Summer jobs: Chicago Blackhawks’ offseason plans, from Connor Bedard’s speed to Kevin Korchinski’s blade curve

Change happens in the offseason.Like every other NHL team, the Chicago Blackhawks will add draft picks and sign free agents this summer.

But for current players such as Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic, their games wont advance at puck drop of the 2025-26 season opener.The work has to start in the summer.Weve got players, young players, who we know can play in the NHL and deserve the opportunity to find themselves in the NHL, general manager Kyle Davidson said last month.

Now they have to have a good summer, come into camp and earn that, of course.

Theres going to be competition throughout that young group to determine who is part of that roster into the season.Added veteran forward Jason Dickinson: This is quite frankly a team with open spots everywhere.

Not one of us has a solid spot.

So you have to come in and take your job and make it happen because this team is looking for guys to do that.Culture is created not only in locker rooms during the season, but also in gyms and ice rinks during the summer.Its on them at this point because they are the guys that are going to take this team forward, Dickinson said.

Theyve got to take it.

And the confidence that they come in with gives me the hope and the inspiration that that is what they want to do and what theyre going to do.After the Hawks finished with the second-worst record in the NHL (25-46-11) for the second year in a row, several players shared some of their offseason plans.Connor Bedard, forwardBlackhawks center Connor Bedard takes a shot on goal against the Jets on April 12, 2025, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Its the Hawks job to keep supplementing Bedard with talent either prospects or free-agent acquisitions.

It will be Bedards job to maximize that support by continuing to round out his game as a center: faceoffs, defense, etc.This summer: Hes 19, hes got room and areas to grow in, Davidson said.

I believe he truly understands that.

Hes excited to attack that.Bedard plans to do just that.Its just working as smart as I can and just learning your body, learning how youre going to get the most out of yourself, Bedard said, elaborating on plans he revealed to the Tribune.

Thats the big thing for this summer.

Probably the biggest thing is speed, acceleration.Connor Bedard will chase more speed this offseason to become a more dangerous player for Chicago BlackhawksPlaying with Nazar and Ilya Mikheyev conveyed to Bedard that he needed more than just average speed.Im not ever going to be (Nathan) MacKinnon or (Connor) McDavid or anyone like that, he said, (but) if I can gain another step, (it) puts guys on their heels a little more, and the way I think the game, that could be a huge plus for me and help me create more.Frank Nazar, forwardBlackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) scores past Utah goaltender Karel Vejmelka on a penalty shot on March 7, 2025, at the United Center.

(John J.

Kim/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Nazar put up 12 goals and 14 assists in 53 games and finished on a heater: 1.1 points per game in April.I wish we couldve played more games, he said.

Wish I was there for the full 82.That wont be a problem next season.

He seems like a lock for a top-six role.This summer: His breakaway abilities and strengths as a penalty killer were remarkable, but theres room to improve on faceoffs and preparing for the rigors of an 82-game NHL schedule something he never has done.I want to get stronger and faster, he said.

I dont think you should ever try to lose that but still working on it.

All-around game, just trying to focus on puck touches and some small things and get better at those things.Teuvo Teravainen, forwardBlackhawks center Teuvo Teravainen (86) makes a move before shooting the puck against the Bruins on Dec.

4, 2024, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Nazar finished the last 10 games with Teravainen as his linemate, and the Hawks might want to explore that in the future too.Nazar had some of his most promising lines with Teravainen, including combinations with Colton Dach (52% expected goals-for), Mikheyev (51%) and Tyler Bertuzzi (49.9%).I feel like we found some chemistry out there, Teravainen said.

It was fun to play with him.

...

We started finding each other more.Hes got some really good speed, so (I) try to find him with the speed.

He was trying to get himself open better too.

Like when I get the puck, I feel like he was reading better too.This summer: Training will be business as usual only longer.

Teravainen also has to prepare for the Milano Cortina Games in February.Its going to be a big year for me next year, too, like (an) Olympic year, said Teravainen, who at the time of his interview also was considering joining Finlands World Championship roster.

Its always been one of my biggest dreams.

So thats going to be a big part of next season too.Jason Dickinson, forwardBlackhawks center Jason Dickinson (16) takes a shot on goal against the Oilers on Jan.

11, 2025, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: In reality, Dickinson likely will slip further in the pecking order from 2023-24, when he co-led the team in goals (22) with Bedard.But thats likely just fine for the defensive specialist.

Still, he wont want a repeat of this season, marred by a left ankle and wrist injuries and a frustrating lack of production.Yeah, its pretty brutal, he said.

It sucked.

I tried to play through a lot of things, and this was just something that I couldnt play through ...

for obvious reasons.

