The Chicago Blackhawks could be in a race to the bottom this season

Chicago Blackhawks fans could be in for another tough season. Judging from the team’s quiet offseason, the team could be in a race to the bottom of the league in 2025-26.

In an August 14 mailbag, The Athletic’s James Mirtle tackled the matter of where the Blackhawks could finish this season. Mirtle’s assessment isn’t overly optimistic, but it sheds light on the club’s philosophy.

Specifically, Mirtle pointed out how the Blackhawks’ quiet offseason was the right move. The Blackhawks are in the midst of a full-on rebuild. As such, the club can’t afford to take a huge swing at a big-name free agent despite having a ton of cap space.

As it stands, Chicago has nearly $19 million in cap space. That’s plenty of room to add a high-end player. However, the Blackhawks can’t afford to mortgage the farm at this point. As Mirtle points out, the rebuild will hopefully yield a number of great players.

But by adding a top free agent now, the club could sacrifice the possibility of landing another high draft pick in 2026. Moreover, now isn’t the right time to pursue big free agents. As Mirtle noted, the Blackhawks would waste a free agent’s best years during the team’s rebuild. By the time the club is ready to contend, said free agent could be in the latter stages of his career.

Moreover, the team would still owe that free agent a significant chunk of money. That’s when a potential cap crunch could befall the club. That’s why another painful season in the Windy City could be the best thing for the club’s future.

Blackhawks could be better than expected despite tough season

Mirtle quoted The Athletic’s resident expert on the Blackhawks, Scott Powers. Powers elucidated on the team’s situation, highlighting the following points:

“I think it’s between them and San Jose for the bottom of the league. The defense will be so young. Even if Bedard and Frank Nazar take significant steps, there are still questions where enough offense will come from.”

Indeed, the lack of veteran presence on the Blackhawks’ blue line could lead to major issues moving forward. Even if Spencer Knight emerges as a top-flight starting goaltender, the defense in front of him could be a major letdown.

Powers added:

“They could be better than expected because they have a lot of potential promising pieces, even in net, and new coach Jeff Blashill’s effect is unknown, but it still feels early for them to turn the corner and nearly every other team is trying to win now.”

So, the hope is that Blashill can set the tone for the club this season. That tone could hopefully lay the foundation for what could be a highly competitive club in a few seasons’ time. Meanwhile, Blackhawks fans had better strap in for what could be a very bumpy ride.