2017–18 Chicago Blackhawks season
The 2017–18 Chicago Blackhawks season was the 92nd season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on September 25, 1926. The Blackhawks finished the season with 76 points (19 points out of the final playoff spot) to finish in last place in the Central Division of the Western Conference. The season marked the first time since 2008 where the Blackhawks failed to make the Stanley Cup playoffs and the team's worst regular season performance since 2007. Prior to the season, the Blackhawks made several moves in an attempt to make up for the  prior season's playoff disappointment. As a result, the team traded their second-leading goal scorer from the prior season, Artemi Panarin, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for former Blackhawk Brandon Saad. In addition, the team traded arguably their most reliable defenseman, Niklas Hjalmarsson, to the Arizona Coyotes for defenseman Connor Murphy. Numerous other moves were made in an attempt to change the team. Also, forward Marian Hossa announced he would not play for the Blackhawks during the season due to a skin condition that was aggravated by wearing hockey equipment. As a result, Hossa was placed on long-term  injured reserve. Patrick Kane led the team in scoring with 76 points while rookie forward Alex DeBrincat led the team in goals with 28. The Blackhawks had five players score 20 or more goals: DeBrincat, Kane (27), Nick Schmaltz (21), Artem Anisimov (20) and Jonathan Toews (20). Goalie Corey Crawford only played 28 games, missing the final 47 games of the season with an undisclosed injury. Despite the disappointing season, team president John McDonough announced that general manager Stan Bowman and coach Joel Quenneville would return for the 2018–19 season. Schedule and results. Pre-season. The Blackhawks published their preseason  schedule on June 8, 2017. Regular season. The Blackhawks released their regular season schedule on June 22, 2017. Player statistics. Goaltenders. †Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Blackhawks. Stats reflect time with Blackhawks only. ‡Left team mid-season. Stats reflect time with Blackhawks only. Transactions. The Blackhawks have been involved in the following transactions during the 2017–18 season. Draft picks. Below are the Chicago Blackhawks' selections at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, which was held on June 23 and 24, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago. Notes: