Dietz: Ten thoughts on the Blackhawks’ season
In the world of poker, the best bluffers leave their opponents befuddled and baffled en route to bulldozing their way to title after title.
Pretty soon we'll know if Kyle from Chicago — aka Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson — was channeling his inner Daniel Negreanu or if he was simply telling the truth when he told reporters Thursday that “in all likelihood” significant additions will not be made this off-season.
GMs rarely tip their hand when speaking to the media so it's tough to take Davidson at his word. (I always go back to Stan Bowman telling a reporter the Hawks weren't close to making a deal just before the 2016 deadline. The next day, he sent Phillip Danault to the Flyers for Tomas Fleischmann and Dale Weise).
However, let's assume Davidson was being truthful. I actually don't mind the Hawks waiting one more year to go all in because of the depth of the 2026 free-agent class. Then he can go after a combination of Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Cale Makar, Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor.
Imagine the possibilities if he adds two of them.
Boom. Instant contenders.
Hawk for life?
At his end-of-season presser Thursday, Connor Bedard surprised no one by saying all the right things about wanting to stay in Chicago.
“People who know me know I love to be here and really trust the direction we’re going,” said the second-year forward, who finished with 23 goals and 44 assists. “If you get the first overall pick, you’re probably not winning the Cup the next two years. It’s an understanding of where you’re at.
“We’re in a process of growing and learning and that’s an exciting time. When you lose, it makes winning a lot sweeter once you get there, so we’re excited for that.”
Bedard is eligible to sign an extension July 1, something he said he hasn't thought much about.
“I don’t even know what to expect with that — you have the conversations and stuff and see — but I’m not too worried about any of that.
“(I have a) great relationship (with Davidson) and I know I want to be here for a long time.”
That's good news for Hawks fans. But trust me, the rumor mill will start swirling if no extension is signed before training camp.
Speed demon
Of all the newbies, nobody impressed me more than Frank Nazar. The fleet-footed forward found ways to flip the ice dozens of times during his 53 games. He finished with 12 goals and 14 assists.
And unlike other speedsters like Andreas Athanasiou and Viktor Stalberg, Nazar appears to have the finish necessary to become a 25-goal scorer and the defensive awareness to become a 200-foot player.
Bottom line: Watch out. This kid might become a star.
“He’s been unbelievable, how much better he’s getting every game,” Bedard told reporters after the Hawks' season finale at Ottawa. “Just the way he uses his speed and he thinks the game so well. Guys get pushed back when he’s out there. His growth has been remarkable in the last … 20 games.”
Experience necessary
Something to keep in mind with goaltenders Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom: Neither had much experience in the minors, college or overseas before being promoted to the NHL.
Normally, you want goalies playing hundreds of games at those levels before being tabbed a full-time NHL goaltender. It's a concern. And it could be an organizational blunder you can't reverse.
Anger “Mis-Management” classes
Memo to the Hawks' defensemen: Find your inner Pat Maroon in the coming years. You can't allow opponents free runs at the net without making them pay a price. Get physical. Drop the gloves at times. And make foes think twice before entering the prime scoring areas.
Finnish Cold
Teuvo Teravainen got off to a slow start but ended up with 15 goals and 43 assists. As an offensive forward, however, he needs to improve on those numbers, as well as his paltry 8 goals at even strength — the second-lowest total of his career.
Center of attention
The Hawks must get bigger down the middle. Blazing speed is wonderful, as is the ability to make defenders look silly. But you also need to win board battles, deliver bone-crunching hits and stop the other team in the defensive zone.
And let's be clear: Finding uber-talented, 6-foot-2, 210-pound centermen is like finding the proverbial pot of gold. But GM Kyle Davidson needs to do his best to make one magically appear.
Will he stay or will he go?
It's been awfully quiet on the Ryan Donato front and it looks like he'll test free agency in the summer. The hardworking forward finished with career highs in goals (31), assists (31) and points (62).
So what is Donato worth? Two reporters at a recent practice thought a three-year, $12 million deal was fair, but Donato is likely looking for more — especially with the salary cap exploding in the next two years.
It would be nice to retain the 29-year-old, but Davidson should be careful not to get into a bidding war.
Citizen Kane?
The odds of Davidson signing Patrick Kane this off-season are slim to none. But what about for the 2026-27 campaign? How nice would it be to see Kane play his final season in Chicago?
Make him the captain and let him mentor Connor Bedard.
A pipe dream? Perhaps. But Davidson should at least consider the possibility.
TV, please
Perhaps the Hawks will soon remember it's not 1985 and fix the television debacle with Comcast. (You too, White Sox and Bulls). The inability to watch those teams without jumping through significant hoops is ridiculous.
Figure it out, everybody.
John Dietz worked at the Daily Herald from 1998-2024, covering the Blackhawks from 2014-24. You can reach him at jdietz6917@hotmail.com.