The Chicago Blackhawks will get a boost this season with Connor Bedard and free-agent signings. What will this mean for their plan to eventually be competitive again? Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNDk0NTI1NTY5OTAxNjc2/usatsi_20305633_168400847_lowres.jpg] The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the busier teams in the off-season and possibly one of the most improved squads as well. The big questions for their on-ice success is how effective No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard will be in his rookie season, and how much he, Taylor Hall and other veteran additions can move the needle for Chicago. Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens analyzed Chicago as part of their Central Division preview episode of The Hockey News Podcast [https://thehockeynews.com/podcast/the-hockey-news-podcast-2023-24-nhl-season-preview-central-division]. The Chicago Blackhawks will get a boost this season with Connor Bedard and free-agent signings. What will this mean for their plan to eventually be competitive again? CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS 2022-23 Result: 26-49-7, 59 PTS, 8th in Central, 30th in NHL Key Additions: Connor Bedard (C), Ryan Donato (C), Taylor Hall (LW), Nick Foligno (LW), Corey Perry (RW) Key Departures: Jonathan Toews (C), Jujhar Khaira (LW), Anders Bjork Caleb Jones (D), Alex Stalock (G) FURTHER READING NHL Prospect Overview [https://thehockeynews.com/news/2023-24-nhl-prospect-pool-overview-chicago-blackhawks]: Tony Ferrari examines the strengths and weaknesses of the Chicago Blackhawks' prospect pool. The prospect expert also analyzes the 2023 NHL draft class, other notable players, and the next players he thinks are most likely to graduate to the top team. NHL Hot Seat Radar [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-hot-seat-radar-2023-chicago-blackhawks]: Adam Proteau has Taylor Hall under pressure to improve his value as someone who can support Bedard or someone who the Hawks can sell to a Cup contender down the line. NHL Off-Season Outlook [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-off-season-outlook-chicago-blackhawks-should-keep-up-the-deep-dish-rebuild]: Earlier this summer, Adam Proteau examined the biggest needs and positives for the Blackhawks heading into the off-season. Did their summer additions check everything on the list? The Hockey News Yearbook [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]: Check out the in-depth preview for all 32 NHL teams, as well as their projected finish in the standings and much more. Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine and get a free issue at THN.com/Free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. The Hockey News’ Chicago Blackhawks Team Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/]: Check out the latest news, rumors, analysis and more all about the Blackhawks at THN.com/Chicago.
