[1] It was a busy off-season for Chicago, as Bill Tobin was replaced by Tommy Ivan as general manager of the club.
Ivan had previously been the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 1947 to 1954, winning three Stanley Cups with the team.
He hired Frank Eddolls to be his head coach, as player-coach Sid Abel was let go after the 1953–54 season.
The Litzenberger trade paid off immediately, as he was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy for the best rookie in the league.
Gord Hollingworth led the Hawks with 135 penalty minutes, while team captain Gus Mortson was right behind him, getting 133.