Projecting the Blackhawks' lineup for next season after a quiet start to free agency

The Chicago Blackhawks did not make the major additions that many had expected them to make going into this offseason. Fans are debating whether that is the right or wrong decision, but it seems this upcoming season will truly be where the young talent takes the reins and let the youth movement truly begin in Chicago.

Deciding to put more trust in the young players likely comes after seeing how much more competitive the team played in the final games of the season against teams in or around the playoff hunt. Players such as Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar put the team on their shoulders and elevated their game while newcomers Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel fit right in and proved themselves from the get-go.

The main offseason moves thus far for the Blackhawks have been extending Ryan Donato to a four-year $16 million contract and trading for two-time Stanley Cup Champion Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken. Donato staying in the fold is what many fans wanted to see as he not only had a breakout season, but seems like a positive locker room presence for the young players and is someone who can play anywhere in the lineup and puts the effort in every shift.

Along with Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier, and Arvid Soderblom all receiving qualifying offers from the team, it sounds as though Kyle Davidson is comfortable with the roster he has right now.

This is what could be the Blackhawks' starting lineup for the start of the 2025-26 season...

Absent from the forward group in this version of the Blackhawks' lineup are Oliver Moore, Nick Lardis, and Ryan Greene.

Despite how he looked at the end of last season, it would not be surprising if the Blackhawks sent those three to the Rockford IceHogs (AHL) to start the season and call them up to the NHL if they prove they ready for the next step in their development, similar to Frank Nazar's path this past season.

In the top six, Bedard and Donato reunite on the top line alongside Burakovsky. The newly acquired winger saw a dip in production during this past season with Seattle, but is a skilled playmaker who will be given a larger role and the chance to bounce back on the Blackhawks this season.

Lukas Reichel seems like he may end up being the odd man out, but the 23-year old will likely get the opportunity to prove himself to the new coaching staff before any other decisions are made regarding his future, unless a move is to take place between now and October.

As for the defense, Sam Rinzel looks poised to play a major role on the Blackhawks this season alongside Alex Vlasic. The question mark of the blueline is whether Artyom Levshunov is ready for the NHL full-time. As of right now, he slots in on the third pair which places Louis Crevier as the seventh defenseman.

Kevin Korchinski does not appear on this lineup as it seems he may need more time to develop in the AHL in order to round out his game. Ideally, he would be a match for Connor Murphy, playing alongside a steady shutdown defender would allow him to play more freely as a puck-mover and play to his strengths. In this case, that role is filled by Wyatt Kaiser who showed improvements last season after spending a stint in the AHL.

There are still a lot of questions surrounding certain players within the organization, and a strong training camp from players like Moore and Lardis could result in chances to who makes the opening night lineup.