained consistency in lineup choices, featuring Roman Kantserov, Frank Nazar, and Kane as the top line, with Alex Vlasic and Byram as the top defense pairing. These will change upon the return of injured captain Connor Bedard in November. The team will use initial games to build a continuous flow.
When asked about the team’s readiness for the season opener, Coach Blashill expressed cautious optimism, stating that although the team hasn’t played together fully, they are as prepared as possible.
The preseason offers the perfect opportunity for players to make significant impressions. Here are the standouts from camp and preseason:
Bowen Byram
Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram made a striking debut against the Minnesota Wild with a hat trick, commanding the game and generating numerous scoring opportunities. Byram’s addition is meant to enhance the team’s offense both in power play and regular play, adding to his defensive prowess.
Byram has quickly gelled with defensive-minded Alex Vlasic, forming a natural partnership that can benefit the team going forward. Despite not recording any points during the preseason finale, Byram’s talent, confidence, and character are elements that Coach Blashill believes will contribute positively.
Roman Kantserov
Forward Roman Kantserov entered NHL game action with “good nervous” energy and quickly became a favored passing target for Kane. Kantserov displayed accuracy and strength in his one-timers during preseason.
Kantserov scored his first unofficial NHL goal in a power play against the St. Louis Blues. His experience from the Kontinental Hockey League has eased his transition into the NHL, and his versatility showed when tested at center on Saturday.
Kevin Korchinski
Korchinski, drafted seventh in 2022, faces challenges in securing regular roster spots. Despite signing a two-year deal, he has struggled to find adequate playtime with key team players during preseason games.
Korchinski’s reliability in drills and an assist in his extended playtime during a game in St. Paul, Minnesota shows promise. Yet, Coach Blashill hasn’t confirmed his regular inclusion in the lineup. To keep Korchinski from being signed off waivers, it is likely he will remain as a seventh defenseman, awaiting an opportunity, especially with veteran Ian Cole’s eventual transition out of the team.