In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren take a sobering look at the Chicago Blackhawks, a franchise still in the early stages of a rebuild despite having Connor Bedard, the most hyped first-overall pick in years.

Chicago finished last in the Central Division for a third straight season and posted just 61 points in 2024–25. With few meaningful additions and continued roster instability, Neil and Vic examine whether this team has moved forward at all—or if it's still stalled at the starting line.

The hosts break down puzzling offseason decisions by GM Kyle Davidson, including the $46.2 million contract extension for Frank Nazar, who has barely touched NHL ice, and the team's inability to retain Philipp Kurashev. With questionable signings like Andre Burakovsky, Sam Lafferty, and Jordan Harris, the team appears no closer to contention.

Despite Bedard’s individual offensive production (22G, 39A in Year 1; 23G, 44A in Year 2), he has a combined -80 rating over two seasons, and lacks a true support cast. They also explore what new head coach Jeff Blashill can realistically achieve with a bottom-tier roster and whether defense-first hockey is even viable given Bedard’s weaknesses without the puck.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] A three-year rebuild with no traction

[00:38] Frank Nazar’s shocking extension

[01:00] Reviewing Chicago’s minimal offseason moves

[02:00] Bedard vs. Celebrini: Are fans already second-guessing the pick?

[03:00] Connor Bedard’s playmaking—and defensive lapses

[04:00] Veterans lost: Pat Maroon & Alec Martinez retire

[04:32] Can Jeff Blashill fix anything in Year 1?

[05:30] Where is the leadership and scoring help?

[06:00] Blue line depth—or lack thereof

[07:00] Goaltending preview: Soderblom vs. Spencer Knight

[08:30] Reality check: Can this team compete?

[09:30] Should Chicago shift to a defense-first system?

[11:00] Why fans may have to wait even longer for progress.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Connor Bedard can’t carry this team on his own. While his offensive numbers are strong, his defensive game has drawn league-wide criticism.

The Frank Nazar contract ($6.6M x 7 years starting 2026–27) raises serious concerns about Chicago’s salary strategy and projection risks.

Despite a few gritty offseason additions, Chicago lacks scoring depth, defensive reliability, and veteran leadership.

Jeff Blashill’s first year behind the bench may be defined more by survival than success.

Chicago will likely compete for another lottery pick rather than a playoff spot, with fan patience wearing thin.

RESOURCE LINKS:

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X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

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