One of the Blackhawks' biggest weaknesses could become their biggest strength in 2026-27

In 2025-2026, the Blackhawks' power play was predictable, and skaters were reluctant to shoot the puck. This was evident by the 16.6% success rate, which finished 28th in the league. The additions of Patrick Kane and Bowen Byram will have an immediate impact on the power play and will increase the depth of the top two units.

Powerplay Forward Units

The forward units on the power play will see a good combination of rookies, young players, and veterans. Rookies Roman Kantserov and Anton Frondell will both see time on the power play during the course of the season. We will most likely see Frondell in front of the net or in a bumper position. He can utilize his 6'1" frame and slick hands to screen the goalie and deflect the puck in front of the crease. Kantserov will most likely see time along the wing to use his creativity and wrist shots to put the puck on net.

Connor Bedard and Nick Lardis will mainly be used as shot options on the power play. These two will be responsible for getting the puck on net more than any other skaters on the ice. Last year, we often saw prime scoring chances passed up for the perfect pass that would eventually be intercepted. The coaching staff needs to hammer home the "shoot first" mentality for this special-teams unit to be successful.

Tyler Bertuzzi, who made a living in front of the net last year with his career-high of 11 power-play goals, needs to replicate that formula for 2026-2027. The addition of Patrick Kane will elevate everyone around him, and we will hopefully see the chemistry that he had with Artemi Panarin and Alex DeBrincat carry over to Bedard. Frank Nazar and Teuvo Teravainen will round out the units as they both bring their well-rounded offensive game to the table.

Possible power-play line combinations (once Bedard is healthy):

1st Unit:
Net front: Tyler Bertuzzi
Wings: Connor Bedard and Patrick Kane
Bumper position: Frank Nazar

2nd Unit:
Net front: Anton Frondell
Wings: Roman Kantserov and Teuvo Teravainen
Bumper Position: Nick Lardis

Powerplay Defenseman

This offseason, general manager Kyle Davidson made a big trade for Bowen Byram that left many wondering if the price was too high. No matter the cost, there will be big skates for Byram to fill as the number one defenseman and power play quarterback for the first unit. The 25-year-old had a career year in power-play points last year, and he will be looked to eclipse that mark again in 2026-2027. Like Buffalo, Byram will now have top talent to rely on as he should rack up assists with ease on the power play.

The Blackhawks will have options and time to see who emerges as the second-unit defenseman. It will most likely be either Artyom Levshunov or Sam Rinzel. Both young defensemen went through their share of growing pains last year as they bounced up and down from Rockford as they attempted to learn the NHL game. Levshunov showed flashes of brilliance last year while also making some of the biggest turnovers and head-scratching passes. Rinzel seemed to be the steadier of the two as he looks to take a big step this year.

I will look for the Blackhawks to be greatly improved on the power play during the 2026-2027 season to perhaps even finish in the top ten of the NHL. That being said, I can also see the team leading the league in short-handed goals allowed. However, for this season, I think I can speak for Blackhawks fans everywhere when I say: for the love of all that is good, please stop using the "push-em back" entry.

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