The Chicago Blackhawks have finalized their roster decisions following a rigorous 2025 training camp, setting the stage for the regular season. The Blackhawks will begin their season on October 7 against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
General Manager Kyle Davidson and Head Coach Jeff Blashill faced tough choices, ultimately deciding on the final 23-man roster. The team will carry eight defensemen, thirteen forwards, and two goalies. On October 6, the Blackhawks placed forward Landon Slaggert on injured reserve and recalled forward Ryan Greene from the Rockford IceHogs.
The Blackhawks' roster includes:
Forwards: Connor Bedard, Tyler Bertuzzi, Andre Burakovsky, Colton Dach, Jason Dickinson, Ryan Donato, Nick Foligno (Captain), Ryan Greene, Sam Lafferty, Ilya Mikheyev, Frank Nazar, Lukas Reichel, and Teuvo Teravainen. Landon Slaggert is on injured reserve.
Defensemen: Louis Crevier, Matt Grzelcyk, Ethan Del Mastro, Wyatt Kaiser, Artyom Levshunov, Connor Murphy, Sam Rinzel, and Alex Vlasic.
Goaltenders: Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom.
Several notable young players were assigned to the Rockford IceHogs. This move allows them to play big minutes in the AHL. It is expected that there will be movement between the Blackhawks and the IceHogs throughout the season.
Training camp saw 53 players competing for roster spots. The Blackhawks coaching staff evaluated a mix of veterans, talented prospects, and players on professional tryouts (PTOs). Matt Grzelcyk made the team after signing a one-year deal for $1 million following a PTO.
Key storylines emerged during camp. One focus was on which young forwards would make the team. Ultimately, Colton Dach and Frank Nazar made the cut, while others like Oliver Moore, Ryan Greene, Nick Lardis, and Samuel Savoie were sent to Rockford. Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, will bring youthful energy to the defensive lines.
Several rounds of roster cuts occurred throughout training camp. Jackson Cates, Gavin Hayes, Martin Misiak, and Stanislav Berezhnoy were among the players assigned to the IceHogs early in the process. Later cuts included Drew Commesso, Nick Lardis, Samuel Savoie and Aidan Thompson.
The Blackhawks have a challenging season ahead in the Central Division, facing familiar rivals such as Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, and Winnipeg. The team's schedule includes 20 weekend home games. The Blackhawks will play their home opener against the Montreal Canadiens on October 11.
With a blend of youth and experience, the Blackhawks aim to take a step forward this season. The development of young players like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar and Artyom Levshunov will be key to the team's success. Veteran players like Nick Foligno, Tyler Bertuzzi and Matt Grzelcyk will provide leadership and stability.
