The Chicago Blackhawks enter this NHL season with new hope thanks to the arrival of rookie sensation Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft — and who many project to be a generational prospect.
After winning three Stanley Cups last decade, the Blackhawks have missed the playoffs three seasons in a row and five out of the last six. But Bedard’s arrival has sparked the anticipation of improvement on the ice — with the kind of financial boosts that accompany it.
The team has nearly doubled its season ticket base from last year and is expecting a 10% increase in total tickets sold, according to ESPN. Meanwhile, the team is expecting at least a 17% increase in tickets sold and 26% higher revenue growth over their initial projections for the 2023-24 season.
The Bedard hype started as soon as the Blackhawks won the NHL Draft lottery — the team sold $5.2 million in season tickets in the ensuing 12 hours.
But while the anticipation is high in Chicago, local fans will have to wait to get a firsthand look at Bedard. After their season opener at Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, the Blackhawks have four more road games before their home opener against the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 21.
At sportsbooks, Bedard is the overwhelming favorite to win the Calder Trophy (NHL Rookie of the Year), but even with the hopeful superstar, the Blackhawks are near the bottom of the league for projected points totals and in the odds to win the Stanley Cup.
