When we look back at it, the spring of 2025 will probably be seen as a turning point for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. Sure, Connor Bedard was drafted and immediately dubbed the new cornerstone of the franchise, and he’s already almost two seasons in Chicago. After Bedard’s rookie season, the Blackhawks secured numerous free agents in an attempt to turn the corner and be a better team. But they weren’t.
Ranking 31st in the league wasn’t supposed to be the plan this season. Fans, players and pundits alike were all frustrated, wondering why these Blackhawks were still so bad. Well, rebuilding takes time. And it’s still going to take time.
But there’s something about the last few weeks that’s been different. The vision seems to be a little bit more than just a vision. Stripping the franchise down to the studs, purposely tanking, collecting and acquiring a plethora of draft picks seems like it might just be paying off. Because some of the building blocks seem to have finally arrived. Let’s dissect this underlying change to the dynamic of this team.
Knight Brings Championship Mindset
In my mind, it all started with the game against the Los Angeles Kings on Mar. 3. This was goaltender Spencer Knight’s debut with the Blackhawks. Knight was part of the return from the Seth Jones trade to the Florida Panthers. He was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2019 draft, and he’s touted to be a potential elite netminder in the NHL.
The 23-year-old didn’t waste any time, asking to play immediately after arriving in Chicago. He did not disappoint, stopping 41-of-42 shots and posting a stellar .976 save percentage in a 5-1 win. He was named the No. 1 Star of the game, and rewarded the “tool belt” by his new teammates.
GOOD MORNING HAWKS FANS https://t.co/Cn8YKZ05Qv pic.twitter.com/oH3bE5ZmK9
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 4, 2025
The new netminder’s energy and confidence sparked the team. I just love his message.
“We got a good group here. You know what? It doesn’t matter if we’re f***ing first place or last, we’re gonna go win the hockey game.”
Knight comes from a winning culture with the Panthers, who raised the Stanley Cup last season. In Florida, he was in the shadow of starter Sergei Bobrovsky. But with the Blackhawks he now has a chance to be the No. 1 guy. You can tell he’s super excited about this opportunity. Just look at his smile when interviewed by Darren Pang after his debut with the Blackhawks.
Related – Blackhawks Raise Goaltending Bar With Spencer Knight Addition
This is Knight’s shot at the big-time, and I don’t think he’s planning on squandering it. He’s already a leader, and he could very likely be the Blackhawks’ goaltender of the future.
Bedard Happy With Reinforcements
With all the Blackhawks’ frustrations over the last few seasons, many feel Bedard is looking for greener pastures. This might be a little far-fetched. Bedard knew what he was getting into, and I believe he understands the rebuilding process.
That said, I’m sure Bedard is more than happy to see some young reinforcements join him this season. Players that could potentially be his teammates for years to come. Here’s Bedard on the addition of Knight.
"3-on-3's pretty fun hockey" says Connor Bedard.
— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) March 8, 2025
Agreed. pic.twitter.com/X7dMNCF6ED
“He’s a dog. I mean, he’s unreal. And just the excitement he has to be here. We’re happy to have him. He’s a stud, so I’m looking forward to future with him.”
The key here is that Knight is excited to be on his new team. Considering the player that was part of the trade to acquire Knight didn’t want to be in Chicago anymore, this is a HUGE juxtaposition. And that part about Bedard looking forward to a future with Knight; well that must be music to the ears of Blackhawks fans!
Vlasic Speaks to Blackhawks’ New Energy
When you think about the new core for this rebuilding squad, it’s hard not to consider Alex Vlasic. The young defenseman has been with the organization since the 2021-22 season, but this is just his second full season with the big club.
But what a two seasons it’s been! Vlasic seemingly went straight from being a no-name prospect to a stud on the blueline. In these past two campaigns he’s averaged 22:30 minutes of ice time, second only to the now-departed Jones. In April of 2024, The Athletic’s Harman Dayal published an article where he ranked Vlasic as the second-best shutdown defenseman in the league. In the league!!! (from ‘Who are the NHL’s best shutdown defensemen and whey are they so valuable?’, The Athletic – 4/4/24)
Vlasic’s average ice time is up to 23:41 average minutes this season, and he’s being tasked as the new No. 1 all-around defenseman, playing in all situations and currently quarterbacking the top power play unit. He also inked a shiny new six-year contract last April with a $4.6 million salary cap hit.
