The Chicago Blackhawks are in the midst of a lengthy rebuild, initiated in 2019 with the drafting of Alex Vlasic. Despite the promise of young talents like Connor Bedard, the team's path to contention appears uncertain, with some predicting a possible return to playoff form only by the late 2020s.

Comparisons to successful franchises like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins highlight the challenges Chicago faces, particularly in smart drafting and timely acquisitions. Fans may need to brace for a longer wait, potentially extending into the 2030s for a true championship run.