Blackhawks Couldn’t Have Had a Worse Start to the Season

The Hockey Writers argues that the Chicago Blackhawks have suffered an awful start to the 2026-27 NHL season, recording a 4-13-1 record through their first 18 games. The writer criticizes head coach Jeff Blashill and general manager Kyle Davidson, citing poor results, questionable roster moves, and an NHL-worst minus-37 goal differential as signs that the organization's ongoing rebuild is faltering.

The franchise's struggles followed significant offseason moves, including trading top draft assets for Bowen Byram and extending him on a six-year, $12.5 million AAV contract. Injuries also hindered the team, with newly named captain Connor Bedard missing four months due to shoulder surgery, overshadowing positive developments like Patrick Kane returning on a two-year, $8 million AAV deal.