The Blackhawks preseason schedule and players to watch

A lot is on the line entering the Chicago Blackhawks preseason this year. Thanks to Kyle Davidson’s offseason moves, the Blackhawks have plenty of players battling for roster spots.

Preseason hockey is a nice introduction to the start of a new season. For rebuilding teams, the preseason gives fans an opportunity to see some of the young players that are going to be major factors in the future of the organization.

For the Blackhawks, this preseason will be the first opportunity to see Artyom Levshunov in action. Levshunov was drafted second overall this summer by Davidson, and the organization was happy to add a future star piece to the roster. After he signed with the team this July, he is set to make an impact on the Hawks either with the team or in Rockford.

The Chicago Blackhawks 2024 Preseason Schedule:

Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Detroit Red Wings at Chicago at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27 – Chicago at Detroit Red Wings at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28 – Chicago at St. Louis Blues at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1 – Chicago at Minnesota Wild at 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 4 – Minnesota Wild at Chicago at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5 – St. Louis Blues at Chicago (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) at 7 p.m.

The Blackhawks only have two true home games this preseason on Sept. 25 and Oct. 4. The team’s final preseason game will be in a mutual site between St. Louis and Chicago at Fiserv Forum. The Blackhawks previously played the Minnesota Wild at the forum in October 2022.

The matchup against the Blues in Wisconsin will also mark the final opportunity to see the two teams faceoff until the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on Dec. 31. While the preseason isn’t the real deal, fans will have an opportunity to see how the two teams matchup.

Players to watch during the Blackhawks preseason:

As previously mentioned, Levshunov is a big player to keep an eye on this preseason. The young defenseman is going to be a big part of this team down the line and his development is critical to the organization. This preseason could determine whether or not he starts the season in the NHL or in Rockford.

Another player to keep an eye on has to be Drew Commesso. Commesso is entering his second pro season after he played 38 games with the Rockford IceHogs in 2023-24. Commesso registered a strong .906 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.65. The 22-year-old is one of the top goalies in the organizations farm system and he could very well get an opportunity with the Hawks soon.

Frank Nazar, 20, played in just three NHL games late last season after signing with the organization in April. Nazar scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in his NHL debut.

Nazar is a prospect many around the Hawks are excited about. But with so many additions this offseason by Kyle Davidson, a roster spot for Nazar to start the season might be hard to come by. The preseason will be a big moment for the young forward to make his mark. Chicago drafted Nazar 13th overall in 2022.

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