Blackhawks home opener on Oct. 17 versus San Jose should feature a matchup of Bedard and Celebrini, the No. 1 draft picks of the past two years.

It won't take long for Connor Bedard to square off against Macklin Celebrini in an NHL game.

The Chicago Blackhawks 2024-25 home opener is on Thursday, Oct. 17 against the San Jose Sharks and most likely Celebrini in a matchup of the No. 1 draft picks of the past two years — and last season's teams with the two worst records. The Sharks, who finished 32nd in the NHL in 2023-24, took Celebrini as the top selection in 2024, after Chicago selected Bedard in 2023.

The contest against the Sharks starts a four-game homestand for the Blackhawks in October and follows Chicago's season-opening four-game road trip.

We don't know the name of Utah's NHL team yet, but its fans probably will recognize Bedard's in the relocated club's first regular-season game at the Delta Center on Oct. 8, 2024.

The Blackhawks and their 2014 Calder Trophy winner will again open the season on the road, starting in Salt Lake City against the Utah Hockey Club, which transferred from Arizona during the offseason. Chicago will play its first four games away from the United Center this season after launching 2023-24 with a five-game swing.

This year's opening jaunt to Utah, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary may help the Blackhawks players bond. The team has added eight free agents this week, seven of whom are new to the organization.

For the full Blackhawks 2024-25 schedule, visit: https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/release-blackhawks-announce-2024-25-season-schedule. 

Highlights of the schedule include:

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Fans can secure tickets now through Blackhawks Memberships. Very limited Full and Half season plans remain for the upcoming season, however fans can also get the benefits of Blackhawks Membership for as low as five-game ticket plans through the program’s Base level – which includes Quarter and Mini Plans, as well as all Pick ‘Em products that give fans the option to choose their own game slate. These partial plan options are expected to go on sale later in July; fans are encouraged to place their deposit now, as game slate selection and seating priority will be determined by when the deposit was received. For information, visit Blackhawks.com/Memberships.

Single-game tickets are anticipated to go on sale in early September, and the full promotional schedule will be announced at a later date.

Pre-Season Schedule

In their 2024-25 preseason schedule, the Blackhawks will play Detroit, St. Louis and Minnesota in six total games beginning at home on Sept. 25 against the Red Wings. The preseason slate is below.

2024-25 Blackhawks Preseason Games (all times Central)

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – Detroit @ Chicago – 7:00 pm

Friday, September 27, 2024 – Chicago @ Detroit – 6:00 pm

Saturday, September 28, 2024 – Chicago @ St. Louis – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 – Chicago @ Minnesota – 7:00 pm

Friday, October 4, 2024 – Minnesota @ Chicago – 7:30 pm

Saturday, October 5, 2024 – St. Louis @ Chicago – in Milwaukee