Tab Bamford talks new book on Connor Bedard, Blackhawks' new era

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis are joined by Bleacher Nation’s Tab Bamford to discuss his new book, "The Future: Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks’ New Era." Tab dives into Bedard’s development from Year 1 to Year 2, his revamped offseason training, and what it could mean for Year 3. He also shares what it was like writing a book in real time during Bedard’s rookie season, the behind-the-scenes insights he picked up along the way, and more. The guys also break down the state of the rebuild and when the Blackhawks could realistically return to playoff contention.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down a quiet Day 1 of NHL free agency for the Blackhawks, a result that came as no surprise. They discuss the Sam Lafferty trade and share general manager Kyle Davidson’s reasoning for handing the keys to the kids rather than signing veterans who might block their path. Pat and Charlie also offer their early takeaways from development camp, including thoughts on first-round selections Anton Frondell, Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West. They wrap up the show by revisiting the bigger-picture rebuild discussion in Chicago.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down Round 1 of the 2025 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks selected Anton Frondell at No. 3 overall, Vaclav Nestrasil at No. 25, and traded up to No. 29 to land dual-sport athlete Mason West. The guys share their thoughts on each pick and react to post-round comments from GM Kyle Davidson and head scout Mike Doneghey. They also discuss the draft’s new decentralized format, the impact of the New York Islanders trading Noah Dobson, and more. Plus, they dive into the new CBA, which includes an expanded 84-game regular season.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle is joined by NHL Insider Frank Seravalli to break down the Blackhawks’ plans for the 2025 NHL Draft and free agency. Could the Blackhawks trade the No. 3 overall pick? Will they be active on the trade market as a whole? Are they a potential suitor for Mitch Marner? Could the Blackhawks go down an offer sheet route this summer? And what should Blackhawks fans expect from newly-acquired winger Andre Burakovsky? Seravalli weighs in on all that and more.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis are joined by The Athletic's NHL prospects expert Scott Wheeler to preview the 2025 draft class. Is it a foregone conclusion that Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa will be the first two players off the board? Could the Blackhawks be choosing between Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers at No. 3 overall? And if so, who has the edge? What about dark-horse candidates like Porter Martone or James Hagens? Wheeler breaks it all down. Plus, Pat and Charlie react to his analysis and put a bow on the Stanley Cup Final, where the Florida Panthers completed their repeat over the Edmonton Oilers.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis share their top takeaways from the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. Should the Blackhawks trade up to draft Michael Misa? They also dive into Porter Martone, Caleb Desnoyers and Anton Frondell as potential options for Chicago at No. 3 overall. Plus, thoughts on GM Kyle Davidson saying he's "very open" to trading draft capital for NHL players, and why he believes next season’s roster will look "totally different" from last year's. Pat and Charlie wrap up with a look at the Stanley Cup Final and explain why the winner of Game 4 between Edmonton and Florida could decide the series.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down a busy week in Blackhawks news. They react to head coach Jeff Blashill rounding out his staff with the hiring of assistant coach Mike Vellucci. They also discuss the return of Jared Nightingale, who’s been named the new head coach of the Rockford IceHogs, and what it means for the development pipeline. Plus, could a Jonathan Toews comeback be in the works? The guys share their thoughts on his reported desire to play next season and explore potential landing spots if he returns. Pat and Charlie also weigh in on the Fifth Third Arena expansion project, which is expected to be completed by January 2026, and preview the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, including their predictions.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast,Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis share their first impressions of Jeff Blashill after he was officially introduced as the 42nd head coach in franchise history. Pat also sits down with Blashill for a 1-on-1 interview, where they discuss his coaching philosophy, building a relationship with Connor Bedard, and more. Pat and Charlie also break down how Blashill plans to balance development and winning, why the job appealed to him, and what captain Nick Foligno had to say about the hire.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis are joined by CHSN Blackhawks analyst Tony Granato to break down the hiring of Jeff Blashill as the 42nd head coach in franchise history. Granato shares insight into Blashill’s coaching style from their time together in Detroit, his leadership qualities, and what he may have gained from three years under Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay. Plus, the guys discuss Frank Nazar’s standout showing at the 2025 IIHF World Championship and how it could boost his confidence moving forward.

On the latest episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the growing buzz around Jeff Blashill potentially becoming the next head coach of the Blackhawks. They discuss what the hire would mean for the team and take a closer look at Blashill’s coaching resume. Later in the episode, they react to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ early playoff exit and explore whether Mitch Marner could be a realistic free-agent target for the Blackhawks this summer. Is a split between Marner and the Leafs inevitable? Pat and Charlie also touch on the upcoming NHL Draft, share takeaways from the Rockford IceHogs’ playoff run, make their Conference Final picks (Edmonton vs. Dallas and Florida vs. Carolina), and highlight Frank Nazar’s impressive performance for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.