Blackhawks’ new season delivers something missing for years: Hope

Patrick Kane has returned to the Chicago Blackhawks as he prepares to begin his 20th NHL season on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 37-year-old winger will skate on the top line alongside young forwards Roman Kantserov and Oliver Moore. His return comes as the organization attempts to shift from a multi-year rebuild into a new era of competitiveness.

General manager Kyle Davidson reshaped the roster during the offseason, acquiring defenseman Bowen Byram using the No. 4 draft pick and signing him to a six-year extension with a $12.5 million cap hit. Chicago finished near the bottom of the league standings for the past four seasons, but team leadership has begun surrounding their young core with proven NHL talent.