The Chicago Blackhawks are adjusting their lineup as they prepare for two upcoming home games following a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday at the United Center. Despite the defeat, the team maintained a positive atmosphere during Saturday’s practice at the Blackhawks Ice Center, with coach Jeff Blashill emphasizing the importance of moving forward and seeking solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks.
The Blackhawks, struggling through a 3-7-0 start to the season, have two games remaining in a seven-game homestand: Sunday against the Florida Panthers and Tuesday versus the Los Angeles Kings. Afterward, the team faces a demanding road schedule with five games in six days.
One notable development is the return of defenseman Bowen Byram to practice after missing nearly two weeks due to an upper-body injury sustained from a puck to the face during a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 13. Although Byram participated in drills in a noncontact jersey, he is not expected to play against the Panthers, and no timeline has been provided for his full return. Byram, who signed a six-year, $75 million contract extension in July that begins next season, has had a modest start this year, recording one assist and eight giveaways in six games. He is anticipated to rejoin the top power-play unit, a role temporarily filled by Teuvo Teräväinen during his absence.
In the defensive corps, 22-year-old Kevin Korchinski is projected to replace Ethan Del Mastro on the third defensive pairing for Sunday’s game. Korchinski, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has appeared in just one game this season. Coach Blashill encouraged Korchinski to maintain composure and make deliberate decisions with the puck amid the physical challenge posed by Florida’s hard-checking style, despite the Panthers missing key players Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand. Korchinski signed a two-year, $2.65 million contract in August.
Forward Andrew Mangiapane is expected to return to the lineup after missing nine games due to a lower-body injury. The 30-year-old skated with the team’s fourth line alongside Cole Smith and Ryan Greene during practice Saturday. Blashill highlighted Mangiapane’s competitive energy as a valuable asset against the physical Panthers.
Meanwhile, forward Oliver Moore, 21, was listed as a healthy scratch and did not participate fully in practice drills. Moore has struggled with puck management this season, tallying three points but committing 10 giveaways in limited action. Blashill declined to provide specific reasoning for Moore’s status, citing internal team decisions.
Other lineup adjustments included Jordan Greenway joining the right wing of the second line and a third line composed of Teräväinen, Frank Nazar, and Ryan Donato. The Blackhawks aim to reverse their early-season struggles as they seek to build momentum during their remaining home games.