The 2007–08 Chicago Blackhawks season began on October 4, 2007, against the Minnesota Wild. It is the Blackhawks' 81st season in the National Hockey League. The 2007 season also marked the team's first winning season in six years. Key dates prior to the start of the season: * The 2007 NHL Entry Draft took place in Columbus, Ohio, on June 22–June 23. The Blackhawks had the first overall selection - using it to select Patrick Kane of the London Knights. * The free agency period began on July 1.