Blackhawks Breakaway

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis are joined by The Athletic's NHL Draft expert Corey Pronman to preview the 2026 NHL Draft and break down the Blackhawks' options with the No. 4 overall pick. Pronman explains why several players occupied his No. 1 spot throughout the season and why he ultimately ranked defenseman Chase Reid barely ahead of consensus top prospect Gavin McKenna in his final rankings. He also discusses the five players he has in his Tier 1 rankings. If the top three forwards are off the board, should the Blackhawks feel comfortable selecting Reid despite already having two high-end right-shot defense prospects in Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel? Could Reid ultimately be the best of the trio? And is McKenna truly a lock to go No. 1 overall or could there be a surprise at the top of the draft? The conversation also turns to Ivar Stenberg, who has been mocked to the Blackhawks by many analysts. How realistic is that scenario, and how does Pronman expect the top of the draft to unfold? He also shares his NHL comparable for Stenberg. Plus, if San Jose selects a defenseman at No. 2 and Vancouver is deciding between Stenberg and Caleb Malhotra at No. 3, would the Canucks really choose Malhotra, as some reports suggest? Pronman explains what fueled Malhotra's rise into the top-five conversation. Finally, Pronman weighs in on the dramatic transformation of the Blackhawks' prospect pipeline, from one of the NHL's weakest just four years ago to arguably its deepest since GM Kyle Davidson launched the rebuild in 2022. Pat and Charlie close out the episode by reacting to Pronman's insights before discussing the fallout from NHL insider Frank Seravalli's report on Connor Bedard's contract negotiations from last week's episode and explaining why Blackhawks fans shouldn't be concerned.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down Chicago’s 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks to snap a five-game winless skid. The guys highlight the third line of Ryan Donato, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev, who led the charge by combining for 10 points.Pat and Charlie also dive into the Connor Bedard vs. Macklin Celebrini matchup, addressing the comparisons between the back-to-back No. 1 overall picks. They discuss their friendship, competitive fire, and the traits that make each player special.The guys also examine Team Canada’s Olympic roster, which continues to take hits due to injuries, and whether that could open the door for Bedard to earn an injury replacement spot.Plus, Pat and Charlie give their flowers to Connor Murphy as the NHL trade deadline approaches, discussing his impact on and off the ice and whether he may have played his final game at the United Center as a member of the Blackhawks.They wrap up by discussing Artyom Levshunov’s development as the Blackhawks work with him on key foundational elements of his game, while also putting into perspective the cultural adjustment facing the 20-year-old defenseman.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down a memorable weekend for the Blackhawks, highlighted by the return of longtime former captain Jonathan Toews. They discuss Toews receiving one of the loudest and longest ovations ever at the United Center and reflect on his lasting impact on the city of Chicago and the Blackhawks community.Pat and Charlie also weigh in on Chicago Bears star quarterback Caleb Williams electrifying the crowd with his surprise front-row appearance alongside Cubs star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, adding to an already special atmosphere. They discuss the uniqueness of Chicago’s young sports stars showing support for one another.Plus, the guys recap Centennial Celebration Night, which honored the Blackhawks’ Banner Years with tributes to the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup teams and featured more than 25 alumni in attendance along with the Stanley Cup itself.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis discuss the looming return of Connor Bedard, who spoke to the media for the first time about his shoulder injury since Dec. 12. They also react to Bedard being left off Team Canada’s initial 25-man roster for the 2026 Olympics and examine his mature response and mindset. Pat and Charlie also break down the Blackhawks’ 4-0-0 start to 2026, how the team has pulled within three points of a playoff spot, and the impressive play of the special teams. They wrap up the show by previewing Saturday’s Chicago sports frenzy, with the Blackhawks, Bears and Bulls all in action at the same time.