Three things to look forward to for the 2022-23 Blackhawks season

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Cameron
May 22, 2022 (0:30)

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Following a season that fell nothing short of expectations, the Blackhawks must turn the page and start focusing on the upcoming 22-23 season. With the new season months away, there are some things for Blackhawks fans to be excited about. Lukas Reichel, new management, and Patrick Kane can be some bright spots for Blackhawks fans to look forward to.

Lukas Reichel: Drafted at 17th overall, the Blackhawks' 2020 first round pick should a player for Hawks' fans to be excited for. In his first season with the Blackhawks organization, Reichel caught the attention of Hawks fans. Playing in 56 games with the Icehogs, Reichel averaged a point per game and finished the season with 57 points � 21 of those points being goals. Reichel was called up to the NHL on multiple short-term stints during the 21-22 season. Playing in 10 games, Reichel managed to only pick up one point, but was consistently giving the Hawks chances to score. The only question regarding Reichel will be if he is wearing a Hawks jersey at the start of the season or if he will spend some additional time in Rockford.

New management: The 22-23 season will be the first full season with Kyle Davidson at the helm of general manager. Davidson will have his hands full early on. With Dylan Strome and Kirby Dach set to become restricted free agents, Davidson will decide how and if he wants to keep these players around for the foreseeable future. Following the upcoming season, Toews, Kane, and Debrincat are also set to become free agents as well. Along with dealing with contracts, Davidson must appoint a new head coach for the Blackhawks. Derek King could return as the Hawks permanent head coach, but other notable coaches are still available. A new face behind the Hawks bench will be welcomed following the abysmal Jeremy Colliton years.

Patrick Kane: How can Blackhawks not be excited for another season of Patrick Kane? At 33 years old, Patrick Kane has yet to really show signs of slowing down. Believe it or not, the 21-22 season was Kane's third best season points wise. Kane picked up 92 points in 78 games while setting a career high of assists with 66 assists during the season. Kane is also entering the last year of his contract. Hopefully Kane can stick around and continue to help develop the younger future pieces for the Hawks, or maybe this is the last season Chicago gets to enjoy showtime.