Report cards, Part 1: Connor Bedard's breakout headlines forward grades

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the opening week of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, highlighting standout performances from former Blackhawks like Jason Dickinson and Brandon Hagel, who are off to strong starts with their respective teams. Then, Pat and Charlie shift their focus to the Blackhawks’ 2025–26 season, handing out individual grades for the forward group. How do they evaluate Connor Bedard’s breakout campaign? What stood out from Frank Nazar in his first full NHL season? And how did young players like Ryan Greene, Nick Lardis, and Oliver Moore perform after being expected to spend most of the year in the AHL? They also weigh in on Anton Frondell’s 12-game stint and assess several others. In Part 2, the guys will hand out grades for the defensemen, goaltenders, and head coach Jeff Blashill.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis recap the Blackhawks’ multi-goal comeback win over the San Jose Sharks in the season finale and reflect on the season as a whole. They discuss the team’s 11-point improvement, what it says about the trajectory of the rebuild, and why there’s legitimate reason for optimism heading into next year. They also dive into exit interviews, where Connor Bedard and several players expressed confidence in the team’s ability to push for a playoff spot next season. But how realistic is that expectation, and what still needs to happen to make it a reality? Pat and Charlie also break down Anton Frondell’s impressive 12-game NHL stint, why he’s already looking like a core piece of the rebuild, and how elements of his game resemble Aleksander Barkov and Leon Draisaitl. Later, they discuss Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz rewarding GM Kyle Davidson with a multi-year contract extension. They evaluate Davidson’s rebuild to this point, explain why his patient approach continues to make sense, and debate whether this could be the summer he finally pulls off a blockbuster move. To close the episode, Pat and Charlie predict all eight first-round matchups in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including a few notable upsets.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis are joined by three-time Stanley Cup champion and CHSN Blackhawks analyst Alec Martinez. They share their early impressions of No. 3 overall pick Anton Frondell, discuss his development path, and explain why the Swedish Hockey League helped prepare him for the NHL. They also dive into Tyler Bertuzzi’s career year after he surpassed his personal best in goals with 31, why he’s having a breakout season, and what led to his leadership role as an alternate captain. Later in the show, Pat, Charlie, and Alec talk about Ilya Mikheyev’s game and why they hope he’s back with the Blackhawks next season. They also break down the five-forward power play with Connor Bedard as the quarterback, with Alec sharing his thoughts on what makes a good power-play quarterback from a defenseman’s perspective and why Wyatt Kaiser could be an intriguing option in that role moving forward. They also discuss the Blackhawks’ young defensemen group—all 24 or younger—and Alec reflects on the age when he felt he reached his peak as an NHL defenseman. To wrap up the show, in honor of April Fool’s Day, Alec shares some prank stories from his playing days.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down No. 3 overall pick Anton Frondell’s NHL debut, discussing what stood out in his game, including his lethal shot, his 200-foot play, his hockey sense, and where he could fit on the power play. They also debate whether Frondell projects best as a long-term second-line center or as Connor Bedard’s top linemate. Plus, they discuss Frondell’s wise decision to play in the Swedish Hockey League after being drafted instead of turning pro right away and how valuable that was for his development. Pat and Charlie also talk about Nick Lardis’ promotion to the second line and how he’s taken advantage of the opportunity after previously playing in a fourth-line role since his second call-up and whether that fourth-line experience helped his development. They also discuss Arvid Söderblom’s terrific last two starts and whether he could earn more starts down the stretch, Andre Burakovsky’s struggles, the Blackhawks’ overtime and shootout record, and more. They close out the show by talking about where 2024 first-round pick Sacha Boisvert could slot into the lineup as he prepares for his NHL debut.