Staff Predictions for the Chicago Blackhawks 2020-21 season

The new season is finally here. We finally have Chicago Blackhawks hockey back this week.

While the Chicago Blackhawks might not be the best team in the NHL this coming season. We here at Blackhawk Up are looking forward to a fun year covering this team. Today, we thought it would be fun to go over some staff predictions with you all.

56 games might not be the norm in the NHL, but it will still provide the league to play a decent regular season before heading into a normal playoff format for the most part. So before game one of 56 starts against the Tampa Bay Lightning, let’s dive in with some predictions from everyone here at Blackhawk Up.

The Blackhawks point leader will be…

Seth Stauffer: 

Patrick Kane: Unless he is injured or has an absurdly slow start to the season it’s hard to see him being anything other than Chicago’s top offensive weapon this year. Otherwise, I think it would be possible to see Alex DeBrincat in the running for point production. He’s due a correction from last year’s drop in offense.

Steve Dishon: 

Patrick Kane- Kane shows no signs of slowing down and is consistently over a point-per-game producer. He will pull extra shifts with Dach and Toews out and find success from the right dot on the powerplay. Kane may be aging, but his work ethic is strong and his skills haven’t diminished. He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Matt Kamholz: 

The Blackhawks leading point scorer should be no surprise to anyone, provided he plays at least 75% of the season, Patrick Kane. Kane’s an absolute superstar, a Hockey Hall of Fame first-ballot lock. He will always be the leading point scorer as long as he’s on the team, especially with the next potential superstar in Kirby Dach out for the season. Kane will never be an analytical darling, but his actual production is still there with the best.

Justin Klawans: 

I think that Alex DeBrincat will have a comeback year in 2021, and go onto lead the Blackhawks in points. While he didn’t have a great season last year, he was able to avoid the sophomore slump the previous season and really impressed me with his offensive prowess. While I know that Patrick Kane seems like an obvious choice to lead the team, I think that DeBrincat will really surprise everyone with the numbers he puts up this season.

Shaun Filippelli: 

I see 2020-21 as a rebound year for Alex DeBrincat. That sounds somewhat odd, given that he’s still 22 years old and only entering his fourth year in the league, but he had a noticeable decline in production through 2019-20. With that said, it wasn’t for the sake of not trying as he was creating plays and taking shots, but he just wasn’t getting the puck luck he deserved. If he can maintain top-line minutes alongside Patrick Kane all year, that’s a recipe for the best numbers he’ll see to date.

Jimmy Goldenberg: 

The top point scorer for the Blackhawks this season will be Patrick Kane. I going to play the chalk here. Kane’s still playing at an elite level. There is no indication that his skills are diminishing at all. My only concern would be if he wears down. I know this is a shorter schedule but with the off-season injuries and trades, Kane is likely to log a ton of minutes. There is still some offensive talent at the top of the lineup. Strome, Debrincat, and Kubalik will hopefully play well, but opposing teams are going to focus on Kane and do everything they can to slow him down.

Dylan Terry: 

In a season that is going to have a ton of question marks, I expect Patrick Kane to lead the team in points once again. With injuries to Dach and Nylander, the Blackhawks choosing to ship out Brandon Sadd, as well as Jonathan Toews’s unfortunate circumstances, the Blackhawks will have to rely on Kane more than ever before this season.

He will presumably be playing on the ‘Hawks top line for the majority of the season, well also essentially being the quarterback of the Blackhawks top powerplay unit. This season presents Kane with the opportunity to log more ice time than ever before, so look for #88 to top the team in points once again.

Jake Wheeler: 

I believe Patrick Kane will lead the Blackhawks in points this season. With Kane still finishing near the top in scoring the last few seasons, I do not see how anyone else from the Blackhawks will get more points than him. If the line of DeBrincat-Strome-Kane holds up, look for that line to be on the scoresheet on a nightly basis, with Kane as the guy who drives the play in the offensive zone.

Jimmy Lynch:

Patrick Kane is the easy pick to lead the team in points this coming season. My pick is no different. Kane will lead the team in points, but I do think it will be closer than it has in the past thanks to a bounce-back year for Alex DeBrincat.

The Blackhawks starting goalie will be…

Seth Stauffer: 

Malcolm Subban: Although, top goalie this season might just mean who gets 51% of the starts, rather than the player who is clearly the number one player. The team brought Subban with them to Edmonton, and the spot is likely his to lose.

With only 56 games, I’d expect to see Subban get the nod more often than not. Even if it’s an even split between two guys, that’s only 28 games per player. What’s more, Chicago will give starts to other goalies, which makes the ice time that much more limited. In the end, it’ll probably be Subban in the starter’s role.

Steve Dishon: 

Malcolm Subban: Subban actually has a winning record in the NHL. He is 30-23-0-7. Many of these wins came with Vegas where he had more defensive support, so he will have to improve to be successful in Chicago. He is still young at 27 and brings experience. Look for him to win the spot early.

Matt Kamholz: 

I feel pretty confident that Subban will get the first look in net, but by the end of the season I think Delia asserts himself and takes over the net. His numbers might still be awful, but we know his mental game is strong and that’s one of the biggest assets to a starting goalie in the NHL. You have to be able to bounce back from a blown save or a bad night, and Delia showed his fortitude by coming back in a strong way after his slow start to the last AHL season following the birth of his child.

Justin Klawans: 

I’d almost like to see a rotating door of netminders this season so that all three get a decent look. However, if one goalie is going to rise above the others, I think it’ll be Malcolm Subban. Even with his limited games played, he still has the most NHL experience out of the trio and looks to be the goalie with the most potential to become a full-time starter. If he gets enough playing time, I think there is a good chance that Subban will become the Hawks number one, at least until Drew Commesso is ready for a look.

Shaun Filippelli: 

It’s no secret that the Blackhawks’ goaltending situation is far from figured out heading into the 2020-21 campaign. With Crawford walking, then ultimately deciding to retire, that left Chicago with Collin Delia and Malcolm Subban as the frontrunners for the position. With less than 100 games in the pros between them, it’s hard to be overly optimistic. However, in the small sample size, we’ve seen of Delia over the years, I’ve taken notice of his calm and confident presence. I think that will translate well and turn him into their undisputed starter.

Jimmy Goldenberg: 

So, this is a complete cop-out, but I do not think a particular goalie emerges as a number one this season. But gun to my head -feet to the coils, my answer would be Subban. His career thus far has been so-so. You have to dig deep into advanced statistics to find something positive. My lean is based on the fact that he’s been up in the NHL longer than the other guys. He has played 20 plus games the last three seasons as part of a successful team. I like what I’ve been hearing about his offseason work with his personal coaches as well as Blackhawks goalie instructor Jimmy Waite. I’m optimistic Subban, Delia and Lankinen will all show improvement, but I’d be pleasantly surprised if any of the three made the leap to solidify the position.

Dylan Terry: 

I expect Subban and Delia to split time near the start of the season, as they both have the most amount of NHL experience. However, I am going to surprise a lot of people and go with Kevin Lankinen ultimately winning the job as the year progresses. Lankinen is coming off of an AHL All-Star game appearance and is very excited to finally have a shot at being the #1 guy in Chicago. He has had very good numbers throughout his career no matter where he has played and looked pretty decent in the Blackhawks team scrimmage on Sunday night.

At only 25 years old, he is one year younger than Delia, and two years younger than Subban. I see many similarities between Lankinen and recent NHL retiree Corey Crawford. They both are the exact same height at 6’2, and the pair both spent a few seasons in the AHL prior to getting the opportunity to join the big club. Also, Crawford became the ‘Hawks starting netminder at 26 years old, and Lankinen will be 26 in late April. Who knows? If he can break out and perform well, the ‘Hawks may have a new starting goalie that can be relied upon for years to come.

Jake Wheeler: 

Collin Delia is my pick to eventually win the Blackhawks net this season. There is no sugar coating it, the goalie situation the Blackhawks are in is less than ideal. Due to Delia’s performances for the Blackhawks in the past, and his good play in the minors, I can’t see how he does not start. Subban playing 10 minutes of one game last season does not help his case to start.

Jimmy Lynch: 

The best goalie available will start this coming season. I say that because I do not think it will be as simple as Delia Lankinen or Subban. This season is going to feature different goalies going on hot streaks throughout the year, and I think it could take 30 or so games before Chicago has a definitive starter. The Blackhawks will likely split time between their netminders similar to what they did last year with Crawford and Lehner.

Chicago’s breakout star in 2021 will be…

Seth Stauffer: 

Pius Suter will probably be the breakout star for the year, but he’s already been a pro. Does this really count as a breakout? If so, then definitely Suter. He might just be able to comfortably transition from playing in Switzerland to North America, and that would be great for him and the team. Otherwise, there are going to be a lot of rookies moving in and out of the team all year, especially on defense. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ian Mitchell impressed when gets his chances.

Steve Dishon: 

Adam Boqvist- While in the OHL, Boqvist scored an impressive 60 points in 54 games. He struggled a bit in his first year with the Blackhawks, but it’s arguable that, at age 19, he wasn’t ready to play on a top-line pairing. With a full year under his belt, the game will slow down for Boqvist allowing him to add some offensive production. Look for him to captain the power play as well.

