The Latest Breaking News from Blackhawks

Soderblom’s cool, composed confidence — combined with his size and athleticism — has always excited the Hawks. This season, they’ll see how he fares as a full-time NHL goalie at last.

As the Hawks embrace the arduous journey back to contention, their veterans will be important in restoring the winning habits needed to return to relevance.

Greenberg had spearheaded the Hawks’ analytics department growth as associate general manager, but he spent only 16 months in the role before getting a bigger job.

Connor Bedard’s acclimation to Chicago, Kevin Korchinski’s attempt to prove his NHL readiness and Luke Richardson’s line combinations and mentality toward prospects will all be interesting to watch.

With Jonathan Toews moving on after 15 years as captain, the Hawks will rely on a group of alternate captains to provide leadership this season (instead of giving the title to either Seth Jones or Connor Murphy). The decision opens the door for Connor Bedard to potentially assume the role…

Commesso worked out all summer in Boston with Swayman, whose steady stance and lower hands he incorporated into his own goaltending style. He also adopted Vasilevskiy’s yoga- and stretching-focused training regimen.

Misiak was impressive during this weekend’s prospect tournament, demonstrating his array of skills and ability to play center and wing. As he heads to another new team — the OHL’s Erie Otters — this season, his development seems to be on the right track.

Bedard had been craving a chance to simply play hockey again. When he finally got his chance Saturday, he scored three goals — all on ridiculously quick, accurate shots — in a 5-0 Hawks win.

Bedard’s arrival and a loaded prospect pool has shrouded the reality that the Hawks’ record probably won’t be much better in 2023-24 than it was in 2022-23. Preseason gambling lines forecast the Hawks to be the NHL’s third-worst team.