Blackhawks 2026-27 projected forward lines (with Bedard)

The Blackhawks returned to the ice unofficially over the past week, and Connor Bedard was a participant on the ice. While the rest of Blackhawks nation was overcome with excitement, Scott Powers brought us back to reality by reporting that his recovery is going as planned. However, if he comes back early, then perhaps we could see him sooner rather than later in the lineup. In 2015, Patrick Kane returned weeks earlier from his shoulder injury, so you're saying there's a chance!

Gail Kauchak showed us what the Blackhawks' opening-night lineup could look like without Bedard. Obviously, adding Bedard will increase the team's offensive depth and force a bottom-six forward into their traditional role. Unlike previous years, the top-end talent greatly improved over the offseason with the addition of three top-six forwards: Patrick Kane, Roman Kantserov, and Anton Frondell. Head coach Jeff Blashill will have many more options than previous head coaches and seasons.

1st Line

Tyler Bertuzzi - Anton Frondell - Connor Bedard

With Bedard returning from injury, Blashill might opt to keep him out of the faceoff dot for the beginning of the year. Frondell has played up the middle in the past and has the size to play the center position. Bertuzzi and Bedard have shown great chemistry together over the past two seasons and should be paired together to begin the season. In 2026, Bertuzzi scored 32 goals, and Bedard assisted on 13 of those goals.

Bedard will have protection on this line, with Frondell and Bertuzzi, both of whom have good size and grit. Hopefully, with these two surrounding him, defenders will think twice about taking cheap shots at the young superstar. Each of these linemates can fill a certain role, with Bertuzzi providing presence in front of the net, and Bedard and Frondell serving as playmakers.

2nd Line

Frank Nazar - Roman Kantserov - Patrick Kane

This line is sacrificing size for speed and skill. Over the offseason, Kane and Nazar have been training and developing chemistry. It will be the dream of Blackhawks fans and the front office to see the two develop the same chemistry as Kane-Panarin or Kane-DeBrincat. Nazar has to prove that he has the finishing capabilities of the other two forwards. Kane will provide stability and consistency that these young forwards will benefit from.

Kantserov saw time playing center in the KHL and was effective in that role. If he were to struggle transitioning to that position in North America, then Blashill could slide Nazar back to center. This line could easily produce the most points on the team while also possibly giving up the most as well.

3rd Line

Ryan Greene - Oliver Moore - Nick Lardis

This line is the most versatile and balanced on the team and could be the most fun. Greene will be your defensively responsible forward, while Moore will push the play with his speed, and Lardis will be the finisher. Additionally, these skaters will see significant time on special teams, with Greene and Moore on the penalty kill and Lardis on the power play.

4th Line

Jordan Greenway - Ryan Donato - Teuvo Teravainen

If Jordan Greenway is last year's playoff Jordan Greenway, then this line will see significant minutes. I imagine we will see Greenway share time on the fourth line and in the press box with Cole Smith this season. If we can also see a bounce-back season from Teuvo Teravainen, then that will go a long way to making the Blackhawks a potential playoff team. There will be much less pressure for him to produce on the offensive end of the ice, and the same can be said for Donato. Any offense that this line can produce will be a bonus as long as they remain defensively responsible.

Potential Scratches

At the start of the season, the extra skaters will likely include Andrew Mangiapane and Landon Slaggert. Perhaps Blashill will start them in the lineup to give them an opportunity to prove that they belong in the top-12. Mangiapane and Slaggert would both have to clear waivers before being sent to Rockford. Potentially, we could see Mangiapane moved early in the year, similar to Lukas Reichel last year.

These forward lines are contingent on the health of Bedard, but early signs are hopeful that he will return to the ice sooner rather than later. Traditionally, Blashill does not use the line blender and will keep players together longer than other coaches would to develop chemistry. Vibes are as high as they've been in Chicago for years, and these potential lines have their strengths to carry this team to competitive hockey in 2026-2027.

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