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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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

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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

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Kyle Davidson and the Chicago Blackhawks have taken their first major swing of the offseason, acquiring defenseman Bowen Byram in a trade that immediately sparked strong reactions across the hockey world.

On this episode, Tanner and Jarom break down everything that went into the deal, why the Blackhawks targeted Byram, and what his addition means for the future of the blue line. While many fans are excited about adding a young, talented defenseman with top-pairing potential, others are frustrated by the cost of acquisition and concerned about what it could mean for the organization's long-term plans.

The guys discuss both sides of the debate, making the case for why this could be a home-run move for Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks while also acknowledging the concerns and emotions surrounding the trade. They examine where Byram fits into Chicago's growing core, what this says about the team's direction heading into next season, and whether this signals more aggressive moves could be on the horizon.

It's a trade that has everyone talking, and Tanner and Jarom have plenty to say about it.

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

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Power Talk ~ Episode 370

The 2025-26 NHL season has officially come to an end, with the Carolina Hurricanes lifting the Stanley Cup. Tanner opens the show by examining what made Carolina successful and what lessons their roster construction could offer the Chicago Blackhawks as they continue their rebuild.

Next, the guys dive into Scott Powers' latest pre-draft thoughts and expand on several of the topics he raised. What will the Blackhawks do with the 4th overall pick? Could Ivar Stenberg still be available when Chicago is on the clock, and if so, how would that impact the organization's long-term roster construction? If Stenberg is off the board, does Malhotra become a realistic option, or has Chase Reid always been the preferred target?

To wrap up Hawks Talk, the guys reflect on the tragic passing of former Blackhawk Kyle Calder and discuss what he meant to fans during some of the franchise's most difficult years.

The show closes with a look around the NHL, breaking down the recent trades between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers, as well as the deal involving the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators.

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

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It was a slow news week for the Chicago Blackhawks, so the guys spent most of this episode diving into the biggest stories from around the NHL.

They kick things off by laughing at how their hypothetical trade ideas and offseason plans for the Blackhawks have somehow been labeled as unrealistic compared to some of the rumors currently circulating around the league. They also double down on their belief that Ivar Stenberg will end up in Chicago and discuss why the Blackhawks may be in the best position to acquire Jason Robertson.

The conversation then shifts to the reported Dylan Larkin trade demand and what it could mean for the league moving forward. Could more star players begin forcing their way out of organizations in search of Stanley Cup contenders or destinations in no-tax states?

Of course, there is still plenty of Blackhawks talk as the guys break down what the roster could look like if reports are true that Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, and Frank Nazar will be the team's centers next season.

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

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

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After a week off, the guys are back to break down the latest Chicago Blackhawks news and rumors.

They kick things off by discussing the Blackhawks' decision to trade the rights to prospect Jack Pridham to the Tampa Bay Lightning and explain why they believe many fans are overreacting to the move.

With trades expected to be a major part of the upcoming offseason, Jarom and Tanner unveil their Blackhawks Trade Tiers, ranking players and prospects from completely untouchable to "we'll help them pack their bags."

After establishing where current and future Blackhawks stand on their lists, the guys dive into some of the biggest rumored trade targets around the league, including Mathew Barzal and Jason Robertson. They discuss what a realistic trade package would look like and whether either player is worth the cost.

The ongoing NHL Draft debate continues as they revisit the possibility of the Blackhawks and Sharks swapping picks, while also discussing the Vancouver first-round pick, which now appears all but guaranteed to convey following the Canucks' latest coaching hire.

To wrap things up, the guys share some quick thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final and what they're watching as the NHL season reaches its conclusion.

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

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The Guys are back with another episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! On this week’s episode the guys open things up talking about their latest gut reaction to what the Blackhawks should do with the 4th overall pick. Looking at players who could become future Blackhawks, they discuss Roman Kantserov officially signing his entry-level contract and what it means for this team’s lineup next season.

While Roman is joining the Hawks, it appears Ilya Mikheyev could be leaving town as Kyle Davidson has reportedly made his signing rights available in trade discussions. The guys break down how that could impact the roster next year and who might be able to step into his role.

Moving around the league, the NHL announced key offseason dates along with the official offer sheet compensation costs. Tanner and Jarom take a look at some upcoming restricted free agents and debate which players could realistically become offer sheet targets for KD this summer.

Finally, the episode wraps up with an NHL Playoff update now that the final four teams battling for Lord Stanley’s Cup have officially been set.

Hosts:

Jarom @ZachJarom

Tanner

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