Blackhawks Storylines to Watch Following 4 Nations Face-Off Break

In another Chicago Blackhawks season that has largely been underwhelming, there are few things to get excited about when the stretch run arrives.

There are 27 games remaining in the Blackhawks' season and aside from storylines that involve the future, there is not much left for the team to play for.

That said, the diehard fans still want to watch their favorite team and there are storylines worthy of following down the stretch.

Without further ado or gibberish, let's get into those storylines.

NHL Draft Odds and Positioning Naturally, teams at the bottom of the league standings are more concerned about the NHL Draft Lottery than the Stanley Cup Playoffs at this point in the season.

For the Blackhawks, the former is the concern among the fans and the front office.

As of this writing, the Blackhawks are comfortably 31st in the standings , one place out of the league cellar.

If the season ended today, the Blackhawks would have the second-best odds to land the No.

1 overall pick.

Although this year's top prospect is a defenseman, the Blackhawks have plenty of options at the top of the draft to improve their team for now and the future.

For now, fans will naturally keep an eye on the standings.

The San Jose Sharks have 37 points with two more games played than Chicago, meaning they're fully in the driver seat for the top spot.

With 41 points, the Hawks are four and eight points clear of the Nashville Predators and Buffalo Sabres, respectively, for second-worst record.

Unless something drastically changes, things should remain pretty similar in the standings when the season closes.

Ryan Donato's Home As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, questions will swirl about potential trade options.

Taylor Hall's departure takes care of one name, and the likes of Pat Maroon and Craig Smith likely won't garner too much attention.

The name everyone is watching is Ryan Donato.

Donato is having a career season, posting 37 points and 19 goals through 53 games.

Set to hit free agency this summer, Donato may finally receive the payday he's been searching for in his career.

Although there is an argument for the Hawks to consider extending the 28-year-old, a bidding war before or at the deadline would be a great outcome for the Blackhawks regarding a future home for Donato.

Unfortunately, his days in Chicago are likely numbered.

Connor Bedard's Hot Stretch Entering the 4 Nations Face-Off break, there may be no player hotter on the Blackhawks roster than Connor Bedard.

The forward has 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 55 games and is riding a 22-game stretch that has seen him post 23 points in that time.

Ideally, Bedard keeps those numbers going and breaks the 80-point plateau in his second season.

After 61 points in 66 games as a rookie, a near point-per-game performance from Bedard would silence a lot of haters that he's found this season.

Teuvo Teravainen 's Quietly Sensational Season Speaking of quality seasons, Blackhawks re-acquisition Teuvo Teravainen is also having a quality campaign.

As of Feb.

19, Teravainen has 40 points (12 goals, 28 assists) in 55 games.

He has a chance for 60 points if he plays all 82 games and maintains his current pace.

A 60-point season for Teravainen would confirm he's still got it, justify his signing, and be the fifth such season where he hit or exceeded 60 points (and his first since 2021-22).

Perhaps this is a reason for fans to watch and root for a guy who Kyle Davidson made a part of the near future with his three-year deal this past summer.

Also, appreciate the guy being back in a Hawks sweater.

College Kids Joining the Ranks For the prospect sickos in the Hawks fanbase, the possibility of college players Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel, and Ryan Greene joining the team will captivate the attention of those aforementioned prospect lovers.

However, quality runs from any of those players' schools will make for a short-lived cup of coffee in Chicago this season.

The only opportunity for a long stint this season is in a Landon Slaggert-like case where Notre Dame was knocked out in mid-March.

So far this season, Moore has posted 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 30 games, Rinzel has posted 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 32 games, and Greene has posted 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 29 games.

All three could be exciting boosts of youth in a turbulent season.

The Fellow Youth Over the course of the season, Frank Nazar , Lukas Reichel, and other potential call-ups will be beacons of hope for the future.

Although Colton Dach and Kevin Korchinski have seen time in the NHL this season, other names like Cole Guttman and Andreas Athanasiou could provide more veteran sparks.

Although nothing is guaranteed, the realm of possibility is certainly intriguing down the stretch.

What's On Tap Next? The Blackhawks continue to wait around until Feb.

22 when they will travel to Columbus, OH to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blackhawks will return to the United Center on Feb.

23 when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs for one of those "great 6 o'clock starts." This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission..

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