A PGP Guide to the Chicago Blackhawks

A PGP Guide to the Chicago Blackhawks

The Basics

Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Conference: Western

Division: Central

Arena: United Center

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Founded: 1926

Team Colors: Red, black & white

Stanley Cups: 6 — 1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015

Biggest Rivals: St. Louis Blues & Detroit Red Wings

Chicago joined the NHL in 1926 and is one of the league’s Original Six franchises. The Blackhawks have six Stanley Cups, but if you started watching hockey in the 2010s, you probably just remember them winning a lot.

The Origin Story

The Blackhawks entered the NHL in 1926 as an Original Six team, making them one of the oldest teams in hockey. The original owner chose the name in reference to the Army division he served with during World War I, which was known as the Blackhawk Division. The franchise actually used “Black Hawks” as two words for decades before officially changing it to “Blackhawks” in 1986. Chicago comes with almost a century of hockey history ranging from old arenas and Hall of Famers to legendary rivalries, decades of suffering, multiple dynasties and enough history to fill an entire separate guide.

They also have one of the most recognizable brands in the sport. Even people who know absolutely nothing about hockey usually recognize a Blackhawks jersey. The logo has featured a  Native American profile for most of its history and has become one of the most recognizable logos in hockey. It has also been the subject of criticism and ongoing debate over the use of Native imagery in sports. The Blackhawks have kept the name and logo, but the organization has made changes in how it handles Native imagery, including ending the use of headdresses at home games and working with Native American organizations on education and community initiatives.

The Vibe Check

The Blackhawks are currently living through one of the strangest combinations possible. They have a historic franchise, but are going through a rebuild through players like Connor Bedard, but then they also just brought back a Hawks legend, Patrick Kane. For most of the 2010s, Chicago was the NHL team. They were glamorous, dominant and absolutely everywhere. Then that era ended, the roster was dismantled and the organization committed to a full rebuild. Now, the franchise is trying to become relevant again with an extremely young core, except one of the biggest stars from the old dynasty just walked back through the door.

The History You Need to Know

The Blackhawks' history is basically several completely different franchises living inside the same organization.

Chicago won its first Stanley Cup in 1934 and another in 1938. The franchise then built one of its most famous generations around players like Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Glenn Hall and Pierre Pilote, eventually winning another Cup in 1961.

Then, for 49 years, there was nothing. Chicago still produced huge stars and had competitive teams, but the Stanley Cup drought stretched from 1961 all the way to 2010. At one point the franchise had become so irrelevant locally that ESPN famously ranked the Blackhawks the worst franchise in professional sports in 2004.

Then the organization drafted Jonathan Toews third overall in 2006 and Patrick Kane first overall in 2007, and everything changed. Within a few years, Chicago went from one of hockey’s saddest franchises to its defining dynasty. The Chicago Blackhawks team during 2010-2015 was something magical, yet haunting. 

2010 was the breakthrough. Chicago had built a ridiculously talented young core around Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and company, and the Blackhawks reached the Stanley Cup Final against Philadelphia. This series had a Game 6 that went to overtime, where Patrick Kane scored, but for a few seconds, NO ONE except Patrick Kane realized Patrick Kane had scored. He immediately started celebrating while everyone else tried to figure out where the puck was (spoiler, it was in the net), and he brought Chicago its first Stanley Cup since 1961, breaking the 49 year drought.

The year after, they lost to the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Finals, but in 2013, they were back. The lockout-shortened 2012-13 season started with Chicago going 24 games without a regulation loss, and the Blackhawks eventually reached the Stanley Cup Final against Boston. Chicago was losing Game 6 late in the third period and Boston looked ready to force Game 7, but Bryan Bickell tied it, and 17 seconds later, Dave Bolland scored again. Chicago went from possibly facing Game 7 to Stanley Cup champion in 17 seconds.

The year after that, they once again lost to the Los Angeles Kings in 2014. Noticing the pattern now?

By 2015, the question wasn't whether Chicago could win, it was if we were watching a dynasty. The Blackhawks beat Tampa Bay in six games and won their third Stanley Cup in six seasons. This one was especially meaningful because Chicago won the Cup at home, something the franchise had not done in 77 years.

This Chicago team brought the city three Cups in just six seasons.

The Controversy You Need to Know

There is an important and very serious part of the Blackhawks’ 2010 championship story that can’t really be ignored. During the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, Blackhawks prospect Kyle Beach alleged that he was sexually assaulted by team video coach Brad Aldrich. An independent investigation released in 2021 found that senior members of the organization were informed of allegations involving Aldrich during the playoff run, but no action was taken for three weeks. The NHL later fined the Blackhawks $2 million for what it described as the organization’s inadequate procedures and insufficient response. 