It really sucks.

I hate that my season ended early and ended the way it did.This summer: Dickinson wore a cast to exit interviews, so healing is at the top of the agenda.Ive got a checkup in a few weeks to make sure everything is on pace still, said Dickinson, who hopes to have the cast off by next week.Joe Veleno, forwardJets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck blocks a shot from Blackhawks center Joe Veleno in the third period on April 12, 2025, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Veleno wants to develop his offensive game and finish more chances.

The trade acquisition had seven points (three goals, four assists) in 18 games with the Hawks after totaling only 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 56 games with the Detroit Red Wings.Still, Veleno knows his primary focus as a fourth-liner will be protecting leads, and he wants to dial into that.Just keep working on my skills, he told the Tribune.

Working on my shot, working on my hands, picking pucks off the wall, working down low, cutting back and protecting pucks.This summer: Veleno plans to watch clips with his trainers, seeing what I can do better.Trying to implement that on the ice in the offseason with a couple other guys and doing some game-scenario situations, he said.

Its just about getting touches on the ice.

The more touches you get, the more you practice (them), the more confident youll feel doing that skill.Landon Slaggert, forwardBlackhawks left wing Landon Slaggert falls to the ice while chasing the puck against the Kraken on March 18, 2025, at the United Center.

(Armando L.

Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Slaggert produced two goals and four assists in 33 games and was fairly solid defensively, but he wants to improve on his meager 5.9% shooting percentage.Hes had some opportunities to shoot and had them blocked or whatnot, interim coach Anders Sorensen said.

But its an area for him to work on.He does bring a lot of other positives to the group with his work ethic and compete.

Add another layer to your development in terms of shooting and get a little more offense out of that, for sure.This summer: Slaggerts girlfriend has encouraged him to add yoga to his offseason routine, something they can do together.Shes got me into it really nice, he told the Tribune.

Get off the ice, get out of the weight room, helps me work on my mobility.Slaggert has a list of hockey skills he wants to work on, too, but (it starts with) my touch, kind of first-touch plays, he said.

Being able to settle down more pucks, Ill be able to create more plays out there.Things happen so fast at this level.

Being able to get a clean puck or create a clean puck out of a bad one, just be able to make more of those 5-foot plays, those little passes, I think will go a long way for my game and just lead to more success on the offensive side.Kevin Korchinski, defensemanBlackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski (55) takes a shot against the Sharks on Jan.

16, 2024, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Korchinski knows he brings offensive skill to his position, but he has a bigger priority: size.He has talked about gaining weight ever since the Hawks drafted him with the No.

7 pick in 2022, but every camp he weighs in about 185 to 187 pounds.If he hopes to stay up in the NHL, he recognizes, Ive got to have a big summer and know what Ive got to kind of work on.Ive got to get stronger compared to last year, take a bit more time off the ice, just so I can get bigger and stronger, he told the Tribune.

Obviously I think I have the skill.

I wont lose skill.

I need to get a lot stronger so I can play better and be more physical and maybe even quicker, faster.

So just getting in the gym and really grinding that out is my goal.This summer: While hes working on his body, hell also look to adjust his equipment, specifically his hockey stick.I actually switched my curve this year and I added a bit more curve and a bit bigger blade, just because the ice in most rinks, it gets really crappy after 10 minutes in the third period, Korchinski said.He switched from a Bauer Hyperlite with a P88 curve to a P88 alternate with a little toe, and then I added a quarter of an inch to the top, he said.

It makes it a bit bigger, so heavier blades settle the puck down.

Its just easier to catch passes.Korchinski said it made a difference.I noticed how, like, pucks bobbling, itd be easier with a bigger blade just to settle it down so it doesnt bounce over your stick, he said, just because little plays I got makes it more comfortable.

Getting a bad pass, I can corral it and make a play rather than having to worry about settling it down.Roommates in Rockford, these Chicago Blackhawks prospects shared everything including each others burdensKorchinski said the idea came from Rockford IceHogs assistant coach Josh MacNevinHe was really on me the whole year for trying it, Korchinski said.

And I was kind of stubborn.

...

I tried it out and I really liked it.Korchinski plans to tinker with the blade curve some more but under the guidance of trainers such as Blaine Whyte, founder of Pro Sport Rehab and Fitness in Korchinskis native Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.Ive got to ask the trainers if I can switch, he said.

They were fortunate enough to let me try a new sample stick.Alex Vlasic, defensemanBlackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic takes a shot on goal against the Ducks on Nov.

19, 2024, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Due to attrition, Vlasic has become one of the senior members of his position group seemingly overnight.It was kind of crazy at a whole team level just to see the difference in age that we started with to finish with, he said.

