Chicago Blackhawks 2026-27 Preseason Analysis

Training camp for the 2026-27 Chicago Blackhawks season has been completed. The shortened camp and preseason required quick adjustments from all teams as they quickly finalized lineups and strategies. For teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights, this task is simpler since they confidently know how to complement star players like Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Eichel. For the Blackhawks, there are still uncertainties. Despite having what looks like their most improved roster in recent years, they need to build chemistry, especially with newcomers Patrick Kane and Bowen Byram, as they prepare to face the Golden Knights in Las Vegas on Tuesday when the regular season starts.

“There’s a bunch of new rules that we’ve had to navigate,” general manager Kyle Davidson said on Sept. 17, the first day of camp. “We have to get to our numbers, get to a more realistic NHL lineup right away, and try to create some synergy, some chemistry immediately and ride that because we want to hit the ground running on Day 1.”

Coach Jeff Blashill has maintained a consistent lineup during camp, featuring Roman Kantserov, Frank Nazar, and Kane as the top line, and defensemen Alex Vlasic and Byram as the top pair. Adjustments will occur when injured captain Connor Bedard returns, likely in November. The team will use the first few games to establish a fluid gameplay.

“I’ll let you know Tuesday,” Blashill noted on the eve of the opener. “We haven’t really played fully as a group yet. As much as we wanted to, we didn’t get to that point, which is fine. I don’t think it’s do or die. I believe in this group, whether that means we’re ready to be at 100% on Tuesday, we’ve worked to be as ready as we can be.”

Preseason is important for making a strong first impression. Here’s a look at who stood out during the camp and preseason:

Bowen Byram

Defenseman Bowen Byram was a standout performer, making a strong debut with a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime win against a largely AHL-favored Minnesota Wild team. He played a commanding role, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Byram was brought into the team to strengthen offensive play, especially in power plays and full-strength scenarios. His budding chemistry with defensive-minded Alex Vlasic bodes well for the regular season.

“I feel like we kind of have a bit of a natural chemistry,” Byram remarked about Vlasic. “I’ve been saying it all camp, but he’s a really good player. He’s so big, closes quick, ends plays, so that makes it easy.”

While Byram didn’t score during the preseason finale, he has quickly become comfortable with the Blackhawks lineup.

“He’s a very talented player who cares a ton, has a lot of swagger and confidence, and he’s a great dude that the guys want to be around,” Blashill stated. “He’s got a combination of those things that can help us win games.”

Roman Kantserov

Roman Kantserov, the 22-year-old Russian wing, expressed his nerves as he previewed his first NHL game experience, which he described as a “good nervous.” Having become a preferred passing target for Kane, Kantserov demonstrated success in preseason games with seven shots on goal across three matches.

Kantserov scored his first unofficial NHL goal during a power play in Saturday’s 3-2 victory against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center.

“It’s unbelievable scoring in United Center … but it’s only preseason,” Kantserov commented. “Now win the game, day off, and go to Vegas for regular season. Should be ready.”

Additionally, Kontinental Hockey League experience has prepared Kantserov for the NHL. His powerful shots match the skill level of others on the ice. In a preseason experiment, he succeeded at center, winning seven of 11 faceoffs. When Bedard returns, Kantserov will likely continue as a wing, skating on Bedard’s left side.

Kevin Korchinski

Defenseman Kevin Korchinski, selected seventh overall in 2022, finds himself in a peculiar position. Despite signing a two-year, $2.65 million contract earlier this year, he faced challenges in securing time with roster players in preseason games.

During the Sept. 19 game in St. Paul, Minn., Korchinski clocked the most ice time for the team at 25 minutes and 25 seconds but mostly played alongside Rockford players. In St. Louis, with more roster players present, he saw reduced ice time, logging 15 minutes and 12 seconds.

In camp drills, Korchinski proved reliable, achieving an assist in the Sept. 19 game. While practicing special teams units, he’s yet to earn a solid endorsement from Blashill.

“As we sit here today, he would be on the outside looking in,” Blashill admitted on Sept. 20. “Is there a path? Of course. … Are we perfect in our decision making? No. But over the course of time, the best players always end up the ones that play.”

Korchinski may be retained as a seventh defenseman to avoid waiving him to Rockford, where another team could claim him due to his low cap hit. Ian Cole, a veteran defenseman on a one-year contract who scored a goal on Saturday, presents Korchinski with an opportunity to make a future impact.