After a dismal 2023-2024 NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to turn things around in the upcoming 2024-2025 season. General Manager Kyle Davidson is focused on leading the team out of the bottom of the league standings and back to prominence.
One player who will be crucial to the Blackhawks’ success in the upcoming season is Lukas Reichel. Despite the team’s struggles, Reichel had a strong showing in the AHL, recording 8 points in 10 games with the Rockford IceHogs. His performance earned him a two-year contract extension with the Hawks, showcasing the organization’s confidence in him. Reichel’s performance in the 2024-2025 season will be key in determining his future with the team.
Another player who will need to step up in the upcoming season is Seth Jones. Jones has seen his performance decline in each of his three seasons with the Blackhawks, culminating in just 31 points in 67 games last season. Despite being considered a top-4 defenseman, Jones’ production has not lived up to his hefty $9.5 million annual salary. He will need to have a big season in 2024-2025 to justify his contract and help the team succeed.
Kevin Korchinski is another player who will be under the spotlight in the upcoming season. As a rookie last year, Korchinski struggled to adjust to the NHL level of play, leading to defensive struggles throughout the season. With improvements to the Blackhawks’ defensive core and competition from prospects, Korchinski will need to show significant progress in his game to secure a spot on the roster.
At just 20 years old, Korchinski has time to develop and improve his game, whether that be in the NHL or AHL. The Blackhawks have options for his development, but Korchinski will need to prove himself and demonstrate that he belongs at the NHL level.
Overall, the 2024-2025 season will be a crucial one for the Chicago Blackhawks as they look to bounce back from a disappointing year. With key players like Reichel, Jones, and Korchinski needing to step up, the team will be eager to show improvement and climb up the standings in the upcoming season.