I feel like the team changed quite a bit.The weight of the Hawks defense will fall on his shoulders.Its just getting used to the minutes, the games and the sheer force that youre putting on your body every single night, he told the Tribune.Chicago Blackhawks Alex Vlasic feels hes over the hump that was holding him back in 2nd full seasonThis summer: He plans to review areas of improvement with Hawks skills coach Brian Keane.

Hell also join Nazar on the U.S.

team for the upcoming IIHF World Championship in Sweden and Denmark.Last year I had a lot of fun and learned a lot, he said.

Theres a bunch of good players that go every year and its fun to learn from them and pick their brain, so hopefully we can get the job done.Sam Rinzel, defensemanBlackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel stays focused on the puck against the Jets on April 12, 2025, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: After putting up five assists in his first nine NHL games, Rinzel already is a contender to lead the defensive group across from Vlasic.

He averaged 23.2 minutes per game, second to now-former Hawk Seth Jones.Hes a great player, Vlasic said.

Cant say enough good things about him, defensively and offensively.

...

I felt like we started to understand each others game quite a bit toward the end of the season and read off of each otherThis summer: In a word: weight.Just getting stronger, faster, bigger, Rinzel said.

Keep filling out my frame.

Make sure (with my) shot, Im finding those holes.

When youre from the point, youre working through a lot of bodies in front.

Just keep working on my shot a little bit, trying to get to score.Connor Murphy, defensemanBlackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy takes off down the ice with the puck against the Jets on April 12, 2025, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Barring some veteran free-agent additions, Murphy, 32, will be tasked with shepherding what could be the Hawks youngest defensive group in recent memory.This summer: Like every offseason, he spends time with family in Columbus, Ohio.We have a 9-month-old, so preparing for his birthday this summer will be fun, Murphy said.Then hell pivot to training.Weve had a good regimen here with (strength and conditioning coach Paul) Goodman and Brian Keane, on ice and off ice, he said.

Sit down with them and talk about some goals and get specific again about the offseason training.I enjoy that time of year, trying to home in on specific things and try to get some specific results to feel different once the next season starts.Ethan Del Mastro, defensemanBlackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro takes a shot against the Predators on Feb.

7, 2025, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: The retirement of Alec Martinez and probable buyout of T.J.

Brodie likely opens a roster spot, though the Hawks could add a free agent.Del Mastro also will face competition from Wyatt Kaiser and other prospects.

However, Sorensen said Del Mastro showed really good progress.Really good development all year, from the start of the year in Rockford till up here, Sorensen said.

Reliable, positionally strong, defensively he gets stops, poised under pressure.This summer: He plans to keep working with Shield Athletics in Burlington, Ontario.

But after 24 games with the Hawks, he has learned not to overdo it.I was talking to some of the other guys, and they let you know that rest is a weapon, he said.

You dont want to be burnt out halfway through the year.So Del Mastro plans to take some time off the ice, let your body (recover), stay away from the rink and not skate so much for a little bit at least.Spencer Knight, goaltenderBlackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight keeps his eyes on the puck in the second period against the Jets on April 12, 2025, at the United Center.

(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Next season: Knights save percentage went down (.907 to .896) and his goals-against average went up (2.40 to 3.18) after the move from Florida to Chicago.

Not surprising.But he has been unfazed about assuming the No.

1 goalie spot.

A restricted free agent after next season, hell have a year to cement the role.This summer: Knight has begun to find middle ground with goaltending coach Jimmy Waite during 15 starts together.Theres more looking at the broader thing and youre looking at the direction you want to go, Knight said.

There are a lot of steps to take.

I think we have a good group of people that are willing to do that.For now, one offseason priority is sorting out where to live in Chicago.This streets loud, this streets not, he said.

There are so many little things that go into living in a city that you dont think of in Florida.

...

The only thing bothering me might be the lizards in my backyard.Arvid Soderblom, goaltenderBlackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom blocks a shot from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse on Feb.

5, 2025, at the United Center.

(Armando L.

Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Next season: The restricted free agent has to re-sign with the Hawks, but that seems likely.

Soderblom might have to contend with Laurent Brossoit, who missed the entire season with a right knee injury.I think its going to be a competition, Davidson said.

Wed be fortunate to be in that position because it means LB is healthy.This summer: Soderblom plans to stay the course, building on the marginal improvement he made from 2023-24.Just keep going the way Ive been doing and not trying to focus on circumstances and stuff like that, because its been a lot of that this year, stuff gone wrong, he said.

So the one thing Ive been doing good, I feel like, is to just take it day by day, focus on my folks in my development, and then everything else kind of falls in place..

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