Matt Kamholz:

As bad as this team will probably be, there will still be fun players to watch.  I believe the Blackhawks breakout star this season will be Ian Mitchell. From everything we’ve seen in training camp and his college tape, I think Mitchell could be everything we hoped to see out of him sooner rather than later. A rookie season for the ages like Makar and Hughes turned in is out of the question, but solid all-around play with 25-ish points is reasonable.

Justin Klawans: 

I think that Ian Mitchell is bound to have a great season. He was an absolute beast at the University of Denver and should get a decent look at a top-four spot this season with the ‘Hawks. The Blackhawks’ current defensive lineup is a bit thin, especially with Seabrook’s future uncertain, so Mitchell should definitely get a chance to shine. He’s looked good at training camp so far, so hopefully, that play will continue into the regular season.

Shaun Filippelli: 

Pius Suter – Most of us Blackhawks fans know the name by now, but the hockey world likely doesn’t. Pius Suter has already proven he’s a star around the world, he just hasn’t had the same opportunity to do so in the NHL. Now’s his chance and with the landscape set in front of him, where it can only go up from here for the team, it’s the perfect time for the forward to make his presence felt. Whether through his OHL experience or time in Europe, Suter has proven that he progresses successfully. As illustrated with his Swiss League MVP in 2019-20.

Jimmy Goldenberg: 

Chicago’s break out star in 2021 will be Ian Mitchell. The kid can skate. He can move the puck out of the zone and will not get beat around the corner getting back. I know it’s a leap from the collegiate level to the NHL, but I think he has the poise to make good decisions even with less time and space.

Dylan Terry:

Many people expect Pius Suter to be the breakout star and while I don’t disagree, my selection is going to be a guy who hasn’t been hyped up as much. I’m going to go with Lucas Wallmark. While Wallmark may not necessarily tally a ton of points, he has a very good two-way game.

This is an attribute that Chicago has lacked ever since the Marian Hossa days. With Saad being traded and the lack of center depth in the organization right now, Wallmark is going to get the biggest opportunity so far in his career. He’s still only 25 years old so there’s time for him to grow. He’s played very well in Carolina and Florida with limited opportunities, so I’m excited to see what he will be able to do in this big of a role.

Jake Wheeler: 

Chicago’s break out star this season will be Pius Suter. Just like Kubalik last season, I think Suter has enough pro experience under his belt to allow him to have a comfortable and defined role with the Hawks this season. He may not be the pure goal scorer that Kubalik is, but if Suter can win face-offs, get 30-35 points and be responsible defensively, it will be a good rookie season for him.

Jimmy Lynch: 

I do not disagree with any of the names the other staffers at Blackhawk Up has put thus far. Hopefully, Suter and Mitchell can have great rookie campaigns. My pick has to be Adam Boqvist. After dipping his toes in the NHL during his rookie season Chicago needs to see their former eighth overall pick take a big step forward.

The top four teams in the central division at the end of the season will be…

Seth Stauffer: 

Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, and Columbus Blue Jackets

They were all good teams last year, and there’s very little reason they won’t be on top again this season as well. It would be surprising if one or more of those four suddenly became less competent, and dropped in the standings, but it could happen.

Steve Dishon: 

Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers

Matt Kamholz:

The Discover* Central Division’s top three teams will be, in this order; the Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars. The fourth team is where it gets more interesting because realistically speaking, it’s up for grabs between the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers. Of the three, I think Florida is the one that squeaks in. Led by the 2nd winningest coach in NHL history in Joel Quenneville and all-star talent yet still underrated Aleksander Barkov, anything close to NHL starter average goaltending from Bobrovsky sees them race up the standings to the fourth spot.

Justin Klawans: 

Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes

With the realignment of the divisions in the wake of Covid-19, I just don’t see any way for the ‘Hawks to be at the top of the pack. They’re competing with teams that are just way better than they are. The Bolts are still rock-solid coming off of their Stanley Cup win, and the Stars, Blue Jackets, and Hurricanes are all solid teams as well. The rest of the division starts to thin out a bit, with the Panthers, Predators, ‘Hawks, and Red Wings likely to fall in the bottom half of the division.

Shaun Filippelli: 

Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets

There is a clear divide in the talent pools in this division, which will certainly make it interesting as they battle throughout the year. To be candid, I had a hard time once I moved past who I see as being the top two of Tampa Bay (1) and Carolina (2), in that it seems there can be a case made for many of the others to sneak into third and fourth. I even began convincing myself that the Blackhawks might snag that last spot but didn’t want to get ahead of myself before we see how their new set-up actually takes shape.

