The air inside Fifth Third Arena feels different this September. It’s not just the crisp chill of a freshly laid sheet of ice; it’s the palpable intensity, the heightened tempo, the unmistakable sense that the next phase of the Chicago Blackhawks’ revitalization project has officially begun. While the last few seasons have been about asset accumulation and foundational drafting, the message from General Manager Kyle Davidson and new head coach Jeff Blashill is clear: it’s time to take a step forward. Training camp 2025 is the crucible where that new identity—one built on speed, accountability, and relentless competition—will be forged.
Blashill Cracks the Whip: A New Standard in the Windy City
Any questions about the kind of camp Jeff Blashill intended to run were answered emphatically on day one. Practices have been described by players as “intense,” “tough,” and “uptempo,” a departure from a more developmental pace and a clear signal that the expectations have been raised. Blashill, a coach known for his detail-oriented approach, is laser-focused on instilling professional habits and a culture of accountability from the outset.
Nothing has symbolized this new standard more than a punishing conditioning drill that has become the talk of camp. Players were tasked with completing four sets of six-length sprints, each set to be finished in under 51 seconds. It’s a gut-check of a skate, designed not just to test physical limits but to build camaraderie through shared struggle. As Blashill sees it, a team that suffers together, wins together.
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This philosophy extends beyond pure conditioning. The on-ice systems being implemented are built around a singular, defining trait: speed. “We can fly,” franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard told the media. “We’ve got some of the fastest guys in the league… our biggest strength is our skating.” Blashill is leaning into that strength, with drills emphasizing fundamentals, puck support, and a blistering transition game. The message is clear: Chicago will be a team that plays on its toes, not its heels.
For the veterans, the new voice is a welcome one. Defenseman Connor Murphy, now the most tenured Blackhawk, praised Blashill’s direct communication style, noting the coach is clear about his expectations, leaving no room for ambiguity. This clarity is essential in establishing the bedrock of a new culture, ensuring every player, from the All-Stars to the bubble players, understands the non-negotiables.
Clarity in the Crease
While many roster spots are up for grabs, the goaltending picture snapped into sharp focus before the first puck was even dropped. GM Kyle Davidson announced that veteran netminder Laurent Brossoit had undergone offseason hip surgery and is considered out long-term. The unfortunate news for Brossoit provides immediate clarity for the organization, solidifying the tandem of Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom as the duo tasked with backstopping the team.
Knight, 24, enters the season as the presumptive 1A starter, armed with a fresh three-year contract extension and a calm, focused demeanor. After coming over in a trade that signaled the organization’s belief in his potential, he now has the runway to grow with the team’s young core. With the security of his new deal and the confidence of the coaching staff, Knight is positioned to provide the stability in net that a young, ascending team desperately needs. Soderblom will slot in as the 1B, a capable partner who will be counted on to provide quality starts and push Knight throughout the season.
The Youth Movement’s Proving Ground
If there is one overarching theme to the on-ice battles, it’s opportunity. Davidson has been explicit that while there is a “patience factor” with young prospects, there is also an “excitement factor.” Roster spots must be earned, but if a younger player outperforms a veteran, they will be given every chance to seize a role. This has created a dynamic and competitive environment, particularly among the forward group.
No prospect has seized that opportunity more impressively in the early going than Colton Dach. The big-bodied forward has been a standout, showcasing a blend of size and skill that has the coaching staff envisioning a potential “elite power forward.” Initially skating on a fourth line, Dach’s tenacious play earned him a promotion to the top line alongside Connor Bedard and Ryan Donato following a minor injury to Andre Burakovsky. He didn’t look out of place. Dach’s ability to create space, win puck battles, and provide a physical net-front presence is the perfect complement to high-skill players, and he’s making a compelling case that he belongs in the NHL right now.
Hot on his heels is 2023 first-round pick Oliver Moore, whose elite speed has been as advertised. Moore is a blur on the ice, consistently creating separation and putting defenders on their heels. He even received a look on a line with Bedard and Lukas Reichel during a scrimmage, a tantalizing glimpse of a potential high-octane trio. However, Blashill has noted that the next step for Moore is learning to harness that speed, to understand when to slow the play down to make the right read. Finding that “balance,” as the coach put it, will be his primary focus during the preseason schedule.
For Lukas Reichel, the stakes are arguably higher than for anyone else. This is, unequivocally, a “prove-it camp” for the former first-rounder. After what Davidson described as a couple of “up and down” years, the time is now for Reichel to carve out a definitive niche for himself. He began camp skating on a line with fellow prospects, a subtle indication that his spot is far from guaranteed. He has the skill and pedigree, but he’ll need to demonstrate a consistent, game-in-game-out impact to force his way into Blashill’s opening night lineup.
Shoring Up the Blue Line
On the back end, the focus is on mentorship and solidification. Connor Murphy is embracing his role as the leader of the defensive corps. Blashill referred to him as one of the “Papa bears” of the group, a steadying presence tasked with guiding the likes of Kevin Korchinski, Alex Vlasic, and other young defensemen. The team plans to be proactive in managing Murphy’s health with maintenance days throughout the season, a strategy that underscores his importance to the team’s structure and stability.
Meanwhile, Nolan Allan is looking to transition from a frequent call-up to a full-time NHL defenseman. After appearing in 43 games last season, he’s aiming to lock down a permanent roster spot. In an interesting development, he has been skating on his off-side, playing the right point next to Korchinski. It’s a challenging adjustment, but one that could increase his versatility and value. Blashill noted that Allan’s true strengths—his physical edge and defensive grit—will become more apparent when the hitting starts in preseason games.
This intense, competitive camp is just the beginning. The foundation is being poured, brick by brick, drill by drill. With a strong emphasis on collaboration between the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate in Rockford, the entire organization is aligned on a singular vision. The first real test arrives on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings, but for a team and a fanbase starved for progress, the signs of a new, faster, and more demanding era are already impossible to ignore.
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