Beach publicly identified himself as the player involved in 2021. The fallout led to major consequences throughout the organization. For example, the longtime general manager Stan Bowman resigned, former executive Al MacIsaac left the team, and former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville resigned from his position with the Florida Panthers after meeting with the NHL. Chicago also requested that Aldrich’s name be removed from the Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks have since acknowledged that the organization failed Beach and implemented changes to its reporting, HR, compliance and employee safety procedures. However, this remains an extremely painful part of Blackhawks history and one of the reasons discussion of the 2010 dynasty can be complicated even for longtime fans.

The Icons

Stan Mikita

One of the foundational Blackhawks legends. Mikita spent his entire NHL career in Chicago and became one of the greatest players in franchise history. If you're talking about old school Blackhawks hockey, his name is unavoidable.

Bobby Hull

One of the biggest stars in early Blackhawks history and a central figure on the 1961 Stanley Cup team. Hull's legacy has become considerably more complicated because of serious allegations surrounding his personal life, but historically he remains one of the franchise's most prominent on-ice figures.

Tony Esposito

Esposito, as a goalie, became one of the defining Blackhawks of the 1970s and eventually had No. 35 retired by the organization.

Chris Chelios

Chicago born defenseman who served as captain and eventually became a Hall of Famer. One of the most natural connections of Chicago hockey in Blackhawks history.

Jonathan Toews

“Captain Serious” became captain at just 20 years old and served as the emotional center of the modern dynasty. He brought 3 Stanley Cups, was a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, a Selke Trophy winner, and a two time Olympic gold medalist. When people picture the Blackhawks' championship era, Toews lifting the Cup is one of the first images that comes to mind.

Patrick Kane

We technically can't even put him completely in the “former icon” category anymore because… he's back. Kane was the flashy superstar opposite Toews' serious captain energy. He won three Stanley Cups in Chicago and became one of the greatest American-born players in NHL history.

Duncan Keith

Keith was one of the most important players of Chicago’s dynasty and one of the best defensemen of his generation. He won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks, two Norris Trophies, and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015 after an incredible playoff run.

Brent Seabrook

Seabrook was Keith’s longtime defensive partner and another core piece of all three Stanley Cup teams. He was known for being physical, dependable, and ridiculously clutch. His overtime goal in Game 7 against Detroit in 2013 is one of the defining moments of that championship run.

The Current Era

Chicago tore its roster down almost completely and spent years stockpiling draft picks and prospects. The franchise's lottery luck finally paid off in 2023 when the Blackhawks won the right to draft Bedard first overall. Since then, Chicago has been slowly building around him.

The 2025-26 team finished last in the Central Division and missed the playoffs, marking the eighth time in the past nine seasons Chicago failed to make the cut, but the expectations are beginning to change. The organization isn't just waiting for prospects anymore because players like Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, Artyom Levshunov and Alex Vlasic are becoming actual pieces of the NHL roster. Roman Kantserov is coming over from the KHL, Bowen Byram was acquired to strengthen the defense, and Patrick Kane returned specifically because management believes the team is finally ready to start moving forward.

Chicago wants to start becoming a real hockey team again and that all starts from a complete overhaul, so now, we wait to see where they go.

The Players You Need to Know

Connor Bedard

The franchise.

This era of Chicago hockey starts with him. Bedard entered the NHL with almost unfair expectations after Chicago drafted him first overall in 2023. He's the centerpiece of the rebuild and the player the Blackhawks expect to eventually lead them back into contention. There is one unfortunate update heading into 2026-27… Bedard injured his left shoulder during a July practice in Vancouver and underwent surgery. He’s currently expected to return sometime in November, meaning Chicago will begin the season without its biggest star.

He's also widely viewed as the natural future captain, although Chicago has not officially named one yet!

Patrick Kane

The legend who came home.

Kane spent his first 16 NHL seasons with Chicago, won three Stanley Cups, became a franchise icon, got traded during the rebuild and now he's wearing the Blackhawks jersey again. Chicago signed the 37 year old to a two year deal in July, but it’s important to note that this isn't being treated strictly as a retirement tour nostalgia signing. Kyle Davidson has publicly said Kane was brought back because the organization believes he can still help the team win.

He also creates a genuinely fascinating captain question. Before Bedard's injury, it seemed inevitable that Bedard would eventually get the C. Now NHL.com has specifically raised Kane as another possible option while Bedard recovers. However, Chicago’s captaincy remains vacant.

Frank Nazar

The other young star.

Bedard gets virtually all of the mainstream attention, but Nazar is one of the most important players in Chicago's rebuild. He's a fast, skilled young center and part of the core Chicago expects to grow together rather than constantly surrounding Bedard with temporary veterans. The Bedard-Nazar combination is a huge part of why Blackhawks fans are beginning to feel like there may finally be an actual team forming underneath all those years of rebuilding.

Bowen Byram

The major new addition.