Jimmy Goldenberg: 

The top four teams in the Central will be Lightning, Stars, Hurricanes, and the Blue Jackets. The defending Stanley Cup champs are poised to make another deep run. I think the Stars drop off a bit but Heiskanen and the rest of the d-core will make them competitive. If the Hurricanes find a goalie, they can make serious waves. Tortorella will find a way to sneak the Bluejackets into the fourth spot regardless if they retain Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Dylan Terry: 

I expect the top four teams in the Central to be Tampa Bay, Carolina, Columbus, and Dallas. I feel like the fourth and final spot will be a dogfight between Dallas, Nashville, and Florida, but I’m going with the Stars to narrowly beat out the Preds and Panthers.

Jake Wheeler: 

I believe the top four teams in the central division will be Tampa Bay, Columbus, Dallas, and Carolina. All of these teams have the star-power and depth to have good seasons. I think the Hawks could win a game or two against these teams, but since they play them eight times, expect that these teams will win most of the games.

Jimmy Lynch: 

Tampa Bay, Carolina, Dallas, and Nashville

These four teams very well could run away with the Central Division this coming season, but I do think teams like Columbus and Florida will be knocking on the doorsteps for the third and fourth spots in the division.

The winner of the 2020-21 Stanley Cup will be…

Seth Stauffer:

There’s a contingent of the Blackhawks fan base that’s going to hate this because of that Saad trade, but I think Colorado probably has the best chance at winning the Stanley Cup this year. Honestly, it’s an easy choice, but they didn’t do anything during the off-season to hurt the quality of the team.

Additionally, Bowen Byram, despite not winning gold with Team Canada was one of the IIHF’s top players during the tournament. What’s more, he’ll be suiting up along with Cale Makar, who was last year’s defensive sensation for the Avalanche. They’ll be a great team this year and are probably going to be the team to beat all season.

Steve Dishon: 

Colorado Avalanche

Matt Kamholz: 

I see the 2021 Stanley Cup winners as the Colorado Avalanche. They already have everything most GMs and fanbases could ever dream of, and to add it, Bowen Byram may make his NHL debut this year. They also went out and acquired solid additional pieces in Devon Toews and Brandon Saad without having to mortgage much in return. This team is young, dangerous, and hungry.

Justin Klawans: 

I think the Colorado Avalanche will win the 2021 Stanley Cup. This team is absolutely stacked. Offensive juggernauts like Mikko Rantanen, Gabe Landeskog, and Nathan Mackinnon allow them to score almost at will. On the back end, Bowen Byram and Calder Trophy winner Cale Makar will help round out a deep defensive core. There are some teams that could challenge them for the title, though. The Lightning, for example, are still very good and I could see them making a run back to the Cup Final. I just don’t think, though, that anybody can beat the Avs this season.

Shaun Filippelli: 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Being from the Toronto area, I actually grew up a Maple Leafs fan first and foremost. It was from my Dad’s influence that I also became a Blackhawks fan along the way. So I’ve backed both for most of my life. As luck would have it, when one of my teams is doing well, the other is headed in the wrong direction.

That happened when Chicago was on their recent runs, with Toronto not faring nearly as well. And with the Blackhawks in rebuild mode, the Maple Leafs are now coincidentally far more poised to finally get where they haven’t since 1967. As a fan of both, it would be a disservice not to take this opportunity to predict the Maple Leafs as the 2021 Stanley Cup champions.

Jimmy Goldenberg: 

The 20/21 Stanley cup winner will be the Philadelphia Flyers. Carter Hart showed last season that he could pretty much win a playoff series by himself. If Giroux, Provorov, etc. pitch in the flyers will be skating around with the trophy at the end of the season.

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Dylan Terry: 

I have a gut feeling it will come down to the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights. Whichever one of those teams can make it out of the West, is my pick for the Cup. Out of the two, I’m going to go with Vegas, strictly because they have a better goaltending combination. In a shortened season, goaltending is going to be very important.

I would go with Robin Lehner and Marc Andre Fleury 10/10 times over Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz. In the playoffs especially, goaltending can give you a huge advantage as demonstrated by Anton Khudobin carrying the Stars to the Stanley Cup Finals last season. If you combine that reasoning and take into account the offseason addition of Alex Pietrangelo, I believe this is the year that Vegas is finally able to get it done.

Jake Wheeler: 

I think Tampa Bay will repeat as Stanley Cup champs this season. Kucherov not playing during the regular season will hurt them but getting Stamkos back and not losing any key players this off-season, they look primed to repeat. However, watch out for Colorado. The reason I don’t have Colorado winning is due to their goaltending situation. It would not surprise me to see Tampa Bay and Colorado in the cup finals this summer.

Jimmy Lynch: 

Tampa Bay will have an easy ride in the Central Division this coming year. Plus with Nikita Kucherov most likely being set to return for the playoffs, Tampa Bay will add a big piece of their lineup back just in time for a playoff run. However, Colorado and Vegas will definitely be apart of the conversation for the Stanley Cup.