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down how the Blackhawks have already surpassed last season’s point total with 15 games still to play, and why that marks meaningful progress even if it doesn’t quite feel like it. They dive into Connor Bedard’s game, Frank Nazar’s hot streak, and Artyom Levshunov’s promotion to the top pairing. The guys also debate whether Louis Crevier deserves a look on the power play, where his shot could be an asset after leading the NHL in 100+ mph slap shots. Plus, they discuss Nick Lardis' ice-time deployment and where 2024 first-round pick Sacha Boisvert might fit in following the signing of his entry-level contract. Later, Pat and Charlie examine the Blackhawks’ back-to-back slow starts against Vegas and Minnesota, and why the sluggish opening in Vegas particularly stood out, especially after the team was rewarded with an off day following an overtime win in Utah. To wrap things up, they reflect on former captain Nick Foligno’s return to Chicago and the lasting impact he made during his three-year stint. They also touch on how Team USA’s success at the 4 Nations tournament and Winter Olympics potentially impacted the U.S. baseball team at the World Baseball Classic, and what it means for international competition across sports.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis reflect on the passing of former Blackhawk and beloved broadcaster Troy Murray. They remember his legacy, reminisce about the good times, and share personal stories about the impact he had on their lives. Later, three-time Stanley Cup champion and new CHSN Blackhawks analyst Alec Martinez makes his podcast debut to discuss his transition from player to broadcaster. He also weighs in on the trade deadline, Nick Foligno being moved, and how the Blackhawks move forward with a new leadership group. Plus, Pat, Charlie and Alec dive into the development of young defensemen Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, Connor Bedard’s growth from Year 2 to Year 3, and how off-ice bonds typically translate to on-ice success.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis recap the Blackhawks’ four-game road trip coming out of the Olympic break. They break down the blown leads, with all three losses unfolding in similar fashion and discuss whether the growing pains of learning how to close out games are simply part of the process. The guys also dive into the need for more depth scoring beyond Connor Bedard, the future of Kevin Korchinski after being jumped on the depth chart by Ethan Del Mastro against the Winnipeg Jets, and other key storylines. Plus, Pat and Charlie break down the Connor Murphy trade to the Edmonton Oilers. They reflect on Murphy’s legacy and impact in Chicago both on and off the ice, evaluate his fit in Edmonton, and analyze the return the Blackhawks received for the veteran defenseman. You’ll also hear from Murphy during his Edmonton media availability. To wrap up, the guys preview the 2026 trade deadline and examine the situations surrounding Jason Dickinson, Nick Foligno, and Ilya Mikheyev. Will any of them be on the move?

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis put a bow on the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament, where Team USA captured gold over Canada to snap a 46-year drought. They break down Connor Hellebuyck’s heroic performance in net, Jack Hughes’ overtime game-winner, and a flawless 18-for-18 penalty kill that powered the Americans to victory. Plus, Pat and Charlie discuss Patrick Kane’s lasting impact on USA Hockey and why his fingerprints were all over this roster, while also debating whether Canada regrets leaving Connor Bedard off its Olympic squad. They also dive into the controversial 3-on-3 overtime format that decided the gold medal and propose potential changes for future tournaments. Finally, the guys shift their focus to the Blackhawks’ final 25 games, outlining their top five storylines to watch, from the trade deadline to potential prospect call-ups and beyond.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the Blackhawks’ defensive-zone coverage tweaks and adjustments to their power-play zone entries as the team returns to practice and treats it like a mini training camp. They discuss why the changes were made and how the penalty kill’s aggressiveness helped play a role in the decision-making. They also dive into Kevin Korchinski’s call-up and the opportunity in front of him while Wyatt Kaiser recovers from a lower-body injury, and debate whether the Blackhawks should return to an 11-forward, seven-defensemen lineup coming out of the break. To wrap up, Pat and Charlie recap an electric Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinal round, highlighted by three of four games going to overtime. They break down Team Canada’s dramatic win over Czechia that nearly turned into an upset, Team USA’s gutsy victory over Sweden, and more.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis evaluate the state of the Blackhawks heading into the Olympic break and recap the grueling stretch of 21 games in 40 days. They discuss the team’s power-play struggles, what needs to change coming out of the break, and Wyatt Kaiser’s injury, including whether it could impact Chicago’s approach at the NHL trade deadline. Pat and Charlie also hand out midseason report cards, grading the forwards, defensemen, goaltending, power play, and penalty kill. Plus, they dish out individual honors, including offensive MVP, defensive MVP, most improved player, most consistent player, and most surprising player. They wrap up the episode with a men's Olympic hockey preview, debating whether Team USA and Team Canada are on a collision course for a gold-medal showdown, and highlight a potential sleeper country to watch.