Chicago is in a full rebuild after years of success, finishing near the bottom in recent seasons. Their opening-night appearance signals a chance for young players to seize opportunities and shift the franchise's trajectory.

Chicago looms as the season opener opponent for Tampa Bay, with Ekblad poised to return for Florida’s cross-conference clash, setting the stage for a high-stakes start to the new season.

Opponent for Tuesday’s banner raise; the rematch potential against the Panthers adds a late note of urgency to Chicago’s schedule as both teams navigate the season’s early tests.

Opponent in the season opener and banner-raising night, representing the initial test against a familiar rival early in the Panthers’ title-defense arc.

The article names Chicago as a potential destination for a McDavid–Matthews collaboration, underscoring how a market with space and ambition could leverage a two-star core to accelerate a rebuild into genuine Cup contention.