Blackhawks' Bowen Byram Shines with Hat Trick in Preseason Win Over Wild
The Chicago Blackhawks opened their home preseason schedule with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild on Monday night at the United Center, and the team's marquee offseason acquisition made an immediate statement. Bowen Byram recorded a hat trick, including the overtime winner, in his debut with the Blackhawks.
The win provided some revenge after Saturday's brutal defeat to the Wild, and it marked the fifth time in the past six meetings between the two teams that overtime was required to settle the score.
Byram's Big Night in Chicago
Byram, acquired in a blockbuster trade this summer, looked every bit the difference-maker Chicago hoped for. His fluid skating and offensive instincts were on full display, capping the night with a beautiful overtime goal that sent the United Center crowd home happy.
While the Wild iced a lineup heavy with AHL players, Byram's performance was nonetheless an emphatic start to his tenure in Chicago. The 25-year-old defenseman showed why the Blackhawks made him a cornerstone of their rebuild.
Roster Cuts Signal AHL Assignments
Shortly before puck drop, the Blackhawks announced their second round of training-camp roster cuts. Taige Harding, Gavin Hayes, and seven other players were assigned to the Rockford IceHogs, the team's AHL affiliate. The moves signal those players will start the 2026-27 season in Rockford as they continue their development.
The IceHogs, a key part of the Blackhawks' player pipeline, will benefit from the influx of young talent as Chicago looks to build a sustainable contender.
GM Davidson Explains Bedard Captaincy Decision
Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson joined NHL Network's Radio Show on Monday and offered insight into the process of naming Connor Bedard the 37th captain in franchise history.
We felt it was something Connor is very ready for. It's not something he couldn't handle, and he felt the same way. In the end, with a lot of different input, it felt like the natural and organic decision to make, Davidson said.
Bedard, the franchise's cornerstone center, becomes the youngest captain in Blackhawks history. The decision signals Chicago's commitment to building around the 21-year-old superstar as the face of the franchise for years to come.
Coach Blashill's Takeaways from the Win
Head coach Jeff Blashill shared his post-game observations, noting some concern about the odd-man rushes allowed in the third period while protecting a lead. He attributed some of that to fatigue, with the team having five consecutive days of practice leading into the game.
On defenseman Artyom Levshunov, Blashill praised his offensive play, noting he looked much faster and bulkier than last season. The young blueliner used his skating and size to create time and space, though he made a few defensive mistakes. Blashill clarified that Minnesota's second goal was not one of them, though he would have liked to see Levshunov kill a neutral-zone play.
Around the NHL: Key Storylines
Several notable storylines emerged around the league on Monday:
- Adam Fantilli remains unsigned: The Columbus Blue Jackets' restricted free agent has not shown up to training camp. Cutter Gauthier's recent contract extension may have complicated negotiations between Fantilli and the club.
- Dallas Stars lock up Sam Steel: The Stars signed the 28-year-old defensive forward to a four-year, $14.8 million contract extension. Steel set career highs in goals (12), assists (21), and points (33) last season.
- Ovechkin banged up: Alexander Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, is dealing with a lower-body injury entering his final season. He is listed as day-to-day and is not expected to play in the Capitals' last two preseason games.
- Blues shopping depth forwards: According to Elliotte Friedman, the St. Louis Blues have made it known they have plenty of NHL-caliber depth forwards they are willing to trade.
- Kevin Hayes retires: The former Blackhawks first-round pick announced his retirement from professional hockey after playing just five games with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL. Hayes said his body will not allow him to play at a high level any longer.
Blackhawks Prospects Ranked in Preseason Poll
On Monday afternoon, the USCHO released its preseason Division I Men's Rankings. The Blackhawks have six NCAA prospects set to play for top-20 programs, with Mason West and the Michigan State Spartans leading the way.
The strong prospect pipeline bodes well for Chicago's long-term future as the organization continues its rebuild under Davidson's leadership.
What's Next for the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks continue their preseason schedule this week as they fine-tune their roster ahead of the regular season. With Byram looking sharp and Bedard set to lead the team as captain, there is renewed optimism in Chicago that the franchise is turning the corner.
For Iowa hockey fans, the Blackhawks remain the closest NHL franchise, and their resurgence is worth watching as the season approaches.