Nick Lardis has become one of the intriguing prospects of the Chicago Blackhawks (Image via Getty Images) The Chicago Blackhawks are opening up a training camp on Thursday, following a busy week of rookie camp and the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. The excitement now shifts to the young players on the roster, ready to join practice with the older players. As per reports, young standouts will join established veterans in preparation for the 2025-26 NHL season. It will include Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic. But, beyond these marquee names, training camp will offer an opportunity to the veterans, such as Ryan Donato, Andre Burakovsky, Teuvo Teravainen, Nick Lardis, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the lineup of the veterans and rookies who are going to join the team this season.
The veterans to watch out for this season in the Chicago Blackhawks
One of the veterans that fans should expect to watch out for this season in the Chicago Blackhawks is Ryan Donato, who inked a contract extension this summer before hitting free agency, and is all set to join his first career 30-goal season. According to reports, it is said that he thrived in Chicago last year, and management is banking on his consistency as a key offensive contributor. While repeating 30 goals may be something very big for him, however, the team is expecting Ryan Donato to play a pivotal role in the Blackhawks’ attack. Moreover, his conditioning and form during camp will be closely watched so that he can work on his loopholes and prepare to build on a breakout campaign this season.
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Another player who is joining Donato is Andre Burakovsky, a two-time Stanley Cup champion. It is to be noted that Burakovsky has set foot in Chicago after a long hiatus, battling injuries and inconsistencies in Seattle. The training camps will provide the first glimpse at how he’s adapting to his new surroundings and what he can offer as a stabilizing presence following his long gap from gap.Teuvo Teravainen is again returning to Chicago with valuable experience and skill. He has consistently been one of the team’s most reliable performers last season. Now entering camp, he’s aiming to secure his place as a top-six spot while also making a case for Olympic selection with Team Finland. This season, it is expected that Teravainen will showcase his ability to complement Chicago’s fast, youthful core and prove he remains a difference-maker at the NHL level.
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Who are the rookies joining the Blackhawks this season?
Nick Lardis is one of the rookies whom the team is really counting on. After an impressive season in the OHL where he scored a jaw-dropping 71 goals, Lardis has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the organization. His strong showing at rookie camp has raised the bar, and this season, he will need to prove his expertise in games against NHL-level competition. Although he will start in the AHL, a standout performance in camp could just land him a spot on the opening-night roster.Also read: Nathan Walker inks a two-year extension deal worth $1.775 million with the St. Louis Blues | NHL News – The Times of IndiaJoining him, Marek Vanacker will also appear as a rookie following a major injury that sidelined him a year ago. Vanacker closed last season with a stint in the AHL and is expected to spend more time there in 2025-26. At this training session, his performance will indicate how close he is to breaking through. If he impresses, fans may not have to wait long to see his NHL debut.