Three Blackhawks Facing Tough Odds for Opening Night Roster

The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a new era, where competition for roster spots is fiercer than it has been in recent years, especially among their bottom-six forwards. While the team is not yet poised to escape the depths of the Central Division, the anticipation for another year of growth is palpable. With the emergence of young talent and strategic offseason acquisitions, the Blackhawks are set to be a more formidable opponent on any given night.

In the forward position, the additions of Patrick Kane, Roman Kantserov, and Cole Smith, along with Anton Frondell stepping into a full-time role, have significantly reduced the number of available spots for internal candidates. This reshuffling leaves several players, who previously contributed to the team, facing uphill battles to secure a place in the lineup.

One of those players is Andrew Mangiapane, who joined the Blackhawks via a trade with the Edmonton Oilers in 2026. Although he had the opportunity to play 10 games with Chicago down the stretch, he has struggled to recapture the scoring prowess that once saw him net 35 goals in the 2021-22 season. As the roster solidifies, Mangiapane’s future with the team appears uncertain, especially as he no longer seems to fit into their plans. Without the scoring touch that defined his career, his chances of making the opening night roster diminish.

Jordan Greenway was initially viewed as a solid addition to the fourth line following his acquisition in the Bowen Byram trade. However, the team’s recent acquisitions have complicated his standing. With Ryan Greene demonstrating promise and the investment in Cole Smith suggesting he won’t be benched, Greenway finds himself in a precarious position. While he may initially step in during Connor Bedard’s absence or serve as a 13th forward rotating in and out, the presence of 12 stronger forwards complicates his path to a consistent role.

Landon Slaggert, known for his high-energy play, also faces challenges in securing a spot. Despite being a reliable depth piece, he struggled to crack the lineup last season, and with the team’s continued improvement, his prospects look dim. No longer considered a prospect, Slaggert’s ability to impact the game from the outset is in question. Nevertheless, he remains a candidate for occasional play, stepping in as a healthy scratch when needed.

All three players have a slim chance of making the opening night roster, and should they clear waivers, the option to play for the Rockford IceHogs may be in their future. The competition is fierce, and as the Blackhawks continue to evolve, these forwards will need to showcase their abilities to remain relevant.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.