As the Chicago Blackhawks approach their 10th game of the 2024-25 season (set for Monday, Oct. 28), they sit at a disappointing 2-6-1 after a promising 2-2-1 start. Following four consecutive losses, the team has faced several challenges, though some positive developments are emerging. Now seems like an ideal moment to reflect on various thoughts and narratives surrounding the team.
**Hall Achieves 700 Points**
We can’t overlook Taylor Hall’s recent milestone, reached on Oct. 22, when he scored his 700th career point during the Blackhawks’ 6-3 defeat to the Vancouver Canucks. The 32-year-old has had a tough time, recovering from ACL surgery that sidelined him for most of last season and affected his offseason. Despite the monumental achievement, Hall wasn’t even aware it was his 700th point, saying, “I had no idea.”
Currently playing on the second line with Philipp Kurashev and Tyler Bertuzzi, Hall has two goals and three points in nine games—below expectations for a player of his caliber. However, he’s optimistic about the team’s chemistry and expresses a strong willingness to remain in Chicago, noting he enjoys the organization and the teammates he’s with. “If there was interest on their side, I’d definitely love to be around the team and help build this,” he stated.
**Levshunov Begins Pro Career**
Defenseman Artyom Levshunov was activated from injured reserve on Oct. 22 and assigned to the Rockford IceHogs to begin his professional career. Notably, Levshunov had been skating with a fractured right foot for over a month before realizing something was wrong. Fortunately, he debuted for the IceHogs on Oct. 26 against the Manitoba Moose, assisting on a goal right away. It appears he’s off to a strong start with the IceHogs and is likely to soon play alongside Kevin Korchinski on the top pairing.
**Brossoit Injury Update**
Goaltender Laurent Brossoit was intended to share the starting duties with Petr Mrazek but underwent knee surgery in August, missing training camp and the early part of the season. He has recently been practicing and is expected to be ready around Nov. 7, coinciding with the Blackhawks’ back-to-back games. Brossoit is eager to join his new team.
In his absence, Arvid Soderblom has stepped in as starting goalie, having shown improvement from last season with a .911 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average. However, he recently fell ill and didn’t travel with the team, leading to Drew Commesso being called up; he did not play in the weekend games, leaving Mrazek to cover both nights.
Amid these developments, insiders have reported that the Blackhawks may be pursuing a second-line center. However, acquiring one poses challenges, as they are in high demand and tend to be expensive. While Kurashev has held down that position, he has faced struggles, even being scratched recently. Nonetheless, the organization appears to be focused on the long-term development of top prospect Frank Nazar as a potential solution for this role.
