Up next in our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Team Preview series is the Chicago Blackhawks. Although they are rebuilding, they have far more optimism than last season. Not only did they draft a generational prospect in Connor Bedard but also added many veterans this summer. Due to this, they have some strong options to consider drafting in fantasy hockey, but they also are small in number. Let’s discuss them by position now.
Chicago Blackhawks Fantasy Hockey Preview
Blackhawks Forwards
The Blackhawks’ strongest part of their roster this season is their forward group. As noted above, Bedard is the star rookie to consider for your fantasy hockey draft. The 18-year-old dominated with the Regina Pats last season, posting 71 goals and 143 points in just 57 games. He is expected to make an immediate impact with the Blackhawks, so certainly take a shot on him in fantasy.
Another Blackhawk forward to strongly consider for your fantasy hockey draft is Taylor Hall. After a down season with the Boston Bruins in 2022-23, he is a prime bounce-back candidate. His struggles in Boston were due to a notable decrease in ice time. However, he will have top-six minutes and lots of power-play time with the Blackhawks. Thus, expect a big turnaround season from the former Hart Trophy winner.
Other Blackhawks forwards who should warrant consideration for your fantasy draft include Lukas Reichel, Andreas Athanasiou, Taylor Raddysh, Corey Perry, and Nick Foligno.
Blackhawks Defensemen
The Blackhawks’ options for defensemen are quite limited. Out of the bunch, Seth Jones stands out as the top player to pick in fantasy hockey. However, he also should not receive much consideration until at least the middle rounds of your fantasy hockey draft. Jones is coming off a down year, posting 12 goals, 37 points, and a minus-38 rating in 72 games. Yet, when playing at his best, he is a star. Thus, a bounce-back season in 2023-24 is possible.
After Jones, your Blackhawks options drop off dramatically. Players like Connor Murphy, Jarred Tinordi, and Nikita Zaitsev are not players to snag in your fantasy hockey draft. However, if one of them has a strong season, they may be worth consideration as a waiver wire pickup. Yet, that may be a long shot.
One Blackhawks prospect to keep an eye on is Kevin Korchinski. The 2022 seventh-overall pick will be fighting for an NHL job after his excellent WHL season. In 54 games, he had 11 goals and an impressive 73 points.
Blackhawks Goalies
Neither of the Blackhawks goalies for the 2023-24 season is worth using a pick on in your fantasy draft. Petr Mrazek struggled mightily last season, posting a 10-22-3 record, an .894 SV%, and a 3.66 GAA. It was the second season in a row where he played poorly, so he should be avoided. However, if he gets back to his old form, he may be worth adding during the year.
Arvid Soderblom also struggled in his limited appearances with the Blackhawks last season. He sported a 2-10-2 record, a 3.45 GAA, and a .894 SV%. He will look to have a better season in 2023-24 and take a step forward in his development.
Alas, the Blackhawks’ fantasy hockey options may be limited now, but their future is quite bright. Let’s see how they do in 2023-24 from here.
Make sure to check out all of our Fantasy Hockey Team Previews as they roll out over the coming weeks!