Roman Kantserov has a tremendous opportunity in front of him

After a rough start to the 2026-2027 campaign, the Chicago Blackhhawks have started to get their season on track this past week, with consecutive victories against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets. The main reason for this turn around is clearly the return of Connor Bedard. The captain has injected life into a team that desperately needed it.

Beyond Bedard, it is the strong play of the Blackhawks youth core that has been an encouraging sign recently. Anton Frondell and Artyom Levshunov are two young players that have taken the bull by the horns with their strong performances. Roman Kantserov is another guy who has stepped up his play, recording three goals in his last three games. Kantserov is one to watch as this season progresses, lining up on the first line with Bedard and Patrick Kane.

Roman Kantserov is in a strong position to succeed

Kantserov has a golden opportunity right in front of him to have a succesful rookie season. He has been entrusted with complementing the Blackhawks top weapons, Bedard and Kane. Playing first line minutes with two of the games best, Kantserov is well positioned to put up numbers. Not to mention, he is also being deployed on the first power play unit.

The big question coming into the season was whether or not Kantserov would be able to translate the elite form he showed in the KHL at this level. The early returns were not promising, as Kantserov could not find the scoresheet in the first five games. That is not to say there were not glimmers of a breakthrough in those games. Since then, a switch has flipped for Kantserov during this homestand. He recorded his first career goal last weekend versus the Carolina Hurricanes. He then followed that up with his first multi-goal game in the ensuing tilt.

What changed for Kantserov? One of the big differences is the addition of Bedard on his line; that has helped him significantly. Kantserov's first of two goals in Tuesday's matchup was on the power play, having the puck served to him on a silver platter by Bedard. With that goal, Kantserov became the team's first forward to record a goal on the man advantage. The Blackhawks power play projects to be much better with Bedard back in the mix and Kane now in his usual spot on the right wall.

That is not to say that all the credit for Kantserov's improvement should be given to his linemates. Kantserov deserves his flowers here; he has not shied away from the spotlight. It is not an easy task to keep up with the likes of Bedard and Kane. Nevertheless, Kantserov has not looked out of place with those two. Not just any player can thrive with those guys, it takes someone with high skill and hockey-IQ to be able to have success in that position.

The Kantserov-Bedard-Kane line has been dynamic together in their two game sampling so far. And that is the scary thing. If this trio already looks this good after two games, how much better will it get as the season develops? Going into his return game, Bedard had never played with either of Kantserov or Kane. You would not think that was the case with how the three immediately found chemistry right off the bat.

It is hard to recall the last time the Blackhawks truly had an elite top line. Bedard has been on no man's land on Chicago's top line throughout his first three seasons in the NHL. Now, it appears he has two viable wingmen for the first time in his career. It's an enticing thought to imagine what further steps Bedard can take in his game with the strongest supporting cast he has had to this point.

However, let's get back to Kantserov. Most of the attention in regards to Blackhawks rookies has been given to Frondell. This is completely understandable, considering Frondell was a third overall draft pick and already had experience in the league coming into this season. And to this point, Frondell has had the better campaign. In fact, he has arguably been this team's best player as he leads the way with six points in eight games. Most would consider him to be the Blackhawks top gun in the 2027 Calder race.

With that said, let's not rule out Kantserov in this discussion. Unlike Frondell, he does not have to worry about driving his own line down the middle. He can play the supporting role on Bedard's wing. It has already been established that Bedard works well with Kane. It may take more time to build that synergy with Kantserov based on his inexperience. Once those two start clicking, watch out. Kantserov's point totals will likely skyrocket riding shotgun with the captain.

The power play is another area that plays in Kantserov's favor here. He is being utilized on the bumper, the same psoition that he thrived at in Russia. On a first unit that includes the likes of Bedard and Kane on the flanks, Bowen Byram quarterbacking the point and Tyler Bertuzzi in the back door, Kantserov could be the secret weapon here.

Overall, most rookies don't receive the luxury of options that Kantserov has to work with right off the hop. Kantserov has everything he needs at his disposal to cook. It will be fun to see what can do.

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