The Blackhawks Are Projected To Finish This Low In the Standings

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Joshua Deeds
August 8, 2023 (0:11)

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It has been reported that the Chicago Blackhawks might be adding Connor Bedard to their lineup this year. However, this addition may not significantly impact the team's performance.

The projected 1st line, consisting of Taylor Hall, Connor Bedard, and Lukas Reichel, is expected to be impressive.

Continuing on with the 2023-24 @puckempire season predictions:

We have the #Blackhawks at #31.

I know a lot of people have been saying Chicago will be decent this season because of the additions of Connor Bedard and Taylor Hall, but I just can't see it.

I think it will take Bedard some time to adjust to the NHL, and can't see the additions of Hall, Perry & Foligno being able to somehow spring some productive offense that they didn't have last season.

Their defensive core also looks *terrible*. Over 50% of it probably wouldn't make another team's roster, and it's not like the team has the goaltending to bail them out either.

I think it'll be another year in the basement for Chicago, which isn't bad at all as they're continuing their rebuild.

Nevertheless, Puck Empire's prediction for the team's ranking this year remains at 31st place.

Although Bedard's arrival in the NHL is highly anticipated, it may take some time for him to adjust to the league's play, even with Taylor Hall on the top line. Corey Perry and Nick Foligno have been brought in for their physical presence, not to serve as offensive threats.

The team's defensive core and goaltending need improvement. Currently, the team's defensive core may be subpar compared to other NHL teams during the ongoing rebuild. Additionally, the team's goalie, Petr Mrazek, has a history of injuries, which further complicates the defensive situation.

While it's tempting to have high expectations for the Blackhawks, it's wise for fans to temper their enthusiasm.

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AOUT 8 \| 103 ANSWERS The Blackhawks Are Projected To Finish This Low In the Standings Where do you think the rebuild team takes the Hawks?
27th	54	52.4 %
29th	18	17.5 %
30th	18	17.5 %
31st	13	12.6 %
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The Blackhawks Are Projected To Finish This Low In the Standings

It has been reported that the Chicago Blackhawks might be adding Connor Bedard to their lineup this year. However, this addition may not significantly impact the team's performance.

Where do you think the rebuild team takes the Hawks?