The guys are back with another episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast, and this week the outlook is a lot more positive around the Chicago Blackhawks.

They kick things off by discussing Connor Bedard's recent surgery and the expectation that he'll miss at least the first month of the season. While it's far from an ideal start, the guys explain why they don't believe the Blackhawks will be in nearly as much trouble as some fans are predicting. Instead, they look at it as a huge opportunity for the rest of the young core to step up, prove they belong, and silence some of the critics before Bedard returns.

Next, they dive into NHL media's projected opening-night lineups and compare them to their own projected Blackhawks roster. From forward combinations to defensive pairings, they break down the biggest differences, debate who has the inside track on roster spots, and discuss which players could surprise heading into training camp.

To wrap up the episode, they look at what Kyle Davidson could still have up his sleeve before the regular season begins. Are there more trades to be made? Is another veteran addition still possible? The guys discuss the remaining offseason possibilities and what moves could help shape the Blackhawks heading into the 2026-27 season.

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

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Instagram: @WCBPodcast

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#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Free agency is well underway, and as expected, things have been pretty quiet in the Windy City.

The guys are back to break down this week's biggest hockey headlines, starting with Connor Bedard's injury scare in Vancouver. Bedard, who has been training in Vancouver this offseason, left the ice in pain on Thursday after appearing to lose an edge. Is this something Blackhawks fans should be concerned about, or is it simply an offseason scare with nothing to worry about?

Next, Kyle Davidson locks up another important piece of the future, signing Drew Commesso to a two-year contract. What does the deal mean for Chicago's goaltending situation this season, and where does Commesso fit into the organization's long-term plans?

Finally, the Philadelphia Flyers may have changed the NHL landscape by sending a monster offer sheet to Leo Carlsson. The guys discuss what it could mean for the Blackhawks, Connor Bedard's current contract negotiations, future superstar extensions around the league, and whether offer sheets are about to become a much bigger part of doing business in the NHL.

Check out all of this and more in Episode 373!

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

X: @WCBPodcast

Instagram: @WCBPodcast

Facebook: WCBPodcast

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#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Silly season is officially here! With the NHL Draft complete and free agency underway, things are about to get weird so enjoy our dose of copium!

Tanner kicks things off with a trip to the farm to break down the newest additions to the Chicago Blackhawks prospect pool. He explains why fans should be excited about this draft class, why the organization's boom-or-bust approach could pay off in a big way, and shares some early thoughts from Development Camp now that the prospects are back on the ice. Jarom also dives into some eyebrow-raising comments from Rockford IceHogs head coach Jared Nightingale regarding Kevin Korchinski.

Then it's time to talk about the NHL roster, starting with Bo Byram's new contract extension. The guys hop back aboard the cope train as they explain why they actually like the deal and why it has the potential to age very well over the long term.

To wrap things up, they break down the rest of the Blackhawks' offseason moves, share their reactions after Day 1 of NHL free agency, and discuss what they're hoping to see from Connor Bedard's next contract.

Check out all of this and so much more on this week's episode!

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

X: @WCBPodcast

Instagram: @WCBPodcast

Facebook: WCBPodcast

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#nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast