Five Chicago Blackhawks Bold Predictions for the 2024-25 NHL Season

The Chicago Blackhawks got their first taste of NHL action on Tuesday night in Utah during a 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. While the first game might not have gone Chicago’s way, there is still plenty of hockey to go this season.

Eighty-two games is a long season. From now until April, Blackhawks fans will have plenty to talk about over the course of the season. With opening night in the rearview mirror, let’s look at some early bold predictions for the Blackhawks.

Every team enters the season with hope of winning, but only half of the league can make the postseason and only one ends the season with the Stanley Cup. With predictions being made all around the league, today I want to focus on a few individual players first before we dive into how the Hawks could finish the season.

Connor Bedard puts up 100 points.

The pressure is on for Connor Bedard entering his sophomore season. After a strong rookie season winning the Calder Trophy and registering 61 points (22 G – 39 A) in 68 games, Bedard is ready to take his game to the next level.

Bedard has improved players around him this season, and it looks like General Manager Kyle Davidson is ready to see some improved play on the ice. Bedard will get to 100 points this season. Last night, he started strong with two points in game one. Chicago’s office runs through Bedard, there is little doubt he is going to be registering points on a nightly basis.

Teuvo Teravainen surpasses 35 goals.

The Blackhawks and Teuvo Teravainan were a match made in heaven this offseason. For the Blackhawks, Teravainen provides a linemate for Connor Bedard. A skilled player who can help take Bedard to the next level finishing on some scoring chances along the way.

For Teravainen, the Blackhawks provided an opportunity to play on the top line. Chicago is utilizing Teravainen more so then his role in Carolina ever permitted. While Teravainen was a good player on a good team in Carolina, he has an opportunity to be one of the faces of the offense in Chicago.

It did not take long for Bedard and Teravainen to connect in a game either. Teravainen is already one goal down to this 35 goal prediction.

The Chicago #Blackhawks first goal of the season!

Teuvo Teravainen after a great setup from Connor Bedard

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨pic.twitter.com/6mPtCquhRf

— Jim Lynch (@JimRLynch) October 9, 2024

Teravainen’s best offensive season came last year for the Hurricanes. In 76 games, he registered 25 goals. Playing a bigger role on a line with Bedard and on the top power play unit could get Teravainen to the 35 goal mark.

MORE: Teuvo Teravainen returns to a familiar Blackhawks team with new faces

Kevin Korchinski will be with the Blackhawks by the end of the season.

Kevin Korchinski will benefit from time to improve his game in Rockford. Away from the spotlight of the NHL, Korchinski has the opportunity to play meaningful minutes on a competitive IceHogs team while still being in contact with the Blackhawks management.

Korchinski seems like a shoe in to get some time in the NHL at some point this season. Should injuries arise on the blue line, Korchinski should be one of the first defensemen called up. The IceHogs kick off the 2024-25 AHL Season in Grand Rapids this Saturday. CHN will keep you up to date with the latest news on the Blackhawks prospects in Rockford.

The Lukas Reichel dilemma will be over – one way or another.

Lukas Reichel started the season as a healthy scratch in Utah, that hurts the Blackhawks. Davidson and the organization expected Reichel to be taking a big step on this team for the rebuild to reach the next level.

So far, Reichel hasn’t found his game. One way or another this problem will be over by the end of the season. Either Reichel will find his game and be the top six forward the organization is hoping for, or the Hawks may have to trade him giving him a fresh start on a new team.

The Blackhawks will finish the season outside of last place in the Central Division.

The Blackhawks are not going to leap into playoff contention in 2024-25, but the team may leapfrog a divisional opponent when the season has come to a close.

The last two seasons, the Blackhawks have finished in last place in the Central Division. With the improvements the Blackhawks made during the offseason, it looks like Chicago might be a tougher opponent. I believe the team will finish outside of last place in the Central, potentially making the Winter Classic against St. Louis all the more meaningful as the two divisional rivals battle for position in the standings.

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