Teuvo Teräväinen (Brian Cassella/ Chicago Tribune)
After a rough 2023-24 season, the Chicago Blackhawks appear to be making serious progress in putting together a competitive team for the 2024-25 season. While it would be nice to see higher end talent being acquired, the Hawks have picked up a number of players that should help the team immediately.
More goal scoring help is on the way
Last season, despite Connor Bedard‘s brilliance, the Blackhawks were last in the NHL in goals scored. The Hawks traded for Ilya Mikheyev and added free agents Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen. Bertuzzi and Terevainen each scored over 20 goals last season and Mikheyev is considered a solid two-way player who scored 21 goals three seasons ago.
These three guys should upgrade the team.
There’s help for the defense too
Last year’s starting goalie, Petr Mrázek did a great job under duress last season. However, backup goalie, Arvid Soderblom was clearly in over his head. The Hawks signing of free agent goalie, Laurent Brossoit should be a huge improvement. Brossoit went 15-5-2 with a 2.00 goals-against average with the Winnipeg Jets last season.
Additionally, 36-year-old defenseman Alec Martinez brings a veteran presence to the backline. He has seen his best days but could be marginally helpful this season.
Winger Pat Maroon and center Craig Smith could help in a fourth line capacity. Smith scored 11 goals with the Stars last season, which would look pretty good on the Hawks team.
Which young guys will contribute next season?
The Hawks first draft pick, and the second overall pick in the draft was Artyom Levshunov, a big defenseman with a right-handed shot. Levshunov played college hockey at Michigan State.
While the Hawks allegedly have a loaded farm system, how much help the young guys will provide in the upcoming season remains to be seen.
But at least there is a basis for hope.
