Preview: 2024/2025 'Hawks

The Chicago Blackhawks kick off the 2024/2025 season tonight in Salt Lake City versus the league's new expansion team the Utah Hockey Club, and fans hope the results will be drastically different from last year.

The big picture: The 'Hawks are in at least their third rebuilding season under head coach Luke Richardson, but they haven't made the playoffs since 2020. Even with star Connor Bedard, the team finished dead last in the Central Division (23-53-6) last year.

Context: The team will rely on Bedard, fresh off winning the Calder Trophy (hockey's rookie of the year).

• The young forward spent a good chunk of last season injured after a nasty hit on the ice led to jaw surgery.

The intrigue: The 'Hawks had a hard time protecting Bedard last year, who has become the frequent target for opposing cross-checks.

• Enter "Big Rig." Pat Maroon is a 6-foot-3, 234-pound forward who towers over other players on the ice. The former Minnesota Wild enforcer's job will be to dissuade opponents from bullying Bedard.
• The Blackhawks also signed forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen to bring veteran leadership.

Yes, but: In what is probably a signal that the 'Hawks still consider themselves rebuilding, they will likely ship rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov, the second overall pick in this year's draft, to Rockford to play in the minor leagues for most of the season. He's currently recovering from a foot injury.

Between the lines: Another bottom-dweller season could try the patience of even the most die-hard fans.

Where to watch: The game tonight will be televised on ESPN at 9pm. The team's new Chicago Sports Network has yet to secure a broadcast deal with Comcast or YouTube TV, leaving most Chicago-area fans worried about where they'll watch the next game.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct head coach Luke Richardson's last name.