Blackhawks fast‑track rebuild with Bowen Byram and Patrick Kane

After three straight seasons near the bottom of the NHL standings, the Chicago Blackhawks are changing their approach to the rebuild. Coming off a 31st-place finish and frustrated by slow progress from several high draft picks on defence, general manager Kyle Davidson has chosen to be far more aggressive heading into 2026-27.

Big swing for Bowen Byram on the blue line

The headline move is a blockbuster for defenceman Bowen Byram. Chicago sent the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 draft, defender Louis Crevier and a second-round pick in exchange for the 25-year-old blueliner, who is coming off a promising 42-point season in Buffalo. The Blackhawks immediately doubled down by handing Byram a six-year contract worth $75 million, carrying a $12.5-million average annual value.

That investment reflects disappointment with the development curve of their recent draft class on defence. Kevin Korchinski, selected seventh overall in 2022, has yet to secure a full-time NHL role and has spent the last two seasons in the AHL. He is expected to get one more opportunity this year, made more urgent by the fact he would require waivers to be sent back down. Artyom Levshunov, the second-overall pick in 2024, also endured a difficult adjustment in his first season in North America, though he was only 20 years old.

On the positive side, Alex Vlasic has emerged as a stabilizing presence. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound defender does not produce big offensive numbers, but his reliable play in his own zone led to him logging the most ice time on the team last season.

Kane returns, Bedard sidelined, Frondell emerging

Up front, Davidson tapped into franchise history by bringing back Patrick Kane. Approaching his 38th birthday, Kane showed he can still drive offence, posting 57 points in 67 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings. His presence should help guide a young core still searching for a winning identity.

Chicago will have to start the year without its most dynamic forward, however. Connor Bedard is expected to miss the opening months after undergoing shoulder surgery, removing a key piece from the Blackhawks’ attack and putting added pressure on the supporting cast.

One player who could seize that opportunity is Anton Frondell. Taken third overall in 2025, the Swedish forward made an immediate impact with 9 points in 12 games after joining Chicago late last season. He projects as one of the leading contenders for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and could quickly become central to the Blackhawks’ offence.

Internal growth will decide how far Chicago moves

Behind these headliners, the play of goaltender Spencer Knight looms large. Entering his second full NHL season at age 25, Knight’s ability to provide steadier goaltending could be crucial for a team still breaking in young defencemen.

For the Blackhawks, 2026-27 shapes up as a pivotal season. Between the massive bet on Byram, Kane’s return, Bedard’s early absence and Frondell’s rise, Chicago is banking on a mix of bold moves and internal development to finally shift the rebuild from long-term promise to visible progress in the standings.