Top 5 Takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks 2024-25 NHL Season

The Chicago Blackhawks concluded their 2024-25 season with a 4-3 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators Tuesday. The victory gave them a 25-46-11 record, finishing last in the Central Division.

According to the Tankathon standings, the Blackhawks hold the second-best odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Despite the struggling season, there were standout moments and glimpses of the team's bright future.

Here are the top five moments from the Blackhawks 2024-25 season.

1. Youth movement and NHL debuts

The top storyline from this season was the emergence of the Blackhawks' young talent displayed in the second half.

University of Minnesota players Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel made their NHL debuts in a 5-2 loss to Utah Hockey Club on March 30. Forward Ryan Greene joined the lineup while Frank Nazar had an impact, scoring the overtime game-winner against the Ottawa Senators in the season finale.

Players like Landon Slaggert, Kevin Korchinski, and Artyom Levshunov were called up, signaling hope for Chicago's rebuild.

2. Spencer Knight's stellar debut

Who can forget the debut Spencer Knight had for the Blackhawks?

Acquired from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Seth Jones, Knight stopped all 41 shots faced in a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on March 3. He became just the fourth goalie in Blackhawks history to make 40 saves or more in his first game with the team.

3. Ryan Donato's Career-High Season

Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato had a breakout season, finishing with a career-high 62 points (31 goals, 31 assists) in 80 games. Donato, who's in the final season of his two-year, $2 million contract was a steady offensive force all year.

His future in Chicago remains uncertain as he heads into free agency this offseason.

4. Veterans Alec Martinez and Pat Maroon hang up the skates

Veteran forward Patrick Maroon announced his retirement on March 22 before the Hawks' game against his hometown St. Louis Blues.

The Blues honored Maroon with a tribute video and standing ovation. He was named the game's first star in the Blackhawks' 4-1 loss. Maroon, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, concluded his career with 323 points (126 goals, 197 assists) in 848 games.

Defenseman Alec Martinez announced his retirement on April 12 before the Blackhawks' final home game against the Winnipeg Jets. Martinez, also a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, played his final NHL game that night alongside Pat Maroon.

Both veterans received video tributes, a standing ovation, and a handshake line from the Jets during the game.

5. Connor Bedard hits 100 career points

Connor Bedard hit the 100-point mark on January 13 in the Hawks' 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. He reached the milestone in just 112 games, the fastest by a teenager since Sidney Crosby. Bedard led the team with 44 assists and 67 points this season.

Bonus: The Bedard-Nazar duo

The midseason pairing of Bedard and Nazar provided a glimpse into the future. Their chemistry could one day mirror the dynamic duo of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Looking Ahead

During the exit interviews, Connor Bedard expressed his commitment to staying in Chicago and being a part of the team's rebuild.

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said "I don't know how I can be optimistic about where we're headed," emphasizing the challenges the team still faces despite its promising young core.

One thing's for sure: With the young talent that emerged in the second half, the Blackhawks have reason to feel good heading into the offseason and heading and next year.