The Chicago Blackhawks appear to have their forward group mostly in place for the 2026-27 season after securing Connor Bedard's contract extension and completing Patrick Kane's return. With those major roster moves settled, the discussion now shifts to how Chicago could arrange its lines early in the season if Bedard is not available.
Any projection of Blackhawks forward lines without Connor Bedard begins with the same problem: replacing a star's offensive influence through a group effort. Instead of asking one player to fill his role outright, Chicago would likely need to spread out skill, rely more on depth, and look for combinations that can keep pressure on opponents across multiple lines.
Kane's return becomes even more significant in that scenario. His presence gives the Blackhawks another experienced scoring and playmaking option, which could help steady a top unit or strengthen the second line, depending on how the staff wants to balance the lineup. Bedard's absence would also put more strain on the middle of the ice, making center depth and two-way support especially important.
The broader takeaway is that Chicago has more flexibility than it did before these offseason moves were finalized, but the attack would still look very different without its franchise centerpiece. Projecting the Blackhawks' forward lines for early 2026-27 is less about finding a direct Bedard replacement and more about building enough chemistry, balance, and secondary offense to stay competitive until he is back in the mix.
