Blackhawks Young Guns Looking For Breakout Seasons

After eight straight years without a playoff berth, Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson is banking on his young core to take charge and change the team’s direction as the 2025-26 NHL season approaches.

In an interview with Bleacher Nation, Davidson said about his young players:

“I think it’s a meaningful step from not having any of them here, or just a very small subset of our drafted prospects here over the last couple of years, to where we’re starting to see them almost take over this team.”

He added,

“We still have a veteran-laden roster, but there’s going to be a much larger contingent of young players that could be here for a very long time breaking camp with us this year.”

Leaning on his prospects after big-name players like forwards Mitch Marner and Nikolai Ehlers found new homes in free agency hasn’t sat well with Blackhawks fans. But could Davidson’s plan be exactly what Chicago needs to succeed?

When the Blackhawks were rebuilding in the early to mid-2000s, management took its time developing and playing young stars to create early team chemistry and gain NHL experience.

Before long, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Corey Crawford, Niklas Hjalmarsson, and the rest of the 2000s prospects had created a dynasty. That is what Davidson is aiming to replicate with his current crop of young talent.

Now, knowing that Davidson wants his young core to take the team to the top, certain players will need to break out this season and show the hockey world their true potential.

Connor Bedard:

The most obvious breakout candidate is 20-year-old phenom Connor Bedard. In just two seasons, he’s already made his mark, winning the Calder Trophy as a rookie with 22 goals and 61 points, then following it up with 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points last year. Strong numbers, but for a former No. 1 overall pick, Chicago fans expect even more.

One area holding him back is his size and strength. Much like Patrick Kane when he entered the league, Bedard is smaller and lighter than many of his opponents. At 5’10” and 185 pounds, he can get knocked off the puck and struggle in board battles. But that’s a fixable challenge, as a few more pounds of muscle could elevate his game to another level. His commitment, drive, and love for the game already set him apart from most others in the league.

There’s no question Bedard has the skillset to become one of the NHL’s brightest stars. He’s embarrassed defenders with dazzling stickhandling, scored highlight-reel goals against elite goaltenders, and flashed playmaking vision reminiscent of Kane. As he continues to grow physically and refine his game, the league should brace for the full force of Bedard’s talent, because every time he touches the puck, something special feels inevitable.

Spencer Knight:

An exciting piece of Chicago’s puzzle, 24-year-old goaltender Spencer Knight has a lot to prove after his dazzling performances last season. 

Acquired in March from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Seth Jones, Knight shined immediately with the Blackhawks, posting a 42-save win in his first game. Although he had a sub-.900 save percentage in his 15 games with Chicago in 2025, there’s no doubt this young netminder is the team’s future.

One aspect of his game that stands out is his ability to consistently make tough saves. Last year, he ranked first among goalies in save percentage on high-danger shots, posting .859. Knight excels at taking away the net in close with his angles and butterfly style. 

His lower body is strong and flexible, and he uses it every game to frustrate opponents. Add in his impeccable hockey IQ, the ability to read plays before they happen and always know where everyone is on the ice, and Knight is a force between the pipes.

After backing up Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida for four years, Knight is ready to step into a starting role and help bring Chicago back to the playoffs. He is poised to be one of the team’s most consistent and talented players this season.

Frank Nazar:

Another young forward likely to break out is former Michigan Wolverine Frank Nazar. Nazar, 21, played just three games in 2023 but scored his first NHL goal against Carolina’s Pyotr Kochetkov. He returned to the Hawks in the 2024-25 season, playing 53 games and recording 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points, including four power-play points.

Nazar’s game is defined by his skating, puck movement, and patience. Like Bedard, he measures 5’10” and 190 pounds, and his agility and skating ability stand out immediately. Just one shift shows how much he focuses on being an elite skater.

One of Nazar’s more underrated qualities is his vision. He’s always looking for open ice, whether with a pass or by moving the puck himself. Many young players panic and move the puck too quickly, but Nazar scans options before making decisions and isn’t afraid to take a hit to make a play.

Nazar has flown under the radar while Bedard often steals the spotlight. Even at 21, he puts himself and his teammates in positions to succeed. From offensive zone entries and breakout passes to patience on the power play, his hockey IQ is advanced for his age. He looks like the perfect playmaker to pair with Connor Bedard.

With over half a season of NHL experience under his belt, the Blackhawks expect Nazar to make a major leap this year.

Looking Ahead

Chicago’s future hinges on the development of this young core. Bedard’s star power, Knight’s goaltending, and Nazar’s playmaking could combine to give the Blackhawks a dynamic foundation for success. If these prospects take the next step this season, Davidson’s strategy of leaning on youth could finally end Chicago’s eight-year playoff drought and set the stage for a return to contention.

The 2025-26 season won’t just be about wins and losses, it will be a showcase of how the Blackhawks’ next generation of stars is ready to stake their claim in the NHL.