The cool thing is nobody really seems to be doubting Vlasic’s ability to step up. He’s just sliding right into that role as if it’s expected, which is great to see. At 23 years old, Vlasic is almost considered a veteran on this young team. After all, eight players on the current roster are younger than him, with Knight and fellow defenseman Louis Crevier being the same age. Plus, more youngsters will likely be on the roster next season. Vlasic recently commented on it.
Alex Vlasic on the Blackhawks' ongoing 3-0-2 run:
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 9, 2025
"Having the young guys here has helped a lot and bring that energy. It feels like a different environment. Everybody is playing for each other and putting their bodies on the line."
Yes, the kids are taking over. In the past few months the Blackhawks have lost veterans Taylor Hall, Jones, Craig Smith and goaltender Petr Mrazek, with younger players all taking their place. It easier right now to see the long-term vision, because the placeholders are leaving and the future building blocks are stepping in. It’s getting easier and easier for the kids to see it as their team now.
The Kids Are Having Fun
There is another cultural shift the younger generation is bringing. They all seem to be having fun out there. After the Blackhawks beat the Utah Hockey Club by a score of 4-3 on Mar. 7, 21-year-old Frank Nazar was asked about the mindset of the team. He mentioned them “coming together as a group” and also this:
“we get a glimpse of what it’s like when you win and how fun it is and how fun the league can be. So just knowing that, and going in this room just trying to get as many wins as we can.”
We must remember most of these guys are just happy to be there. They’re new to the league, and with that comes excitement and energy. And these guys are all doing it together, so they can feed off each other. Nazar is a prime example of this.
You know who's always having a good time just being a professional hockey player? Frank Nazar. Dude is always smiling, always joking around, just living his best life. You'd be surprised how rare that can be in this league, especially for young guys under so much pressure.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 12, 2025
Now, how can this not be contagious?!
19-year-old Artyom Levshunov is also known as a happy-go-lucky guy, and he joined the Blackhawks for his NHL debut on Mar. 10 against the Colorado Avalanche (yes, the speedy, high-power Avalanche). The Blackhawks were blanked 3-0, but there was still an overwhelming sense of positivity after the game.
This young squad kept up with the Avs through two periods, before making some unfortunate mistakes in the third frame that cost them the game. They managed this even with defenseman Alec Martinez leaving the game early in the first period with an undisclosed injury. Levshunov, in his NHL debut mind you, was tasked with being part of a five-D rotation with unfamiliar partners. He more than held his own, registering three shots on goal and two blocked shots in 20:55 minutes of ice time. He also manned the point on the second power play unit. He was responsible defensively and played with confidence, becoming more aggressive offensively (which is what he’s known for) as the game went on.
After this first contest, the Belarus native was asked about his shooting.
“I wish I scored a couple of times…I got more confidence after that, for sure. I had chances to score in my first game. Unfortunately, I didn’t. But, yeah, world goes on.”
Well, if that doesn’t just make you giggle. I have a feeling Levshunov will score many times as this world goes on.
Related – Blackhawks Trade Deadline Notebook: Donato, Knight, Veleno & More
Do the Blackhawks even need the veterans now? Well, of course they do. Nick Foligno, Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, Pat Maroon. They all still have a part to play and a role to fill. The experience they impart and their mentorships will be invaluable. But they’re kind of in the background now. It doesn’t feel like it’s their team anymore.
Many of the younger Blackhawks are at a very integral stage of their development. They’ve been around long enough to have a pretty good idea of the league, the systems, and what it takes for them to succeed. They’re right on the cusp, and they’re doing it together.
They’re ready to take the reins and carve their own paths. It’s definitely a fun time to be a Blackhawk’s fan!
