The Chicago Blackhawks 2023-24 season ended with the hopes of the 2024-25 season being much better.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson wanted to make the team more competitive and be a reason the fans packed the United Center every home game. With a busy off-season, he may have done just that.
Chicago finished last season with a record of 23-53-6 for 52 points. That record would place them last in the Central Division of the Western Conference and need of a new direction.
The free agency period would prove to be crucial as the Blackhawks put their focus on not only improving this team but also improving their place in the standings in the upcoming season.
The Chicago Blackhawks had a big summer and should be better in 2024-25
Davidson went out and brought in several free agents to make this team more competitive. New forwards to the team include LW Teuvo Teravainen, RW Craig Smith, LW Pat Maroon, and LW Tyler Bertuzzi.
T.J. Brodie, Alec Martinez, and Artyom Levshunov may give the defense a new look, and goaltender Laurent Brossoit will battle Petr Mrazek for the starter job between the pipes when he is healthy.
Is this now a group that can push for a Stanley Cup? No, but they now have a roster that is improved and that should improve their place in the standings. Davidson did not add any elite talent or players with big contracts.
However, he did go out and add players who can add scoring to the forward group, players who have stability to the defense, and a goaltender who can push for the number one spot. He spent money wisely and upgraded his roster which should be above average this season.
They will likely miss the playoffs but do not be surprised if they have a push at some point during the 2024-25 season and improve their overall stats.
This version of the Blackhawks is better as their team is more suited to compete, but they still have a ways to go to be contenders. Another year of star forward Connor Bedard should also help, as he produced as expected last season, winning the Rookie of the Year Award.
With proven scorers throughout their careers now in the lineup, this could help Bedard's numbers and development as he continues to grow into an elite player.