Chicago made one of the biggest moves of its rebuild in June by acquiring Byram and Jordan Greenway from Buffalo. Chicago sent Louis Crevier, the Number 4 overall pick and the Number 45 pick in the 2026 Draft. Typically, rebuild teams are trying to collect picks, especially top 5 picks, but Chicago traded it away, putting their trust in both Byram and Greenway. Byram is only 25, already has a Stanley Cup from his time in Colorado, and just recorded a career high in points! Chicago has signed him to a six year extension.

Artyom Levshunov

The defenseman of the future.

Chicago selected Levshunov 2nd overall in 2024, making him one of the most important prospects of the entire rebuild. He's a big, mobile, offensively talented defenseman, and the long term hope is that he eventually develops into the kind of leading defenseman that championship teams need. 

Spencer Knight

The goalie question.

Every rebuild eventually needs to figure out their goalie, and for Chicago, Knight may be the answer. The Blackhawks acquired him from Florida in the 2025 Seth Jones trade, giving a former first round pick a fresh start in Chicago. I always say that goaltending can completely change the timeline of a young team, so if Knight becomes a reliable long term starter while Chicago's skaters develop, the rebuild suddenly gets SO much easier.

The Rivalries

Detroit Red Wings

The historic enemy.

This is the classic Blackhawks rivalry! Chicago and Detroit spent decades in the same division, and because they're both Original Six franchises, they have history stretching back generations. They've met 16 times in the playoffs, with Chicago winning nine of those series. The rivalry cooled considerably after Detroit moved to the Eastern Conference in 2013, but older Blackhawks fans will absolutely understand what “Detroit sucks” means. Also, Patrick Kane spending three seasons as a Red Wing before returning to Chicago added a very strange little chapter to the story.

St. Louis Blues

The rivalry that's still alive.

If Detroit is the historic rivalry, St. Louis is probably the one that matters most today. They're still Central Division opponents who are geographically close with fanbases interacting constantly. The teams have spent almost their entire shared history in the same division! Chicago and St. Louis have played 12 playoff series against each other, with the Blackhawks winning eight. The 2016 1st round series is particularly painful for Chicago fans because the Blackhawks came back from a 3-1 series deficit only to lose Game 7.

The Fanbase

Blackhawks fandom is very Chicago. They’re a loud, loyal group who is extremely aware of the franchise's history. As in, they are completely capable of talking about a game from 1989 as though it happened last Tuesday and sometimes it may blow your mind.

However, there is also a major generational split. Older fans lived through the Stadium years, the Original Six history and the decades long championship drought. Millennial fans basically had their personalities formed by Toews/Kane/Keith/Seabrook/Crawford. Now, an entirely new generation is becoming Blackhawks fans because of Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. Chicago simultaneously has one of hockey's oldest histories and one of its youngest new cores, and with Kane making his Chicago comeback, the current chapter of the Blackhawks just gets more and more interesting.

The Retired Numbers

Chicago has retired numbers honoring some of the biggest names in franchise history:

No. 1 — Glenn Hall

No. 3 — Pierre Pilote & Keith Magnuson

No. 7 — Chris Chelios

No. 9 — Bobby Hull

No. 18 — Denis Savard

No. 21 — Stan Mikita

No. 35 — Tony Esposito

No. 81 — Marian Hossa

Those players were automatically included in the inaugural Blackhawks Hall of Fame class, alongside Steve Larmer and Duncan Keith. Eventually there’s going to be some very obvious discussions surrounding numbers 19 (Jonathan Toews), 88 (Patrick Kane), and 2 (Duncan Keith).

The Team Identity

The Blackhawks are one of those teams where history is everywhere you look. They’re an Original Six team with six Stanley Cups. They have generations of legendary players, one of the most recognizable jerseys in hockey, and a fanbase that remembers everything. However, the version of Chicago you’re watching now is very different from the powerhouse that dominated the early 2010s.

For years, the Blackhawks were built around names like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Marian Hossa who were skilled, fast, confident and expected to compete for the Stanley Cup basically every season, but every era must come to an end, and this one came to a halting stop. Chicago eventually tore the roster down and committed to a full rebuild, which brought them Connor Bedard and a new generation of young players who are supposed to become the foundation of the next great Blackhawks team. The team finds themself stuck as a mixture of old school Chicago hockey and a very very young future. Chicago is a dynasty with expectations built into its DNA and now, they’re just trying to figure out what the next version of a championship Blackhawks team looks like.

Why You Should Watch Them

Connor Bedard is obviously the main attraction, coming into the league as one of the most hyped prospects hockey had seen in years, and now you get to watch Chicago try to build an entire contender around him. While it may have seemed to be a one man show for Bedard, the Blackhawks finally have several young players reaching the NHL at the same time, which means you can actually watch the future core start growing together instead of just hearing about prospects who might arrive three years from now.

There’s also the Patrick Kane factor for the nostalgic heavy fans! One of the greatest players in franchise history returning while Chicago’s next generation is taking over feels almost too perfectly scripted, and if the young core eventually turns into what Chicago hopes it will, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of Chelsea Dagger...