Creating the Chicago Blackhawks’ All-Time Dream Team

The Chicago Blackhawks have had many legendary players come and go. What would an all-time roster look like?

The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the most historic franchises in the NHL. Chicago is home to an Original Six team, with 6 Stanley Cup trophies to its name. In the history of the NHL, there have been a lot of great players that wore the Blackhawks sweater.

Obviously, if you try to create a “dream team” for the Chicago Blackhawks, it would be very controversial at times.

Everyone who grew up watching the Chicago Blackhawks has their favorite player. I have a Marian Hossa jersey from the 2010 Winter Classic I still wear from time to time.

My dad had an Al Secord jersey that he called his own. Some people might not agree with my “dream roster” below, but I did my best.

In order to qualify on this Chicago Blackhawks dream roster, you need to have made an impact on the team, and spend a significant amount of your career with the Blackhawks.

A player like Artemi Panarin will not appear on this list, because he only played here for two years. With that being said, let’s dive in.

Forward Lines

Bobby Hull – Stan Mikita – Patrick Kane

Bobby Hull with Patrick Kane, wow. This line could score in any way shape or form. Having the slap shot of Bobby Hull and the wrist shot of Patrick Kane on one line would be a recipe for a Stanley Cup.

Stan Mikita, the Chicago Blackhawks’ all-time leading scorer, would center two of the best ‘Hawks ever.

Patrick Sharp – Denis Savard – Steve Larmer 

For the Blackhawks’ second line, we have a mix of some of the Blackhawks greats. Steve Larmer, nicknamed “Grandpa”, could very well have his jersey number retired with the Blackhawks, for an iron-man streak of 884 games.

All 3 of these Blackhawks’ stars have something in common. They were all traded from the Blackhawks towards the end of their careers.

After being traded, both Savard and Larmer won Stanley Cups, while Sharp just sat in Dallas until his contract was over.

Brandon Saad – Jonathan Toews – Marian Hossa

This line comes straight out of the Blackhawks’ 2015 season. The playoff run that showed just how dominant the Blackhawks could be.

Putting Jonathan Toews on the third line might send a red flag up to some viewers. It’s true that Jonathan Toews does not get enough credit in today’s game

Some fans might also be shocked to see Brandon Saad on the best Blackhawks roster of all time.

However, when you look at what he did alongside Toews and Hossa, there is no question he makes the cut.

Plus, Brandon Saad still has a lot of hockey left in him, especially if he can find a way back on the top line with Toews and Kane this season.

Eddie Olczyk – Jeremy Roenick – Tony Amonte

Tony Amonte and Eddie Olczyk are two of the Blackhawks best August-born players of all time, so of course, we put them on the same line!

Tony Amonte is someone anyone should want on their team. His dedication and work ethic gave Blackhawks’ fans something to watch during the dark years of Blackhawks’ hockey.

Jeremy Roenick and Tony Amonte actually played together for the Blackhawks, but after leaving the team, they did have an argument or two on the ice.

Defensive Pairings

Duncan Keith – Chris Chelios

Pierre Pilote – Brent Seabrook

Keith Magnuson – Doug Wilson

When looking at the Blackhawks’ top-6 defenseman in franchise history, one thing comes to mind, unstoppable.

This top-6 would steamroll other teams, as long as each player is in their prime. Don’t look at Brent Seabrook and think of him playing now.

Imagine the Seabrook from 2013 or 2015 instead. Niklas Hjalmarsson could, and probably should have made this team, but with so many great Blackhawks defenseman, Hjalmarsson was left on the outside looking in.

Goalies

Ed Belfour

Tony Esposito

Corey Crawford

I wanted to just list two goalies for the ‘Hawks top team, but who could you cut from this group?

Crawford carried the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup in 2013 and should have won the Conn Smythe that season.

Tony Esposito is a Blackhawks’ legend with his number hanging in the rafters. While Hall-of-Fame goaltender, Ed Belfour, leads the Blackhawks’ goalies in penalty minutes with 240.

Stadium and Head Coach

For the record, this team would play in the old Chicago Stadium. My dad used to tell me how amazing it was and how loud it would get.

Obviously, the head coach for the Blackhawks’ dream team would be Joel Quenneville.

Quenneville is the second-most winningest coach in NHL history. This dream team would help add to his legendary resume.

The Blackhawks are a historic NHL franchise and still have more time to add additional accolades.

Maybe, one day, we will be adding Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome to this list, or maybe even Kirby Dach. Only time will tell what new players will be added to the Blackhawks best roster.