Winds of change are blowing through the Windy City, and the Chicago Blackhawks are already feeling the shift ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Shortly after signing his contract, Jeff Blashill wasted no time in delivering a clear message to Connor Bedard and the rest of the roster—there’s a new mentality taking root in Chicago.
The Blackhawks have had enough of the disheartening seasons that left them languishing at the bottom of the standings. Still, meaningful change won’t happen overnight—it will require a collective sacrifice from both the players and the coaching staff.
Bedard will head into his third NHL season under his third different head coach—a clear recipe for instability. Yet, the 2023 first overall pick has managed to stay the course, delivering great performances despite the constant obstacles in his path.
Bedard is well aware of the responsibility resting on his shoulders, with an entire city counting on him to lead the Blackhawks back to the promised land. His ice time is virtually guaranteed—after all, Chicago will only go as far as the 19-year-old can take them.
Head Coach Jeff Blashill of the Detroit Red Wings looks during third period action against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on October 20, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida.
However, Jeff Blashill has made it clear that his system will take priority over individual talent. On that note, he delivered a strong message to Bedard and the rest of the squad.
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Blashill’s mindset
“If you’re one of out better players, I think power play time is a privilege, 6-on-5 [ice time] is a privilege, and I think 5-on-6 is a privilege,” Blashill said in dialogue with CHGO Blackhawks podcast. “So, even if you are one of the best players and deserve to be out in those situations, but you’re not playing the right way through the course of the game, maybe that night you’re not in that situation.
“That doesn’t mean every time, there’s a balance between accountability and confidence. If you simply sit guys, they’ll have zero confidence. You have to balance those two factors and that’s kind of the art of coaching, I think.”
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks arrives to the red carpet prior to the Chicago Blackhawks home opener against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on October 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Blackhawks sign Mike Vellucci
The Blackhawks have reportedly added their third, and last, assistant coach to Blashill’s staff. Mike Vellucci, who is coming off a gold medal with the USA at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, is seemingly joining the staff in Chi-town ahead of the 2025-26 NHL campaign.
“Fresh off helping USA Hockey to first gold medal in 92 years at Mens Worlds, sounds like Mike Vellucci is closing in on a deal with Blackhawks to join Jeff Blashill’s staff,” insider Frank Seravalli reported.
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Vellucci would reunite with Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic in Chicago, after their successful stint together during the Euro trip in Sweden and Denmark, in which the Americans struck gold for the first time in 92 years.
