The preseason is in full swing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Veteran and new players alike are trying to find their way and etch out their roles with this new-look team. We know that Nick Foligno is the Blackhawks’ 35th captain in franchise history, and Connor Bedard is primed to begin his second season in the NHL. The Blackhawks are trying to take that next step in their rebuild. Individually, a few players didn’t have the greatest 2023-24 campaign, and they want to remedy that as this 2024-25 season commences. Let’s look at four players who are looking to have bounce back seasons.
Murphy Wants the Most
When Connor Murphy is at his best, he’s a shutdown defenseman with a lot of snarl. He’s known for his big hits and for blocking shots, and just generally getting under the skin of the opponent. In short, he embodies what the team sees as their identity; being hard to play against. At 31 years old and with seven seasons in Chicago under his belt, Murphy is a veteran and a leader on the team. He’s also sported the “A” for alternate captain on his jersey for the last three seasons, and will do so again this season.
This is why Murphy would be the first person to tell you he was disappointed in last season’s campaign. To be fair, the Boston Massachusetts native dealt with a troublesome injury last year that kept him out of the lineup from Jan. 16 through Apr. 12. He suited up for three contests at the end of the season, but that was mostly just for his pride and to get some game reps before the offseason.
At first Murphy thought he was just dealing with a minor groin strain. But it turned out to be an osteitis pubic injury, which is pain and inflammation of the groin and surroundings areas. He kept thinking his symptoms were subsiding, but as soon as he started ramping up his exercises it would get inflamed again.
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Dealing with injuries is nothing new for the veteran blueliner. In his seven seasons with the Blackhawks, Murphy has only played more than 58 games two times. But last season was by far the worst; he only played in 46 contests, registering two goals and eight points.
Interestingly, the previous 2022-23 campaign was one of Murphy’s best. He suited up for 80 games, contributing seven goals, 13 points, 160 blocked shots (first on…
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