Resetting the Rebuild Clock
The Chicago Blackhawks initiated their latest overhaul in 2019, anchored by the selection of defenseman Alex Vlasic in the NHL Draft. While some might argue for 2018 as the true starting point, due to smaller additions like Philipp Kurashev, most of the primary components defining this overhaul emerged post-2019. And here we are, several years in, still asking the same question: When will this team be a legitimate contender again? Tough to say, but if history is any guide, buckle up for a long ride.
When comparing similar timelines of successful NHL teams over the past few decades, the current Blackhawks appear to be stumbling a step behind. Take Chicago’s previous championship blueprint from the 2010s. That dynasty began with selections like Jonathan Toews in 2006 and Patrick Kane in 2007, followed by a series of complementary core pieces drafted between 2002 and 2005. The result? Stanley Cup success by 2010.
Right now, beyond Connor Bedard and Alex Vlasic, prospects such as Frank Nazar and Kevin Korchinski, and recently-drafted Artyom Levshunov offer hope, but they are anything but guarantees. If their potential fizzles or even stagnates, the Cup contention timeline could easily stretch into the 2030s rather than landing closer to what the organization might optimistically hope for—2027 or 2028.
How Others Did It: Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, and Beyond
The Tampa Bay Lightning, one of the NHL’s most acclaimed teams of the past decade, began building their foundation in 2007 with Alex Killorn. The addition of Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman in 2008 and 2009 accelerated their progress. Eight years after Hedman’s arrival, they reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2015, eventually hoisting the trophy in both 2020 and 2021. Long-term success required consistent smart draft picks, such as Nikita Kucherov in the second round of 2011 and Brayden Point in the third round of 2013.
When comparing Tampa’s timeline to Chicago’s, the Blackhawks feel closer to that 13-year grind unless one of their second-round players morphs into a generational talent. Optimistic? Sure. Likely? Not so much.
The Pittsburgh Penguins followed a comparable path. Marc-Andre Fleury in 2003, Evgeni Malkin in 2004, and Sidney Crosby in 2005 propelled them to a Stanley Cup Final appearance by 2008 and a title by 2009. Those back-to-back Hall of Fame-caliber draft picks condensed their overhaul time. Chicago’s more scattered drafting approach in recent years provides no equivalent assurances.
Bet Big: Build Smart or Wait Longer
Smart drafting is one part of the equation, but shrewd trades and free-agent signings play a pivotal role as well. The Los Angeles Kings supplemented draft choices like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty with acquisitions that added depth, transforming promising rosters into multi-time champions. The Florida Panthers, the league’s most recent champions, leaned heavily on trades and free agency to patch drafting gaps.
Here’s where Chicago lags again. The current management strategy has largely avoided major additions to address roster needs quickly. Without a willingness to leverage proven talent from outside the system, it becomes difficult to expedite the overhaul, leaving Bedard and others to shoulder most of the burden.
Travis Sanheim #6 of the Philadelphia Flyers, Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Chicago Blackhawks, and goalie Aleksei Kolosov #35 of the Philadelphia Flyers
Uncertainty aside, the stakes continue to grow for fans watching closely and, in some cases, betting on hockey’s changing priorities.
Platforms Driving Growth in Sports Betting
Deciding where to place your wagers can be as strategic as the bets themselves. Options range widely, including trusted outlets like BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook, each providing robust betting lines and promotions. A newer competitor, Fanatics Sportsbook, has also entered the fray, aiming to capture market share with its streamlined interface and user-focused approach.
These platforms, alongside others like PointsBet and DraftKings, represent an expanding set of choices for bettors. They offer various odds, promos, and betting features to appeal to a wide audience. The key lies in comparing these services to find one that matches your needs, preferences, and style of play.
Reality Check: 2030s Feels More Likely
If you are holding out hope for the Blackhawks to hoist another Stanley Cup by 2027 or 2028, prepare for disappointment. Realistically, that ambitious marker relies on perfect synergy among future draft picks, potential free-agent signings, trades, and, frankly, some luck.
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For now, modest goals like reaching the playoffs again look more plausible for the late 2020s. Even that, though, remains unclear with the current roster trajectory and management’s reluctance to move beyond asset collection. True contention likely resides in the 2030s, if at all, by which point this overhaul may very well be judged—success or failure—with the benefit of hindsight. Keep waiting.
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