The Chicago Blackhawks have a combination of youthful potential and seasoned veterans as they prepare for the 2023–24 NHL season. They still have a number of big obstacles to overcome if they want to become more competitive and make the playoffs again.

These are the Blackhawks’ top three concerns right now.

#1 Lack of depth beyond the top line

The Chicago Blackhawks’ most obvious problem is that they don’t have enough scoring depth behind their starting line, which is led by guys like Taylor Hall and Connor Bedard. Although the pair has the ability to be a formidable offensive combination, the club finds it difficult to get reliable scoring from the other players in the lineup. An NHL club that is successful usually has several lines that can score goals.

To lessen the load on Bedard and Hall, the Blackhawks need to concentrate on creating backup scoring options and recruiting forwards who can contribute consistently.

#2 Goaltending uncertainty with Petr Mrazek

Because Petr Mrazek is the starting goalie for the Blackhawks, there is uncertainty in the goaltending department. While Mrazek has previously displayed moments of brilliance, his performances have sometimes been patchy. In the NHL, goaltending is an essential position. Teams frequently rely a lot on their goalie’s ability to steal points and make crucial saves.

Mrazek is essential to the Blackhawks in order to maintain stability and consistency in between the pipes. They should also look into alternatives for a skilled backup who can split the task and step in when necessary.

#3 Subpar defensive core

Although the Chicago Blackhawks acquired a well-known player in Seth Jones through trade, there are still issues with the team’s defensive core as a whole. The blue line behind Jones lacks experienced players with track records, and the team has had trouble putting out strong performances on a regular basis.

Strong defensive bases are often the cornerstones of successful NHL teams, and the Blackhawks defense must rise to the occasion and offer reliable coverage inside their own zone. The team’s success will depend on acquiring more defensive talent and making sure the defensive lineup is balanced.

As the Chicago Blackhawks prepare for the 2023–24 NHL season, they will confront a number of formidable obstacles. The three most important things to focus on are strengthening the defensive core’s overall performance, addressing the lack of scoring depth, and finding a solution for Petr Mrazek’s goalie uncertainty.

The Blackhawks may become a more competitive and well-rounded team that can compete for a playoff place and eventually win a Stanley Cup in the future with the aid of strategic moves and player development.