Chicago Blackhawks 2024-25 End of Season Awards

The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their 2024-25 season with a 25-46-11 record, finishing last in the Central Division.

Despite the struggles, there were still bright spots and memorable moments that stood out.

Here are my picks for the 2024-25 Blackhawks Season Awards

Team MVP: Ryan Donato

Ryan Donato posted a career-high 62 points (31 goals, 31 assists) in 80 games in just his second season with the Blackhawks. With Donato hitting the free agent market this offseason, he hopes to re-sign with the team, and after this kind of year, the feeling should be mutual.

Best Forward: Ryan Donato

While some people may say that Connor Bedard was the best player for the Blackhawks and rightfully so, no one had a more consistent and impactful season than Donato. His offensive production and leadership earned him this nod.

Best Defenseman: Alex Vlasic

After Seth Jones was traded to the Florida Panthers for Spencer Knight, Alex Vlasic stepped into a bigger role on the blue line. The 23-year-old finished with 30 points (4 goals, 26 assists) and played in all 82 games.

He led all Blackhawks defensemen in both assists and points.

Most Improved Player(s): Ryan Donato and Connor Bedard

Originally, I was going to select Ryan Donato to win the award, but I think it should also go to Connor Bedard.

This has been a struggling sophomore season for Bedard with all the critics and playing on a weakened roster. However, he found a way to get it done in his sophomore year. Bedard had 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 82 games, a six-point improvement from his Calder Trophy winning year.

Top Goaltender: Spencer Knight

Although he didn't play a full season with the Hawks, Spencer Knight showed promise and potential into being the No. 1 goalie for the Blackhawks' future. The 24-year-old posted a 5-8-2 record with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage in 15 games played.

Most Clutch Performance: Connor Bedard

On December 15, 2024, against the New York Islanders, Connor Bedard scored the game-winning goal with 54 seconds left in the third period to give the Blackhawks a 4-3 lead.

The MadHouse on Madison roof blew off the place. It was absolutely electric in the United Center when Bedard buried the game winner.

FUN FACT: Bedard became just the fifth player in Blackhawks history to score a game-winning goal in the final minute of regulation, and the first to do it since Patrick Kane on February 27, 2019, when Kane scored with 16 seconds left in a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks.

Connor Murphy eventually iced the game with an empty-netter, making it 5-3 Chicago for the final.

Highlight of the Year: Ryan Donato's First Career Hat Trick

Ryan Donato recorded his first career hat trick on March 28, 2025 in the Blackhawks 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Biggest Disappointment: Philipp Kurashev

There were several disappointments from the Blackhawks this season, but Philipp Kurashev has to be the biggest disappointment from the Hawks. The 25-year-old finished with a -28 rating and recorded 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 51 games this season.

For a player expected to take a step forward, this season was a major setback.

Unsung Hero Award: Ilya Mikheyev

Ilya Mikheyev has had a solid season for the Hawks, recording 34 points (20 goals, 14 assists) in 80 games. The 30-year-old also led Chicago in plus-minus (+4), providing consistent two-way play and contributing to both offense and defense.

As the Blackhawks look ahead to their centennial season, the development of young players like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, combined with the leadership of veterans like Nick Foligno, offers a foundation for future success.