3 Keys to Watch as Blackhawks Begin 2024-25 Season

3. Physicality

Along with the acquisitions of some top-six forwards and key defensemen, Davidson made the Hawks a much more physical team this past summer. 

Newly-appointed captain Nick Foligno brought plenty of aggression to the lineup last year, but he has received some crucial help. The “Big Rig” Pat Maroon inked a one-year deal in the offseason, with journeyman Craig Smith adding depth to the card as well. 

The Hawks got pushed around a good amount last year, which certainly doesn’t fit the gritty mentality of Luke Richardson. Maroon is known as one of the league’s fiercest goons and will surely turn up the heat when needed. It’s important to protect the skill guys after big hits, but this team needs to prove more than anything that they can’t be out-muscled on a nightly basis. 

It’s not hard to see that the Hawks will be out-skilled by most teams in the league. If they can make up for this with their physicality, they can stick around in some games that they might not have business being in otherwise. Adding a stronger physical presence to the lineup overall goes hand-in-hand with the top two lines playing at a faster pace. 

For those used to the speed that the 2010s teams played with, the last few years have been quite an eye-sore. While the 2024-25 group won’t look like a cup contender, you can certainly believe the way they will play nightly will be a vast improvement from seasons prior. All that can be asked for in this rebuild is to take steps forward, and this year has a strong ability to symbolize just that.

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