Wake Me Up When September Ends: Blackhawks at Golden Knights Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks open their 2026-27 NHL regular season on Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas enters the campaign coming off an appearance in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final under new head coach Ryan Craig, who replaced John Tortorella. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks begin their schedule with a youthful lineup as Connor Bedard remains sidelined until approximately November due to an offseason injury.

The contest also marks the return of Patrick Kane in a Blackhawks uniform after three years away, featuring on Chicago's top line. For Vegas, Carter Hart is the projected starting goaltender despite ongoing questions regarding the team's depth in net, while young prospects Trevor Connelly and Braden Bowman are slated to skate in bottom-six forward roles.