Blackhawks are lost and fans are tired of waiting for a turnaround

Let’s not sugarcoat it: The Blackhawks were a disaster once again in 2024-25. Their 25-46-11 record was dead last in the Central Division. Again. And they’re now, what? Five years outside of making the playoffs?

It’s not Buffalo Sabres or Detroit Red Wings bad, but it’s still pretty terrible. If not for Connor Bedard’s highlight-reel moments, and yes, there were plenty of them, even if a contingent of fans no longer believe he’s a generational talent, what would this season have looked like?

Here’s one word for you: unwatchable. Yeah, even with a player who is still a generational talent, this team looked hopeless for most of the season. And they’ve been so predictable in the worst ways that it’s tough to find anything good to say about them, even if I’ve managed to find a few. 

Poor roster construction and systemic rot summed up the season

The Blackhawks got buried in so many games this season, I was surprised to have seen only Seth Jones virtually volunteer to put himself on the trade block. Side note: As I write this, Jones is all but ready to play for the Stanley Cup should the Florida Panthers win one more game. 

Guys like Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall were supposed to provide some stability, but Foligno might be better off signing his retirement papers. Hall, ironically enough, is trying to help the ‘Canes claw back in the series against Jones’ Panthers. 

As for Pat Maroon, Alec Martinez, Laurent Brossoit, and other veterans who signed, and who just about everyone will forget playing for this team five years from today? They were either ineffective, injured, or a combination of both. 

Honestly, if you came out and rooted hard for whatever we were supposed to be watching this past season, you’re indeed a true Blackhawks fan. Yeah, Sabres and Red Wings fans deserve better, but right now, if the Hawks are your team, you might just be getting ready to insert your team in there with those fan bases. 

How the Blackhawks can finally fix this mess in 2025-26

There is no doubt general manager Kyle Davidson is just about out of chances. And he should know that, at this point, he can’t waste another year of Bedard’s talents. For one, they need to build a real top six, as opposed to what they’ve been rolling with. If Teuvo Teravainen or Tyler Bertuzzi couldn’t cut it, find someone who can. 

The Hawks need to fortify the blue line, and luckily, they’re off to a good start here. If Kevin Korchinski can break back into the big club’s lineup, then it’ll be a godsend. Still, Alex Vlasic and Artyom Levshunov are the starting points the Blackhawks need. 

Finally, find support from players who can help give this team an actual identity. Right now, I’m still racking my brains, unsure of what the Hawks are supposed to look like, exactly. After five years of less-than-subpar hockey, it’s time to shed the perpetual losing identity that fans are associating this team with.

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