Connor Bedard's Blackhawks just drew their smallest crowd of his era, and Chicago isn't the only NHL building with empty seats.
The announced attendance on a rainy October weeknight was 15,028. That's technically the lowest in Chicago since March 28, 2023.
Weather and a less-than-glamorous opponent played a part. Still, a franchise built around its 21-year-old star shouldn't be scrambling for walk-up traffic.
Bedard has dressed in just two of Chicago's eight games so far.
The Blackhawks have won two straight at home. That hasn't lifted a 3-5-0 record that sits last in their division.
Edmonton is the bigger shock. The Oilers didn't sell out Thursday's 4-2 loss to Utah, their last home game.
That's a market where Connor McDavid has 18 points in seven games for a team sitting second in its division.
Vegas sits first overall and still can't fill the building
Vegas hasn't sold out its last three home games. Those dates included Toronto, of all teams, along with Los Angeles and Calgary.
The Knights are 7-2-0 and lead the entire league. Ryan Craig's group hosts Pittsburgh tonight, Sidney Crosby and all.
So what's going on? Tickets, parking and food add up fast, and fans don't have the same kind of money to burn.
It's the restaurant that bumps prices every few months, then acts surprised when the regulars start cooking at home.
Teams have taken this for granted for too long. Squeezing a loyal fan base works right up until the night it doesn't.
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The worrying part is where it's happening. Chicago and Edmonton aren't markets anyone expected to see on this list.
One rainy night can be explained away. Three straight in Vegas and a soft Thursday in Edmonton start to look like a pattern.
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The league can wait and hope crowds bounce back by winter. Or someone can start asking why the best team in hockey can't fill its own building in October.
Are NHL ticket prices to blame for the empty seats in Chicago, Edmonton and Vegas?
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