Want to make sure you get them all year? You can become a Diehard today and not only get all my newsletters, but access to Mario and Greg’s weekly “Rebuild Report” and a free Hawks-inspired t-shirt as well!

Now, onto this week’s Blackhawks Beat.

You may have missed this piece of news last week, but the NHL is likely doing away with one of their coolest and most unique events … the centralized NHL Draft.

Centralized? What the hell does that mean, Jay?

Every year, when the NHL holds its entry draft, each team gathers in front of the stage at designated team tables. GMs, assistant GMs, scouts, owners, and other executives all gather together to draft. Every team, every exec, all within 100 feet of each other for the entirety of the draft. Fans and media in the arena can watch, in real time, if a GM gets up to talk to another GM. They can see teams interacting with each other and reacting to the draft as picks happen.

Two weeks ago, the league sent a survey to NHL teams asking if they supported the decision to decentralize the draft. The vast majority voted yes, so it looks like 2024 will be our last chance to experience the draft in its current format.

So why is the NHL doing this?

The bottom line is money. It’s expensive for teams to fly, board, feed, and accommodate their staff for a week in a road city. Some teams have also expressed concerns over the proximity of the draft to free agency, which usually happens the week after the draft.

Fine … but here’s the thing. Does it have to be all or nothing? Couldn’t teams send fewer people? Couldn’t the league move free agency back a week? Why does it have to be a complete elimination of one of the NHL’s coolest features? Now the NHL will be like the NBA and NFL with all picks being made remotely.

From a personal and somewhat selfish standpoint, 2023 was my first time covering the draft in person. It allowed all of us at CHGO a unique networking opportunity. We got to work around some of the biggest names in hockey media and interact with some of the biggest executives in the game. I know that doesn’t matter to the average NHL fan, but it makes everyone wearing an NHL credential a better and more informed journalist.

I implore the NHL and their teams to think of the fans. The current format leads to so much more intrigue for the viewer and fans. Get creative and find a way to make this work. It’s so rare that the NHL has an entertainment edge on the other big leagues in sports. Why take away something so unique to the game we love? I hope they reconsider.

The Week Ahead

Saturday – vs Florida Panthers

The Panthers are currently sixth in the eight-team Atlantic Division, and they have a winning 4-3-1 record. That’s how stacked the Atlantic is this year. The defending Eastern Conference Champs aren’t off to the start they expected, but should still be in strong position for a playoff spot when the season wraps up. Last year, they proved they can make a deep run in spite of a low playoff spot. They’ve been without defensive stalwarts Brandon Montour and Aaron Ekblad so far this season, but both are expected to be back in the lineup by Saturday. Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been an unexpectedly solid addition in their absence.

Sunday – vs New Jersey Devils

The Devils are the NHL’s next big thing. They’re young, fast, and ready to win. They’re off to a 5-2-1 start, led by the offensive fireworks of 2019 No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes. In eight games this season, Hughes has 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 points. You read that correctly … 18 points in 8 games. And he’s 22 years old. Hughes is hardly a one-man show, though. Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Dougie Hamilton and rookie Luke Hughes (Jack’s brother) are just a few of the names that make up a stacked Devils roster. To me, they are the most exciting team in hockey, right up there with the Colorado Avalanche. Their biggest question is in goal. Both Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid have sub-.900 save percentages and goals against averages of 3.24 and 4.07 respectively.

If the Devils can get their goaltending even up to league average, they’re going to be very dangerous.

Have a great week, Blackhawks fans. We’ll see you back here next Tuesday.

Headline Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to another edition of my weekly Blackhawks Beat. Each Tuesday, I share my thoughts on the Blackhawks topic that’s taken up most of my head space over the week. These first few are unlocked to everyone, then we’ll make them a Diehard-only perk, similar to Adam Hoge’s “Bears Things” newsletter.

Want to make sure you get them all year? You can become a Diehard today and not only get all my newsletters, but access to Mario and Greg’s weekly “Rebuild Report” and a free Hawks-inspired t-shirt as well!

We’re six games into the Blackhawks’ season and Connor Bedard’s NHL career. The young center has two goals and two assists in those games, and despite not filling the net with goals just yet, he’s been one of the best Blackhawks players. Maybe the best. The now-injured Taylor Hall, Ryan Donato and Taylor Raddysh have been his most consistent linemates so far.

Are they enough, or is it time for GM Kyle Davidson to bring in some scoring help for Bedard?

When the Blackhawks won the draft lottery, Davidson made it clear the Hawks wouldn’t stray from the rebuild plan.

“The rebuild was never based on first overall,” Davidson told CHGO. “We have to build a team. You look at any Cup team … it’s not just one guy. They all rise and play important roles in important moments. It’s never one person. (Getting Bedard) is just a bonus. That’s all it is. It doesn’t change the path. It doesn’t change what we’re doing.”

I agree with Davidson. They shouldn’t just throw the rebuild to the wind and go sign a bunch of free agents just to get a playoff spot.

However, if there is a player who makes sense for the team in the context of the rebuild, why not use some of the team’s many assets to find some help for Bedard?

Taylor Hall, whom the Hawks traded for this summer, will be one of those players for Bedard this season, but on Monday, coach Luke Richardson called Hall week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Even with Hall, I thought it might be a good idea to bring in some support. Now that he’s out, I really think it’s time as long as the move fits the long-term plan. This should not be a rental situation.

So what options does Davidson have in that regard?

NOTE: It’s important to keep in mind that NHL transactions don’t usually happen until Thanksgiving, thus limiting the Hawks’ options at the time.

Connor Garland – Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver winger Connor Garland has requested a trade from the cap-strapped Canucks. He also hired a new agent right before the season began. Garland wants out, and while a 27-year-old right winger doesn’t seem to make a ton of sense as we look three, four or five years into the future, his presence could help ease the offensive burden for Bedard, while still being an important piece when the Hawks are ready to compete for a playoff spot again.

Garland has three years left (including this season) on his contract and carries a $4.95 million cap hit. Vancouver needs to move this salary and has shown a willingness to eat some of the cap hit in order to make it work. The Hawks could be a tempting trade partner, as they’d likely be willing to eat the entire cap hit, especially if the trade piece going back to Vancouver is a low draft pick, a mid-level prospect, or everyone’s favorite journeyman player, F. Considerations.

In 327 NHL games, Garland has 84 goals and 112 assists. He’s not exactly Pavel Bure in terms of speed, but has some finish to his shot and is a bona fide top-six winger.

Shane Pinto – Ottawa Senators

This would be a dream scenario for the Blackhawks but is also the least likely. Pinto, 22, is a center and a restricted free agent. While he wouldn’t play on a line with Bedard, it would free up Lukas Reichel to move to Bedard’s line, should the Hawks decide the Reichel-at-center experiment is over.

The only reason Ottawa hasn’t re-signed Pinto is because of their cap situation. They certainly want him back, and are trying to make it work. If the Blackhawks, or any team, is going to pry Pinto away from Ottawa, it’s going to take a king’s ransom.

Would Davidson be willing to part with the latter of his first-round picks in the 2023 Draft? Would that be enough for Ottawa?

Probably not, however, the Hawks could look to help Ottawa get some cap space with a different trade, but that would be down the road.

Find a team loaded with forward prospects or NHL defensive issues

The Blackhawks have a glut of defensive prospects. Aside from current Blackhawks Kevin Korchinski (untouchable), Alex Vlasic (close to untouchable) and Wyatt Kaiser, the likes of Ethan Del Mastro, Isaak Phillips, Nolan Allan are working their way to the NHL via Rockford. Sam Rinzel and Taige Harding are on the radar, as well, but are still years away.

The Blackhawks have defensemen to move.

Toronto has cap issues and needs help on defense. None of the “in-the-system” prospects will appeal to the Leafs right now, as they’re looking to win a Cup…not develop a kid. The Hawks could move a veteran defenseman, like Connor Murphy, but that doesn’t solve the Leafs’ cap issues.

Buffalo is short on the defensive end, but seek a right-handed shot player, and like Toronto, Buffalo is in win now…or at least win soon…mode. The Hawks’ defensive prospects close to NHL time are all left-handed shots.

Sign Phil Kessel

This is just a nod to Mario Tirabassi, who’s been stumping for Kessel for a couple of years now. I mean, I wouldn’t be mad about it, but I’m not sure how much it actually helps.

This is the dilemma. Teams with cap issues are trying to win now, so a defensive prospect doesn’t help. Teams in situations like the Blackhawks, with young talent building towards their next generation, aren’t looking to deal.

If I’m Kyle Davidson, I’m making calls to Vancouver about Garland. It makes sense for both teams, and the Hawks have an advantage in that they can accommodate all of Garland’s cap hit. Removing that $4.95 million helps them out big time, and they could make him available to the Hawks for very little in return. Plus, you’d have to assume that Garland would be very excited about the opportunity to hop over the boards with Connor Bedard and Taylor Hall this season.

Chicago Blackhawks Upcoming Schedule

Tuesday – vs Boston Bruins

This will be the first “normal” game the Blackhawks will play this season. It’s not a home opener. It’s not a centennial celebration. It’s just a game, and I think the Hawks are very much looking forward to a normal game.

The Bruins, who beat the Hawks 3-1 in Boston on October 11, is 5-0 on the season. David Pastrnak (5 G, 3 A) and Brad Marchand (4 G, 3 A) lead the team in scoring, while the goaltending tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman have been absolutely lights out. It’s another big challenge in a season full of nothing but big challenges so far.

Friday – at Vegas Golden Knights

Holy crap the Golden Knights are steamrolling the league. Not only are they (also) undefeated, they have outscored their opponents 25-11 in their six games. They have a bigger goal differential than goals allowed. The Knights have six players averaging a point per game, including leading scorer Chandler Stephenson and William Karlsson (aka Great Value William Nylander).

Speaking of Friday, we’re hosting a watch party, presented by our friends at Goose Island, at Legends Grill and Bar, located at 9710 191st St. in Mokena. The puck drops at 5 pm, and we’ll host a postgame afterward. Come hang out!

Monday – at Arizona Coyotes

Oh, the Hawks are allowed to play a team with a loss? Who knew?

I’m really looking forward to this game. The Coyotes are 3-2 to start the season, and have a much better roster than they did last season. In addition to rookie phenom Logan Cooley, Arizona added Matt Dumba, Sean Durzi, Nick Bjugstad, and Jason Zucker.

Keep a close eye on Cooley, though. He will be one of Bedard’s top challengers for the Calder Trophy.

We’ll be back here next Tuesday. See you then.

Jay Zawaski

Greg, Mario, and I thought we’d use this space to summarize our thoughts on the night, and what Bedard will mean to the team, to the fanbase, and to us.

Greg Boysen

Waking up this morning, I needed to check my phone to make sure last night actually happened. Even though my dreams were full of goal horns, I was relieved to find out that the Blackhawks winning the Draft Lottery was not just a figment of my imagination.

Being able to see that moment for this franchise sitting between Jay and Mario and live in front of a record audience for CHGO Blackhawks made it something I won’t forget. Of course, the internet has been full of outrage and conspiracy theories, but none of that matters because Bedard will officially be a Blackhawk in 50 days.

Winning the Draft Lottery doesn’t mean the rebuild is over. There is still plenty of pain ahead, but having Bedard on the roster makes things a little easier. Factor in that the Blackhawks have seven more picks in the first three rounds of this historically deep draft, and this rebuild is off to a tremendous start.

Winning the Draft Lottery was the huge payoff we all hoped for. Blackhawks fans had to endure a lot over the past 12 months. Players like Brandon Hagel, Alex DeBrincat, and Kirby Dach were all moved for draft picks. Then, during a season full of losses, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews played their last games for the franchise. That is a lot to take, but all the hand-wringing and anxiety was worth it…..No. 98 is on his way. And he has Luke Richardson as his first NHL head coach. I’m glad we hopped on the ride.

Mario Tirabassi

After losing my voice shouting in anxious anticipation and then again in celebration during the NHL Draft Lottery, I’ve come down a bit for the high of the Blackhawks winning the top overall pick and the opportunity to select Connor Bedard.

Ok, one last scream, AHHHHHHH!

Ok, so Connor Bedard, the generational talent and undisputed best player in the 2023 draft class for the past two years, will be a Chicago Blackhawk. After going through the tank season that was 2022-23, saying goodbye to Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, and having endured what felt like endless piles of shit in the news over the past two+ years, Blackhawks fans have reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

Before I go on, I still feel it is necessary to acknowledge the atrocious events that occurred during 2010 and the cover-up that former Blackhawks management proceeded with. The outrage, anger, and disgust that 31 other NHL fan bases feel with Chicago landing No. 1 is right. The cries of “RIGGED!” are as expected as the rising and setting of the sun. If I wasn’t a Blackhawks fan, I’d probably feel the same way. But the ping pong balls came up in Chicago’s favor and no one who had anything to do with the incidents revolving around Brad Aldrich’s sexual assault of Kyle Beach and the cover-up get to be a part of it.

Moving forward, the Blackhawks get the cheat code, the shortcut, the cornerstone to their rebuild. The term generational talent is thrown around a lot in hockey. Not every top overall prospect is one. That’s not the case with Bedard. He is as much of a sure thing in the NHL as a Draft prospect since Connor McDavid. He is a player built in the mold of Patrick Kane, but with the shooting ability of Auston Matthews. The hype surrounding him is warranted and Blackhawks fans should be over the moon that they get to see him become the next face of their franchise.

Jay Zawaski

Monday night, Greg made the comparison of the Blackhawks winning the NHL Draft Lottery to the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, and for me personally, that was spot on. It was a relief as much as it was a joy, at least at first. As time went on, and I got to visit the chalked-up Wrigley Field, reality set in. The beauty, and the difference, between the Cubs winning the World Series and the Blackhawks winning Connor Bedard is the fact that the fun STARTS now. We haven’t even seen Bedard in a Blackhawks sweater yet, despite some killer work from our guy Joey Spathis.

Bedard’s statistics speak for themselves. In 57 games with the Regina Pats, Bedard tallied 71 goals and 72 assists. That’s 143 points in 57 games. That’s 2.51 points per game! Even more impressive was his performance in the 2023 World Junior Championships. In seven games with Team Canada, Bedard had nine goals and 14 assists. 23 points in seven games against the best his age group has to offer.

This kid is going to be a hockey star.

For his teammates and fellow prospects, you can’t help but feel happy for them. Guys like Seth Jones and Connor Murphy, who have been consummate pros since joining the organization, have to feel a bit of relief today. Other prospects in the system, like Lukas Reichel, have to be licking their chops to play with Bedard.

For Blackhawks fans, the last few years have been difficult. We must acknowledge the organizational failure around Kyle Beach. There are many hockey fans around the country who feel the Blackhawks shouldn’t even have had the opportunity to make this pick and should have been sanctioned with draft capital being taken away, and perhaps they have a point. It didn’t happen, though. Everyone (with the exception of Rocky Wirtz) who was involved in the organization then is gone. Hopefully those now at the top can promise a better and safer environment for their prospects.

For us in the media, it is thrilling to be able to cover a player of this caliber. I wasn’t in the locker room for the ascent of the dynasty Blackhawks. Hopefully, I’ll be there for the next dynasty.

Adding Connor Bedard is indeed, “The Short Cut.”

“I don’t know if it’s necessarily putting the past behind us,” Davidson began. “It’s more so clearing the deck to allow the organic growth for young players in the leadership roles and offer this new era of Blackhawks player the same opportunity that Toews, Kane, [Duncan] Keith, [Brent] Seabrook were all offered when they came into the league. When there’s a player like Jonathan or Patrick in your locker room, you defer to them, you just let them handle the leadership and there’s not a lot of development opportunity there.”

On Monday, we had the chance to interview Blackhawks and IceHogs defenseman Alex Vlasic ahead of Rockford’s series vs Iowa. Greg Boysen asked about the differences in his experience in 2022 vs 2023.

“It was a lot more chill, I’d say,” Vlasic said. “I remember at the start of last year, I felt like I was kinda walking around on eggshells, which I feel like is pretty normal, especially when you got some big names in the locker room like Toewser and Kaner. I feel like this year was a lot easier for me to make the transition and not really worry about that stuff … not really worry about the different atmosphere. I just kind of jumped right in and started playing hockey.”

Now, before we continue, I want to be clear that these quotes come off much worse in print than they did on video/audio, so I encourage everyone to check out the show (or the clip above) for themselves.

As the interview went on, I wanted to circle back to those comments. I asked Vlasic if the different feelings he felt this season were because Kane and Toews weren’t present.

“Right away, you’re playing with Patrick Kane … you’re not going to feel comfortable being your same self that you would be around somebody that you’re playing with … one of your best buddies on the team. It’s just impossible. I look up to this guy. I’ve looked up to him for so long. He’s such a good player, so you’re going to defer him, whether that be off the ice, but on the ice as well,” Vlasic said. “This season, to the games that I’ve played now, it felt a lot different in the locker room. Just a younger vibe. A lot of new players as well, so I felt a little bit more comfortable, and just even being around those guys [Kane and Toews] last year, and in training camp gave me a lot more confidence and more [comfort] around them.”

The CHGO Blackhawks crew has believed in this philosophy long before Kyle Davidson brought it up on Thursday. It’s not a knock on Kane or Toews in any way, shape, or form, but any time two icons of an iconic franchise are in the room, those in their presence will have some level of awe and intimidation. Without those presences, young and different players will feel emboldened to take on leadership like never before.

Now the Band-Aid is torn off. The page has been turned. I’m excited to see this next generation of Blackhawks truly take hold. Let’s see if any of them can hold a candle to Kane or Toews.

Oh Captain, My Captain!

Celebrate one of Chicago’s greatest careers with our new release from the CHGO Locker!

Now that we know tonight will be your last game as a Chicago Blackhawk, I wanted to share a note. 

If it wasn’t for you, I probably wouldn’t be doing the job I’m doing now. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have half of my happy Chicago sports memories. For that, thanks. 

It’s funny, your career has run parallel to the best parts of my life, which I don’t think is a coincidence. My daughter was born right after Big Buff’s OT winner during Game 3 vs San Jose. She was there (asleep) for the banner raising, and she enjoyed reading to her beloved Toews doll before bed. 

She’s nearly 13 now. She looks like an adult, and as I look at your career as a parallel to your career, it’s making me feel old. I remember those pictures from your rookie year, and I used to think, “I wonder what Toews will look like when he’s an old NHL veteran,” just as I used to look at my daughter and wonder, “What is she going to look like when she’s older?”

I still remember your first NHL game. You scored on your first NHL shot and we all knew you were going to be special.

Four games later, you scored the most incredible goal of your career. 

Avalanche analyst Peter McNab summed the goal up beautifully. “This is the kind of talent that can bring a franchise back from the dead.”

“He’s 19 years old,” then head coach Denis Savard said. “But don’t let that fool you. There’s no big step from the University of North Dakota to the NHL for this kid. He’s 19, but he already displays all of the cool and experience of a 30-year-old veteran. He’s definitely captain material.”

Savard was on to something.

Now and forever, you’re “The Captain.” One of the game’s all-time great Captains, despite a misstep here or there. 

It’s hard to imagine what you’ve been through over the last few years. Long COVID, chronic immune response syndrome, your body betraying your mind and desire to keep playing the game you love. But you have nothing more to prove. You’ve won everything there is to win. Whatever happens from today forward, you will be a Chicago legend. 

When things were going so great during the 2010s, it felt like it was never going to end. The team seemed invincible. You guys didn’t lose … you just ran out of time. Even as the wins began to dwindle, we still had our highlight moments from you, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith. It was easy to feel connected to those days, and it still is. I think that’s why there are a lot of Hawks fans imagining a return for you and Kane this summer. 

Selfishly, I don’t want you to play for another organization. If there’s one member of the dynasty Blackhawks who should only play for one franchise, it’s you. The fact that you may not be able to go out on your own terms is unfair, though. Regardless of what you decide, you will always be a Blackhawk. I can’t wait to see No. 19 up in the rafters with Nos. 1, 3, 9, 18, 21, 35 and 81.

With more to follow, of course …

It’s already strange to see a Blackhawks game without No. 88. I can’t imagine what it will be like to see this next generation grow without you. Your name is synonymous with the Blackhawks, with Chicago and with winning and leadership. Whatever you decide, Chicago has your back forever.  

Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for giving everything you had every shift. Thank you for giving more than you had over the last few years. 

Thanks for Everything,

Jay

Reichel, drafted 17th overall in the 2020 draft, didn’t experience the immediate success Blackhawks fans had come to expect from higher draft picks. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad and Alex DeBrincat experienced immediate success. Kirby Dach, drafted third overall in 2019, came to the NHL right away. With Reichel, the jump didn’t happen as quickly, and the organization’s patience is paying off.

After putting up one assist in 11 games with the Blackhawks in 2021-22, Reichel, somewhat unexpectedly, started this season in Rockford with the IceHogs, where he dominated. After two brief call-ups earlier this season, Reichel is finally on the roster full-time. During this current 17-game stretch*, the longest call-up of his NHL career, Reichel has looked like a different player. He has 10 points (4G – 6A) in those games, and is playing at a 48-point pace if extrapolated over an 82-game season. Those numbers would have him in the Calder Trophy conversation with Seattle’s Matty Beniers and Anaheim’s Mason McTavish.

Reichel’s offensive ability is apparent. He’s fast, has great hands, and can easily maneuver between defenders, so why didn’t the goals and assists come sooner? My main concern (if you can call it that) with Reichel early-on was his decision-making. He struggled to realize that plays he could make in the AHL and in Germany wouldn’t work in the NHL. He also had obvious shortcomings in his defensive game, and while it would have been really easy for GM Kyle Davidson to start the season with Reichel in Chicago and live with the growing pains, he allowed him to develop at the AHL level, and it has paid off.

What we’ve seen in the last seventeen games is a complete player. Reichel will never be Patrice Bergeron defensively, but he’s shown growth and understanding in all zones, and Luke Richardson has noticed.

After Thursday’s loss to the Blues, Richardson talked about Reichel’s growth. “He’s still learning. We saw some clips today about looking when to strike and when not to strike, and I could see [that growth] already. The longer he’s here…the more he understands that…the better he’ll get.”

Honestly, you could go through any postgame video of Richardson and find him saying something similar about Reichel’s game, and he’s getting the message. He’s played the best hockey of his young career and looks better and more dangerous every game.

“He’s been very explosive for us,” Richardson said after the loss to the Canucks. “He’s not afraid of going to those hard areas [around the net]. He’s just going to get bigger and stronger and be more dominant when he does that. He’s doing the right things. He’s got lots of intelligence. He sees things out there. He’s got to see danger, too and put pucks behind the other team.”

Richardson’s tone has changed around Reichel as the season has gone on. He’s seeing the growth he wants to see and is seeing a player respond to coaching. Reichel has been awarded with the opportunity to finish out the regular season in Chicago before re-joining the IceHogs for their playoff run. Those will likely be the last games he ever plays in Rockford.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, April 4 @ Calgary Flames

8:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Flames should be better than they are. I had such high hopes for them and they’ve annoyed me all season. That said, with a 6-2-2 record over their last 10 games, they’re two points out of a Wild Card spot and have a roster #BuiltForThePlayoffs. While all of the Flames offensive stars have underperformed, their biggest issue has been in goal. Jacob Markstrom, once considered one of the league’s upper-tier tenders, has been flat out bad this season. Last season, he was 37-15-9 with a 2.22 goals against, a .922 save percentage and had nine shutouts. This season, he’s 22-20-10 with a 2.98 goals against, a .890 save percentage with one shutout.

Thursday, April 6 @ Vancouver Canucks

9:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

For all of the offense on this Vancouver team, you figure they’d be better than they are. Elisa Pettersson is approaching the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. JT Miller and Quinn Hughes are scoring over a point per game. However, they’re bottom ten in nearly every important defensive category, including the league’s worst penalty kill. Their goaltending has been pretty brutal, as well. Thatcher Demko, Collin Delia and Spencer Martin have shared the net this year. None of them have a save percentage over 90%. None of them have a goals against average below Delia’s team leading 3.26. Yikes.

Saturday, April 8 @ Seattle Kraken

9:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Kraken have a firm grasp on the top Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, with 92 points. They’ve been fun to watch this season. Rookie and future superstar Matty Beniers is a shoo-in for the Calder Trophy and is their player to watch. What the Kraken lack in superstar talent (for now) they make up for in depth. The Blackhawks leading scorer is Tyler Raddysh. He has 37 points in 36 games. That would be good for ninth on the Kraken.

*Stats have been updated to reflect Tuesday’s win over Calgary.

However, the players were not wearing their Pride jerseys in warm-ups, as they have in years past. Blackhawks fans, both in and out of the LGBTQIA+ community were upset, hurt, and confused. Sources close to the team told reporters the decision was made based on concerns over the safety of Russian players and their families, but our colleagues at The Athletic put in a call to the NHL’s deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who said, “We have no information that would suggest there is any material threat that would exist (in Russia or otherwise) related to a Russian player participating in a club’s Pride activities.” It should also be noted that Russian hockey players have worn pride jerseys both before and after the Blackhawks’ decision, with no retribution.

All of this leads to confusion, frustration, and mistrust, for everyone.

I’m not going to pretend that I have a full understanding of Russian politics. Any time there is a dictator in charge, things can change quickly and without warning, so despite Daly’s comment, I believe there are Russian players who have legitimate concerns about their and their families’ safety. I also acknowledge that I will never fully understand the daily struggle the LGBTQIA+ community goes through, though I do my best to listen, learn, grow, sympathize, and support, even though I will often fall short (as I admittedly did the other night when the news broke), and while Russian players deserve respect for their concerns over what’s happening in their country, there are LGBTQIA+ people living in America, dealing with their rights being stripped away on a daily basis. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, there are currently 450 bills targeting the LGBTQ community in the United States.

450.

Let that sink in.

What frustrates me most, aside from seeing friends and fans feeling hurt by the decision, is the Blackhawks leadership group’s silence on this topic. CEO Danny Wirtz and President Jaime Faulkner have used the term “transparency” over and over again. Right now, the fans need, and deserve, transparency.

The Blackhawks have (another) crisis on their hands. Now is not the time for the leadership to go silent. Fans deserve an explanation. The media deserves the chance to ask questions and get answers. Instead, Luke Richardson, Connor Murphy and Seth Jones are taxed with facing the media with no support behind them. They’re in a no-win situation.

Overall, I had been pleased with how Wirtz and Faulkner have handled things since they took the reigns, but they’ve both dropped the ball, here. It’s never too late to step up and do the right thing and show some accountability, but it feels like they’re just going to let the news cycle pass instead, which is a shame. It feels like for every step forward the organization makes, they take several steps back.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, March 28 vs Dallas Stars

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Every time the Blackhawks play the Stars, I write about Jason Robertson, and I’m not going to stop now. He is one of the game’s brightest Stars, and the league has completely dropped the ball on promoting him. The Stars are a good team, in a large market, with some very marketable players. In his 73 games this season, Robertson has 41 goals and 50 assists and is currently tied for ninth in the NHL in scoring. At 23 years old, he’s only going to get better.

Meanwhile, the Stars, who have led the Central Division for the bulk of the season, have fallen to third. This sounds a lot worse than it is, as first-place Minnesota only has one more point than the Stars. The race for the central title should be fun to watch, but expect a fully-motivated Stars team at the United Center Tuesday night.

Thursday, March 30 vs St. Louis Blues

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Blues are right in the middle of hockey hell. Not bad enough to land a great draft pick, not good enough to make the playoffs. While they have their young stars, Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, locked up long-term, there is also a significant portion of their cap space tied up in older defensemen. Could the Blues be in line for a rebuild? They probably should, but probably won’t. I’d imaging if you’re reading this you wouldn’t mind seeing the Blues sink into obscurity for the next decade, right?

Saturday, April 1 vs New Jersey Devils

7:00 pm on ESPN2 & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Devils are really damn good. They’re young. They’re fast. They’re going to be young and fast for a long-time. If you’re looking for hope for the rebuild, the Devils could be a team to look to. I’m excited about getting to see them live. I’m also excited to see how they fare in the playoffs. The East is loaded and experienced, so it might be a couple more years before the Devils can take down the big dogs, but we’ll see. I’m rooting for them.

At Richardson’s introductory press conference on June 29, Davidson remarked, “We wanted someone who could lead with authority and who would hold players accountable. In addition, we were looking for someone who could develop and coach young talent, while also connecting with our veteran players.”

This season, Davidson has checked every one of those boxes.

The Blackhawks’ roster was built to lose. Davidson has been honest about what this season is about, and hasn’t tried to hide the fact that wins are not ideal in the chase for the team’s next franchise player. That hasn’t stopped the Hawks from competing and keeping games respectable all season long. In the 70 games Chicago has played, 38 of them have been decided by two goals or fewer. In those games, the Hawks’ record is 17-15-6. Despite last night’s 5-0 loss to Colorado, the Hawks don’t get blown often out, despite the cavernous talent gap between themselves and their opponents most nights.

For a team that’s been one of the NHL’s punchlines all season, they’ve been much more respectable than they get credit for, and I think Richardson deserves the bulk of the credit for that respectability.

When we had the chance to interview Richardson back in June, he gave some insight into how he would handle things when the chips were down.

“We want to create a family atmosphere. I don’t like talking about my hockey playing career with the players. I’m here to take the experiences I’ve learned and help them. They know that I’ve been though everything … disappointment … put on waivers …[being sent] to the minors … I’ve seen it all. I want them to know that I’m with them. There are some nights I might have to be hard on a player, but I’m still with them the next morning. I think that will lead to a better environment.”

While the 2022-23 season has been less tumultuous than the season prior, it hasn’t been without its distractions. The team went through a stretch where it lost 21 of 23 games. The Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews trade rumors were the main story and a distraction, for most of the season. By the time the deadline passed, they had traded Kane, Jake McCabe, Max Domi, Sam Lafferty, and Jack Johnson. This team had every opportunity to mail in the season, and to this point, with 13 games to go, they haven’t.

Of course, the “try-hard, hustle, never-say-die” thing isn’t really quantifiable on paper.

No one was talking about it during the streak of 21 losses in 23 games, right?

The other part of Richardson’s coaching that makes me optimistic for the team’s future is his ability to explain the game. In all my years watching and covering hockey, I’ve never heard a head coach offer so much detail into specific plays, moments, and strategies.

Watch this clip from December 15. Richardson is talking about the Blackhawks’ defensive woes at the time. He explains it with such clarity, even we morons in the media understand.

If he can make us understand, just think of the impact he’s having on the young hockey minds that are or soon will be on the Blackhawks roster.

“He’s constantly reinforcing every little detail that we need to focus on because, obviously, we’re not Boston,” center Jason Dickinson told The Athletic.

“It all starts now, coming together as a team,” MacKenzie Entwistle said. “Not everybody’s going to score 40 goals, but how are you going to contribute every night? That’s what a lot of guys are figuring out, and it’s been working for us. A lot of it has to do with Luke.”

After Monday’s tough oss, Richardson was as pointed as he’s ever been, specifically about Ian Mitchell’s performance.

“It’s always tough coming in and out of the lineup, but that’s just pro hockey,” Richardson said. “You have to be ready when you get your chance. He was a little tentative and stepped back on a couple goals where he’s close to his man. He’s just got to step into that man and play the body.”

As you can read, even when a player has possibly his worst game of the season, Richardson offers a bit of understanding before the criticism. Mitchell can rest assured he’ll likely have a clean slate with Richardson on Tuesday.

The Blackhawks’ future is uncertain. There are many boxes to check before they can contend again, but they can already check the “Head Coach” box in permanent marker.

The Week Ahead

Thursday, March 23 @ Washington Capitals

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

For the next few seasons, the main goal for the Washington Capitals will be getting Alex Ovechkin to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record (894). Ovechkin is at 819 and counting. Somehow, the 37-year old winger is still scoring with regularity. He doesn’t play with the reckless abandon of his early career anymore but leave him in that left circle and you’re screwed. Barring catastrophic injury, Ovechkin will pass Gretzky. The Caps will keep him around until it happens, which might feel a little gross, but far be it from anyone around the Blackhawks to criticize an organizational lack of focus on winning games. Meanwhile, Old Friend Dylan Strome has had a nice season with the Caps. His 52 points are good for second on the team, and his play this season has earned him a new five-year, $25 million contract extension.

Saturday, March 25 @ Minnesota Wild

4:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

On March 8, Wild leading scorer Karill Kaprizov’s body bent the wrong way, which is never good. The winger hasn’t played since, and isn’t expected back for 2-3 weeks. Surely, this injury has sunk the Wild, right? Nope. Since his injury, the Wild are 3-1-1. 21-year old winger Matt Boldy has nine points in those five games. The Wild are 12-1-3 in their last 16 games, and are currently second in the Central Division standings, one point behind the Dallas Stars. Doesn’t this game somehow feel like a Blackhawks win, though?

Sunday, March 26 v Vancouver Canucks

5:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Canucks, who looked like a threat to challenge the Blackhawks in the tank standings, have won eight of their last 10 games. JT Miller has 12 points over those 10 games. Vancouver has been playing just well enough to finish this season firmly in hockey hell…without a shot at the playoffs or Connor Bedard.

This game will also be the Blackhawks annual Pride Night. This season, the NHL has experienced myriad Pride Night controversies, and while we don’t expect to see any push-back from any current Blackhawks, these things tend to pop up quickly. There’s nothing I’d rather do than celebrate how wonderfully and seamlessly Pride Night goes for the Blackhawks that night. Let’s hope our optimism is justified.

Forward Cole Guttman is a great example.

Before being ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury on Monday, Guttman had made an impressive impact in his short time with the Blackhawks. In his 14 games with Chicago since his February 15 debut, he had four goals and two assists. Maybe six points don’t look impressive on paper, but that’s a 20.5 goal and 32-point pace over 82 games. Before his promotion, Guttman registered 30 points in 39 games with Rockford. This is from a player who has been nursing his injury since November … an injury so severe he has decided to shut down his season and get surgery.

Statistics aside, what impressed me most about Guttman’s stint in Chicago was his hockey awareness. He doesn’t have blazing speed. At 5-foot-9, no one would describe him as a power forward. His shot won’t get him any comparisons to Brett Hull, but there’s something to be said for a player who has a knack for finding the right place to be at the right time.

“We knew he was a smart hockey player,” Richardson said.

Guttman, who the Blackhawks signed in August 2022 after leading his University of Denver Pioneers to their record ninth National Championship, was a sixth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lighting in the 2017 NHL Draft. After failing to get an opportunity with Tampa Bay, he decided to sign with Chicago, likely knowing he’d get an opportunity sooner than later.

As I wrote about for last week’s Blackhawks Beat, it may seem strange to see a player choose a team with less of a chance of winning, but there’s something to be said for an opportunity. That’s what Guttman, and others, have gotten playing for the Blackhawks this season.

This decision to end his season sheds some clarity on why Guttman wasn’t made playoff eligible for the Rockford Ice Hogs at the trade deadline. The league requires teams to “send down” any player they want to be eligible on trade deadline day. It’s typically just a paper transaction, but eyebrows were raised when Guttman’s name wasn’t on that list. Now it’s clear that the playoffs were never in the cards for the 23-year-old rookie.

“He wanted to keep playing, but the decision was the right thing to do it now, to get ready for next year,” head coach Luke Richardson said. “He has shown he can play here.”

He has indeed, and while the CHGO Blackhawks Crew continues to project next year’s roster, all three of us have Guttman penciled in the lineup … maybe even centering Connor Bedard.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, March 14 vs Boston Bruins

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Bottom line, the Bruins are the best team in hockey. When Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci decided to come back for one more bite at the apple, there were big expectations. The Bruins have blown those expectations out of the water. On Saturday, the B’s became the fastest team in NHL history to reach 50 wins. It only took 64 games. On March 3, they became the fastest team in NHL history to reach 100 points. Whether or not their regular season success translates to another Stanley Cup remains to be seen. The Eastern Conference is absolutely loaded with great teams and Cup contenders, which makes the Bruins’ feat even more impressive.

Thursday, March 16 @ Nashville Predators

7:00 pm on ESPN+ / Hulu & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

On the CHGO Blackhawks Podcast, we often use the Nashville Predators as the team you DON’T want to be. Never rebuilding … never fully going for it …'”halving” it to keep fans invested and to maintain playoff revenue. With this method of managing a hockey team, the Stanley Cup is never actually a realistic outcome. Sure, you might get lucky and win a round or two, but it never ends in hockey’s ultimate prize. Well, it seems like the Preds have started to lean toward a rebuild. Before this year’s deadline, they traded Tanner Jeannot (for a damned haul), Nino Niederreiter, Mattias Ekholm, and Mikael Granlund. They still have some expensive veterans like Roman Josi, Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, and Ryan McDonough signed long-term, but it’s a start. With David Poile stepping down after running the Preds since their inception, they’re long overdue for a new approach and a fresh set of eyes. His replacement, Barry Trotz, has his work cut out for him, but we know the ownership group in Nashville is patient.

Saturday, March 19 @ Arizona Coyotes

9:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago Plus & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Tank Off! The Coyotes are currently sixth in the #TankStandings, and are probably too talented to finish with the league’s worst record, thus securing themselves the best odds at Bedard. Conspiracy theorists will suggest that Gary Bettman is going to rig the draft to help his beloved, but ever-floundering, Coyotes, but who believes in that stuff? I actually think the Coyotes are fun to watch and will be even more fun next year when their top prospect Logan Cooley arrives. Old friend Nick Schmaltz is having a very solid season, with 46 points in 50 games. Proof that even higher-end prospects don’t find their stride right away. At age 27, he’s finally been able to put together impressive back-to-back scoring seasons. Health has played a big role in his delayed development, but it looks like Schmaltz has finally become the player he was expected to become.

Monday night’s 5-0 win over Ottawa was a good example. Anders Bjork, acquired at the deadline from Buffalo for future considerations, had five goals and three assists for the Sabres last season. He picked up three primary assists in the second period on Monday. Small sample size, sure. But after averaging 12:02 of ice time in Buffalo, he’s jumped to 15:16 in his two games in Chicago so far. Granted, it’s a very small sample size, and anyone can luck into a three-assist night, but if you watched Monday’s game, you say a guy making a difference when he was on the ice.

“Confidence is such a huge thing in sports,” Bjork said after the game. “It’s nice to get some offensive production. But I think for me personally, I’m trying to have a complete game and play the right way and do the little things right and be a two-way forward.”

Opportunity breeds confidence. Before the trade, Bjork spent all but one game this season with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. Just the vote of confidence from the Blackhawks organization to take a flyer and give him an opportunity can make a world of difference.

I caught up with Bjork after practice on Tuesday. Here’s what he had to say:

It’s really the opportunity of a lifetime for me. I’m trying to take full advantage of it and do all I can to make the most of this. For me, this is the one team I really wanted to go to. There is some opportunity here. That’s extremely exciting for me and for where I am in my career right now.

Anders Bjork

Bjork isn’t the only example on this Blackhawks team.

Jason Dickinson, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks (along with a second-round pick) for defenseman Riley Stillman, has been one of the Blackhawks’ most consistent players all season. He has a career-high 23 points this season, and has averaged 15:22 of ice time in Chicago, the most since his 2021-22 season with the Dallas Stars.

Max Domi, who was traded at the deadline to Dallas, is a higher-profile example. As an unrestricted free agent last summer, Domi wasn’t getting the attention he felt he deserved from contenders. When Chicago came calling, he jumped at the opportunity.

“Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are two of my favorite guys growing up,” Domi said weeks after the signing. “A chance to play with those two guys, wear that jersey, and to play for Luke (Richardson) were the biggest reasons why I chose Chicago.”

Domi knew he’d get a shot in the top six all year, and he was right. He left Chicago as the team’s leading scorer…something very few would have predicted on July 1 when he signed.

Kyle Davidson’s first acquisition as general manager was Sam Lafferty. Davidson traded former Buffalo first-round pick Alex Nylander to the Penguins for the gritty forward. Lafferty, who averaged less than 10 minutes of ice time during his tenure in Pittsburgh suddenly jumped up to over 14 minutes in Chicago. This season, Lafferty averaged over 15 minutes a game with the Blackhawks. Since his trade to Toronto on February 27 his average has slid to 12:50 per game.

How about defenseman Jarred Tinordi? Despite myriad injuries this season, Tinordi has played a career-high 32 games with Chicago this season and has averaged 16:09 per game. He’s become one of the team’s on-ice leaders, often taking on the task of dropping the gloves when an opponent comes calling. He averages 1.56 blocked shots per game. From a waiver claim toiling in the AHL to a top-four NHL defenseman (on a rebuilding team), Tinordi suddenly looks to be in line for another NHL contract next season.

Aside from Domi, the players listed here would not have the opportunity they’re getting in Chicago on a better or deeper team. Whether they are part of things when the Blackhawks are contenders again remains to be seen, but rebuilding teams are scouted teams. If their futures aren’t in Chicago, the chance they got here might help them land their next NHL deal.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, March 8 @ Detroit Red Wings

6:30 pm on TNT & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

It’s always special when the Blackhawks and Red Wings get together, and while Detroit’s move to the Eastern Conference has taken some of the starch out of the rivalry, it’s always great to rekindle those memories of the past. This season hasn’t gone the way the Wings GM Steve Yzerman expected. Detroit was one of the teams projected to take a step into the playoffs. Instead, they were sellers at the deadline, moving Tyler Bertuzzi to Bosto, Filip Hronek to Vancouver, Jakub Vrána to St. Louis, and Oskar Sundqvist to Minnesota. After the deadline passed, Yzerman quipped, “I Was Not Going to Be a Buyer Under Any Circumstances.” OK then. At least he’s a realist.

Friday, March 10 @ Florida Panthers

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Two Tkachuks in one week? The Blackhawks better keep their heads up. Monday, it was Brady Tkachuk, was was thrown out of the game for acting a fool as the game was winding down. To his credit, he was the one player in a Senators jersey showing any fight. Now, the Blackhawks face his brother Matthew. He leads the Panthers with 81 points in 61 games, and is one of my favorite players in the league. Like his father, Tkachuk is a pain in the ass to play against and can adapt his game to any situation. He’s a true power forward with the hands and finesse of a sniper. As a whole, the Panthers have been a huge disappointment. They were a Cup favorite last year, and expectations were high coming into the 2022-23 season. They’re currently three points out of the last Wild Card spot, but would have to leapfrog three other teams.

Saturday, March 11 @ Tampa Bay Lightning

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Lightning have become one of those teams that are so good, so consistent, that they’re almost boring. You’ll hear pundits break down the Eastern Conference race talking about Toronto, Boston, New Jersey and others. As the conversation winds down, someone will say, “Well yeah and there’s always Tampa.” Yep. There is always Tampa. The Lightning are headed to a first-round matchup with their division rival Maple Leafs. The two teams battled in the first-round last season, with Tampa winning the series in seven games. This sets up to be another war.

Checking in on our old friend Brandon Hagel, he’s been everything the Lightning hoped he’d be when they traded for him. His 22 goals and 27 assists have him fourth on the Lightning in scoring, behind the big three of Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Steven Stamkos. If the two first-round picks the Blackhawks received in return pan out, this could be one of those rare trades where both teams feel like the deal was a win.

But it’s never that simple. Sunday afternoon, the Blackhawks announced that team captain Jonathan Toews, who has not played a game since January 28, would be shutting down his season indefinitely due to the effects of long COVID and the Chronic Immune Response Syndrome that cost him the entire 2021 season.

Toews, who is in the last year of his contract with Chicago, was spending most of this season considering his future. Would he waive his no-trade clause for a chance at a Stanley Cup run? Would he opt to stay through the end of the year and test the free agent waters? Would he re-sign in Chicago? Would he retire? Whichever of those outcomes he would have chosen, it would have been on his own terms.

Instead, Toews is the victim of something he cannot control. One of the game’s most legendary and decorated (though imperfect) captains has to sit at home hoping things get better, and it sucks. It’s not fair to him and it’s not fair to the Blackhawk fans who want to send him off in style, whether that’s this year or two or three years from now.

“It has been really challenging to play through these symptoms,” Toews said in a statement. “In the last few weeks, it has reached the point where I had no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy.”

“I had no choice.”

Talk about unfair.

There is a chance that Toews does return for the end of the season. “We’ll take it day by day, but the hope is that he can still play some games here down the stretch,” Davidson said.

I hope that happens.

Toews deserves a night like Patrick Kane had after his hat trick Sunday night, where for 60 minutes, the clock was turned back and everyone remembered the glory days again. Even if he can’t put together a four-point night like Kane did, the acknowledgement would be enough. The Blackhawks fans went out of their way to make Kane feel the love before he even scored Sunday night. Blackhawks fans know what might be coming in a couple of weeks, and they wanted to make sure Kane knew how they felt about him. Toews may never get that chance.

If this is truly the end for Toews, either in Chicago or in the NHL, I hope Blackhawks fans remind themselves how great he was.

Take a look at this image from The Athletic, illustrating Toews’ greatness from 2009-2014.

There was a five-year period where he was one of the game’s all-time greats. Even when the dominance dropped off, he remained one of hockey’s finest all-around forwards. In 2017, he was named to the NHL’s Top 100 all-time list.

Jonathan Toews will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He will have his number retired and a statue at the United Center, but he deserves better than the hand he’s been dealt.

Get well soon, Captain.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, February 21 vs Vegas Golden Knights

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The next two games for the Blackhawks feature two of the teams that could end up being destinations for Patrick Kane, should he agree to waive his no-movement clause. With Mark Stone on long-term injured reserve, the Knights find themselves with $9.5 million in cap space. Remember, once the playoffs begin, there is no salary cap.

Winners of five in a row, Vegas is now clinging to the top spot in the Pacific Division with 72 points. L.A. and Seattle are right on their heels with 71 and 70, respectively. Like most Stanley Cup contenders, they are deep, but might lack the firepower to contend against some of the league’s true elite teams. If they could bring in a weapon like Kane, or even a lesser forward like Detroit’s Tyler Bertuzzi, it could be enough for them to pull off a long playoff run. Vegas always likes to make a deadline splash. I’m thinking this year will be no exception.

Wednesday, February 22 @ Dallas Stars

8:30 pm on TNT & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Like Vegas, the Dallas Stars are clinging to first place in the Central Division. Also like Vegas, the Stars are a much-rumored destination for Patrick Kane. In fact, The Athletic called the potential trade a “perfect fit.” I’m not sure I’d agree with that, as Dallas doesn’t have a first-round pick in the loaded 2023 draft, and that will surely be Davidson’s primary focus as it pertains to trade returns. That said, if Kane says he wants to be traded to only one or two teams, the Blackhawks’ options will be limited and they may have to accept a less-than-ideal return.

As for the Stars as currently constructed, it’s the Jason Robertson show. Yes, Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and all the Stars of yore are still there and playing well, but Robertson is one of the league’s brightest young stars. Unfortunately, due to the NHL’s inability to promote anyone aside from Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and the Bruins, he’s not the household name he deserves to be. He has 71 points in 57 games this season. He has 71 more shots on goal than his closest Stars teammate. Watch No. 21 on Wednesday. He’s going to be great for a long time.

Saturday, February 25 @ San Jose Sharks

9:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The above graphic is correct. Erik Karlsson does indeed have 76 points in 58 games. His resurgence this year has been remarkable. Unfortunately for the Sharks, it hasn’t done much for their season. They have the fourth-worst points percentage in the league, behind only the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and your Chicago Blackhawks.

I’m sure the Sharks would love to sell high on Karlsson at the deadline, but his contract is trade-prohibitive. After this season, the 32-year-old still has four more years at an astronomical $11.5 million AAV. The Sharks can trade him and eat half of his salary, but do they want $5.75 million of cap space tied up in an empty roster spot? Further, which contender is in a position to take on that kind of a deal? To get this done, the Sharks and their trade partner would need a third-party facilitator. Someone to take on more of Karlsson’s salary for a big asset in return. Could the Blackhawks get involved? Perhaps.

The real name to watch at the deadline is Timo Meier. The 26-year-old forward’s $6 million deal ends after this year. After that, he will be an arbitration-eligible restricted-free agent. With Ryan O’Reilly off the market, Meier is likely the biggest offensive piece available at the deadline, and that includes Kane. He is currently day-to-day with an upper body injury, but is still expected to be dealt ahead of the deadline.

Sam Lafferty

Lafferty’s name has popped up as a trade target for contenders over the last few weeks.

While Lafferty isn’t the kind of player who is going to become a superstar or really damage your roster by leaving, he provides everything a rebuilding team wants. He’s fast; he’s versatile; he’s physical, and plays with character. The only issue with his game is his lack of scoring ability, though he does have six points over his last eight games and 19 points overall. There is room for offensive growth. With his wheels and compete level, he could turn into a 40-50 point player in short order. He’s already on pace for 35 points this season. I’m setting my minimum to a second-round pick primarily because any team trading for him would be a team in contention, and their pick would likely fall into the bottom of the second round. This is where Davidson could get creative with “conditions.”

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RETURN: 2023 second-round pick

POTENTIAL SUITORS: Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins

Jake McCabe

More than Jonathan Toews …more than Patrick Kane. I think Jake McCabe has the most trade value of any Blackhawk. The combination of his defensive ability, recently blossoming offensive growth, leadership qualities, palatable contract, and all-around badassery makes McCabe desirable for any NHL contender. He’s a +4 on a team that’s a collective -61. That speaks for itself.

I flat-out do not want the Blackhawks to trade McCabe. At the same time, I don’t believe in the word “untouchable.” If a team wants to give Davidson a first-round pick for McCabe, I’d at least hear them out. No conditions. No, “it becomes a first if he leads the team to a Cup” or anything like that. The conversation begins with a 2023 first-round pick, and even that might not be enough. The Blackhawks should be in no hurry to move McCabe, but if a team is going to get stupid, let them.

Keep an eye on the rumored and potentially imminent Jakob Chychrun trade. McCabe could be a good backup plan if things fall apart between the Kings and Coyotes. If the trade goes through, it will set the market for defensemen at the deadline.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RETURN: 2023 first-round pick

POTENTIAL SUITORS: Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings

Connor Murphy

Murphy’s name has been conspicuously absent from the trade rumors this season. Like McCabe, he’s reliable defensively. Like McCabe, he has a very reasonable contract, but he’s not been on the rumor radar for whatever reason. Davidson has been pretty good about playing his cards close to his vest during his short tenure, so we can only guess what conversations are being had behind closed doors.

Murphy does have a history of back issues, which could be a deterrent for some teams, but any contender looking to solidify their defense at a reasonable price could find a steal in Murphy. If the Hawks move him, they’d likely land a second or third-round pick. This could be a situation in which Davidson could also look to bring a prospect back.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RETURN: 2023 third-round pick, plus

POTENTIAL SUITORS: Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings

Max Domi

Domi signed his one-year deal with the Blackhawks for two reasons. One, he wanted to play for Luke Richardson. Two, he wanted a chance to hold a permanent top-six role and show that he could still score at a high level to get a better contract this summer.

The Blackhawks signed Domi for two reasons. They needed someone to put the puck in the net, and they needed someone they could easily trade to a contender at the deadline.

Recently, Domi has talked about his desire to stay in Chicago long-term, and while I don’t think the Blackhawks hate the idea, they brought him here to move him. I’d imagine Davidson has the price set in his head. For me, it’s a third-round pick in this year’s draft. With Domi headed to unrestricted free agency this summer, the Blackhawks could easily opt to bring him back should both parties desire a reunion. I’d welcome it.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RETURN: 2023 third-round pick

POTENTIAL SUITORS: Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets

Andrea Athanasiou

Much like Domi, Athanasiou was brought to Chicago to be traded. He’s everything we thought he would be this year and maybe a little more. He’s very fast. He can make dazzling plays. He also struggles with consistency and will sometimes skate faster than his hands can move. He’s an imperfect player who could bring depth scoring to a contender.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RETURN: Fourth-round pick

POTENTIAL SUITORS: Teams that miss out on top trade targets

Jonathan Toews & Patrick Kane

I don’t think I need to tell you why NHL teams might want Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane on their team. Toews brings the leadership, the experience, the faceoff dominance, the clutch factor, and the ability to have big moments in big games. Kane has the silky mitts, the vision, the ability to make something out of nothing, and like Toews, the huge goals in the biggest moments. The only issue is that we have no idea whether or not either player wants to be traded.

This is an interesting conundrum for Davidson. Let’s just assume (which can be dangerous) that both Kane and Toews tell Davidson they’re willing to be traded. He’s not going to give away either player. At last year’s deadline, he clearly set a “minimum acceptable return” on many of his pieces, including Dylan Strome, Calvin de Haan, and Dominik Kubalik. Those returns weren’t met. As a result, none of them were traded. And as a result of that, all three walked away, leaving the Blackhawks with nothing. Can Davidson let that happen with these two legends? It will be much tougher to sell to the fans, but the Chicago GM hasn’t shied away from unpopular decisions so far.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RETURN FOR KANE: 2023 first-round pick, plus a second-round pick or one of the trading team’s top 5 prospects

POTENTIAL SUITORS: Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RETURN FOR TOEWS: 2023 second-round pick, plus one of the trading team’s B-level prospects

POTENTIAL SUITORS: Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, February 14 @ Montréal Canadiens

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Montréal is near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and while they’re not quite in the “tank standings” just yet, losing young star Cole Caufield for the season doesn’t help.

Call this the “Kirby Dach Revenge Game Revenge Game.” When the two clubs met back in November, Dach’s shootout goal won the game for the Habs. The former Chicago first-round pick has experienced a very solid season in Montréal. Whether or not the Blackhawks live to regret that trade (that brought them Frank Nazar and Gavin Hayes in the draft) remains to be seen, but it’s good to see Dach start his career in Montreal so well.

Wednesday, November 15 @ Toronto Maple Leafs

6:00 pm on TNT & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

This one could get really, really ugly. Domi and Kane, who lead the Blackhawks with 35 points each, wouldn’t crack the Leafs’ top five scorers. Mitchell Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews are all point-per-game or better scorers. John Tavares has 53 points in 54 games. This team can flat-out score and is a Cup contender and, depending on what they do at the deadline, a potential Cup favorite.

Matthews has been dealing with a knee injury and may miss Wednesday’s game vs. the Blackhawks.

Friday, February 17 @ Ottawa Senators

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Old friend alert! Alex DeBrincat is having a nice season with the Ottawa Senators, but why hasn’t he signed a new deal yet? On the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman speculated that DeBrincat might be waiting to see what Ottawa’s new ownership group will look like and what their plan for the team’s short-term future will be. The Sens have fallen way short of expectations this season, and while they do have some young talent to complement DeBrincat, named Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson, it remains to be seen whether or not the Cat will want back in Ottawa. DeBrincat will be a restricted free agent this summer. If the Sens get signals that he may not re-sign, could they look to move him at the deadline?

As the Blackhawks rebuild, we’ve been finding ourselves asking, “Who on this team will be here when they win again?” Seth Jones will be here, due to his massive and lengthy contract. Philipp Kurashev? Perhaps. MacKenzie Entwistle? Maybe. Ian Mitchell? Less likely, but who knows?

On Saturday, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote a piece about Kurashev and his development. In the piece, he mentioned how Kurashev, a fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft, was one of three players, along with Paul Cotter of the Golden Knights, and Jasper Weatherby, drafted by the Sharks, now with the Red Wings, from that round to play more than six NHL games.

That brings me to current Blackhawks Taylor Raddysh and Sam Lafferty. Raddysh is tied for the team lead with 14 goals on the season. Lafferty, despite a scoring slump and injury earlier in the season, has come on as of late. Both players have shown the ability to contribute at the NHL level.

Since being acquired in the Brandon Hagel trade last March 18, Raddysh has scored 20 goals … the most by any Blackhawk, including Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, since that date.

Lafferty, since being acquired last January, has 28 points in his 88 games with the Blackhawks. Seventeen of those points have come this season. Offense isn’t Lafferty’s game, but with his skating ability there is some hope that he can make a bit of a scoring jump. He’s on a 15 goal pace as it is. Could that jump to 20? 25? It’s not out of the realm of possibility.

While 2023 draft capital is every GM’s priority right now, the Hawks would be wise to not just trade players for the sake of lottery tickets. If a team is offering a first or second-round pick for your Raddysh/Lafferty types, you have to listen, but what are the odds your fourth-round pick becomes as good as Raddysh or Lafferty?

Of course, there are always those late-round surprises. Blackhawks great Niklas Hjalmarsson was a fourth-round pick (108th overall). Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov was a fifth-round pick (135th overall). Red Wings legend Pavel Datsyuk was a sixth-round pick (171st overall). These diamonds in the rough exist, for sure. With the depth of this year’s draft, they might be more common than Kurashev’s 2018 draft, but is the devil you know better than the devil you don’t? Or the lottery ticket you don’t?

There’s no reason to trade Lafferty or Raddysh just to trade them. The Hawks need some players to fill out the NHL roster next season, and I’d like to see Raddysh and Lafferty as part of the team for the next few years… that is … unless some other GM gives you an offer you can’t refuse.

Bobby Hull dies at 84

When I saw the news that Bobby Hull died on Monday morning, my heart sank a little. Partly because a Blackhawks legend died, and no matter my feelings on the person, a lot of people I know and respect are hurting in the wake of the news. I also felt that way because I was dreading the conversation.

There is no way to discuss Hull’s legacy without mentioning his myriad off-ice issues, including well-documented incidents of spousal abuse as well as anti-Semitic and anti-black comments.

Off-ice issues acknowledged, Hull was one of the game’s greats. He is the Blackhawks’ all-time leading goalscorers. Had he not shifted to the WHA for seven seasons, he may very well be the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer. As I said on Monday’s CHGO Blackhawks Podcast, if Doc Brown pulled up in the DeLorean and asked where I’d like to go, I’d still say, “Chicago Stadium…1961.”

The Week Ahead:

The Blackhawks are off until Tuesday, February 7 due to the All-Star break.

Topping the list on the Blackhawks Trade Deadline Big Board are Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Both are in the final year of their eight-year, $84 million contracts and will be unrestricted free agents this summer. Both Chicago icons have no movement clauses in their contracts, and will need to agree to be moved before any deal is made — but the expectation is that one, or both, will be moved by the deadline.

Take a look at the schedule above. The Blackhawks’ next home game is February 7 vs the Ducks. They’ll also host Arizona, Toronto, Vegas, and Dallas between now and March 3. That means that there is a significant chance that Kane and Toews have only five more games at the United Center.

The Blackhawks without Kane and Toews. It’s almost impossible to imagine.

The CHGO Blackhawks show has been (rightfully) critical of the duo’s play lately. Kane has failed to register a shot on goal in two consecutive games for the first time in his career. Toews is losing battles to players like Mikey Anderson. They’ve been shadows of themselves, but with Monday’s off day, I found myself with some time to zoom out, and look at things for the perspective of two franchise legends.

Let’s start with Kane, who has been plagued by a nagging injury for a few seasons now. He’s also coming off of a leg injury that forced him to miss three games earlier this month. Despite what head coach Luke Richardson says, there is zero chance Kane is anywhere close to 100 percent. He still leads the team with 143 shots (second is Max Domi with 104), but his shooting percentage is a paltry 5.6 percent, 5.8 percent below his 11.4 career average. The puck luck hasn’t been there for Kane at all this season. He’s also lost Alex DeBrincat on his wing. The two had incredible chemistry, especially when centered by Dylan Strome, who also left the organization last summer.

Toews, who missed the entire 2020-21 season with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, understandably had trouble getting up to speed last season. This season, he started strong and even has seven points in his last 10 games. What’s most striking about Toews’ game, though, is the one-on-one battles. When he was in his prime, there were few, if any, players that could out-battle Captain Serious. Lately, we see more and more opponents taking the puck away while Toews lowers his head in understandable frustration. He’ll slam his stick on the boards, more frustrated with himself than any of his teammates.

It’s also important to consider the human element here. We (and I’m pointing the thumb at myself) have a tendency to look at these athletes as soulless automatons, programmed to give us 100 percent of what they have all the time, like their NHL 23 avatars. As much as Kane and Toews have meant to Chicago, we can’t dismiss what Chicago has meant, and will continue to mean, for both players for the rest of their lives. It might seem like an easy decision. Walk away. Go play for a contender. Go do big things. As someone who walked away from their first and only “team” 10 months ago, I can say the decision is never easy, even if it’s ultimately the best thing for you.

(And yes…me leaving Audacy is EXACTLY the same and Kane and Toews potentially leaving Chicago. EXACTLY…THE…SAME!)

Whether the Kane and Toews eras end March 3, this summer, or even in a few years, try to focus on the immeasurable good moments they’ve brought the team rather than the recent struggles they’ve had. Of course, poor play warrants, and will receive criticism, but don’t let the bitter end spoil the sweet memories.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, January 23 @ Vancouver Canucks | 18-25-3 | 39 points | 6th in Pacific Division

9:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Rick Tocchet era begins on Tuesday. After the classless dismissal of Bruce Boudreau, Tocchet brings his hard-nosed, yet so far unsuccessful (178-200-60) head coaching chops to Vancouver. In his opening presser, Tocchet called on Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson to take the reins and lead the Canucks. In their first practice, both players seemed to get the message. It’s always interesting to see how a team responds when a new coach takes over, but a large portion of Canucks fans aren’t exactly thrilled with the hire, or how Boudreau’s dismissal was handled. The atmosphere will be strange to say the least.

Thursday, January 25 @ Calgary Flames | 23-16-9 | 55 points | 5th in Pacific Division

8:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago Plus & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Flames are right in the wild card hunt. With Monday’s overtime win over the Blue Jackets, Calgary leapfrogged the red-hot Colorado Avalanche, who have won five in a row, to take over the second wild card spot in the West. While they haven’t been what many expected this season, they’re one of those teams that will strike fear in the hearts of their opponents if and when they make the playoffs. They’re big. They’re deep. They’re physical. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom hasn’t been as sharp as usual. His .895 save percentage is well below his .911 career average. If he can regain his form, it will go a long way to improving the Flames’ chances of securing a playoff spot.

Saturday, January 28 @ Edmonton Oilers | 27-18-3 | 57 points | 4th in Pacific Division

9:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Connor McDavid has 40 goals in 48 games. The Blackhawks’ top three goal scorers (Max Domi, Jonathan Toews, and Taylor Raddysh) have 39 combined. He is the fastest player to reach that mark since Pavel Bure did it in 1999-00 with the Florida Panthers.

Time for a random Pavel Bure highlight, for fun.

Anyway, back to the Oilers. They’re stacked with offensive talent. If Leon Draisaitl wasn’t an Edmonton player in McDavid’s shadow, he’d be one of the game’s biggest and more visible stars. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman are both above a point per game players.

As always, it’s about goaltending with them. Mike Smith is gone. The Oilers current tandem of Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner…oh wait, sorry…that’s NHL All-Star Stuart Skinner, are basically splitting time. Skinner has been the better of the two, but it’s safe to assume Edmonton would like to feel a little more secure about their goaltending heading into the playoffs, assuming they make it.

Join us at the CHGO Blackhawks Takeover on Friday, February 10!

Tickets are going fast so jump in while you still can. $65 gets you a game ticket with us in Section 310, one of the new CHGO Hockey t-shirts and a pregame meetup at the Goose Island Pub at the United Center! You can buy tickets here.

Become a Diehard and that price goes down to $52!

MVP & Best Forward – Max Domi

41 games: 13 G – 17 A – 30 P, 55.9% faceoffs

25 Game MVP: Jonathan Toews

25 Game Best Forward: Max Domi

When the Blackhawks signed Max Domi on July 13 of last summer, it was fairly obvious what both sides were trying to accomplish. For the Blackhawks, they needed a top-six forward who could play center or wing that could easily be flipped at the trade deadline. For Domi, he was looking for a place that could offer a consistent opportunity on the top-six in hopes of piling up points and re-establishing his value.

Both teams found what they needed, but Domi has been so good for Chicago, they might not move him at the deadline, after all.

Whether or not Domi is back next season remains to be seen, but being in the locker room several times a week, as well as watching him on the ice, his presence has really helped the Blackhawks. He’s had a positive attitude throughout the mounting losses. He’s been a forward-facing leader of the team, always willing to speak to the media and be brutally honest when necessary. Oh, by the way, he’s also the team’s leading scorer.

Yes, he’s had some of the more frustrating moments this season, as well. Early on, he seemed almost unwilling to shoot the puck when Patrick Kane was within 50 feet of him, but he’s been shooting the puck more consistently lately.

If I’m Kyle Davidson, I’m setting a price in my head for the deadline. Maybe it’s a second-round pick. Maybe it’s a third-round pick. If that price isn’t met, I’d like to see him extend Domi’s contract. If Jonathan Toews and Kane don’t return next season, the Hawks will need some sort of veteran leadership and scoring. Domi checks both boxes. Could they trade him, then bring him back next summer? Technically yes, but those things rarely happen in the NHL. That would be best case scenario, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Best Defenseman – Jake McCabe

38 games: 2 G – 9 A – 11 P, +4

25 Game Best Defenseman: Jake McCabe

Plus/minus is an outdated stat, but when your entire team is underwater plus/minus-wise, McCabe’s +4 is tough to ignore. That’s right. McCabe is the ONLY Blackhawk on the current roster that is a plus player. Lukas Reichel was a +2 before his demotion. More on him later …

The Blackhawks’ -60 goal differential is second worst in the NHL, behind Anaheim’s -81 (!), but McCabe has been a stand-out defensively. He leads the team with 88 blocked shots. He’s third on the team with 88 hits.

For a guy who is returning from offseason spinal surgery, McCabe has been Chicago’s best and most consistent defender. Seth Jones has been narrowing that gap lately, but as I said a few weeks ago if the Hawks are up a goal late, the man I want on the ice is No. 6.

There’s still time to #VoteMcCabe into the All-Star Game. Just head over to NHL.com/vote and get him on your ballot. You can submit up to 10 ballots per day.

Biggest Surprise – Andreas Athanasiou

40 games: 9 G – 4 A – 13 P

25 Game Biggest Surprise: Arvid Söderblom

Much like Max Domi, Athanasiou was looking for an opportunity and a career reset. The Blackhawks, like with Domi, were looking for a flippable asset at the deadline. The CHGO Blackhawks crew had a lot of chuckles at Athanasiou’s expense. We called him Viktor Stalberg 2.0, for his penchant for skating really fast, then falling down or fumbling the scoring chance. While we have seen that part of Athanasiou’s game this season, he’s been one of the Blackhawks hardest working players … something he hasn’t really gotten credit for in his career. Night after night, he’s been visible and engaged in the game. Unlike Stalberg, he is not a passenger.

He will never be an elite scorer, but his combination of speed, hustle, and “oh my god” moments might get him a higher pick than the Blackhawks expected back in July.

Biggest Disappointment – Lukas Reichel’s demotion

25 Game Biggest Disappointment: Sam Lafferty

Everyone understands the point of this season. The Blackhawks are trying, and not really hiding the fact that they’re trying, to finish this season with the NHL’s worst record and therefore the best odds at top prospect Connor Bedard. It’s understood. We all get it. We’re all on board.

That said, it was extremely disappointing to see Reichel sent down after his recent three-game call-up. He was, without a doubt, one of, if not the best Blackhawk on the ice in all three games. Before the season, GM Kyle Davidson said that once Reichel gets to Chicago, he’ll be here to stay. Well, that obviously hasn’t been the case.

Davidson did his best to put a positive spin on the demotion. The opportunity to play big minutes in all situations, the chance to play for a winning team, time to focus on playing center, yadda, yadda, yadda. Those are all valid points, but I worry about a couple of things here.

One is Reichel’s patience. The kid has done everything the Blackhawks have asked him to do, and more. It has to suck to get the call-up, play great, then get sent down. Reichel knows he’s one of the best players on the team already. When leadership says, “There just isn’t room for him on the top-six,” it’s laughable. All due respect to Tyler Johnson, Taylor Raddysh and Philipp Kurashev, but none of those players have done anything to solidify or guarantee a top-six spot.

Hopefully, the Hawks have communicated clearly what their intentions are with Reichel. Even if he understands, he can’t be happy.

Second is the morale of the team. This kid comes up to replace the injured Patrick Kane. He plays great, the team wins all three games, players are feeling good for the first time in months, then they watch him get sent to Rockford. Again, they get it. Reality has sunk in, but the one ray of hope they’ve had all season is gone.

Hopefully, once the deadline smoke clears on March 3, Reichel will get called back up and stay until the season ends. He can still head back to Rockford for their playoffs to get the experience at center and in a playoff run. It’s the least the organization could do for a kid who has been nothing but patient, despite clearly being NHL ready.

Player to Watch in the Second Half – Isaak Phillips

There are a few candidates I went through in my mind before giving this “award” to Phillips, including Ian Mitchell, who has looked better and better every time he plays. Taylor Raddysh, who has proven that he can score pretty consistently when given top powerplay time and a top-six role, is also worth keeping an eye on, but as I look three to five years into the future, I see Phillips as a full-time top four NHL defenseman.

During the second intermission of Saturday’s bludgeoning at the hands of the Seattle Kraken, color analyst Troy Murray pointed out Phillips’ growing confidence. The video of his first NHL goal (above) is what Murray used to illustrate his point. Something as simple as banging the stick on the ice, calling for the pass, to Murray, shows a kid who knows he belongs.

Phillips, who stands 6-foot-3, not only brings size and physicality but a sneaky quickness that catches other teams off guard.

Hopefully, Luke Richardson keeps him in the lineup every night. Phillips, Mitchell, and Caleb Jones have been rotating, but now is the time to find out what you have in Phillips and Mitchell.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, January 17 vs Buffalo Sabres

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Tage Thompson might be the best story in the NHL this season. He has exploded onto the scene with 31 goals in his first 42 games played. He’s a legit contender for the Hart Trophy, and is one of the reasons the Sabres are no longer irrelevant. They’re currently fifth in the Wild Card standings, and will likely miss the playoffs, but this is a team on the rise.

Rasmus Dahlin, 2018’s first overall pick, has also had a career year. If his season ended tomorrow, his 48 points would be five short of his career-high 53. My guy Alex Tuch is also filling the net with aplomb.

They’re a fun team to watch, and the Blackhawks will have to be ready for this one. Hopefully, coming off an embarrassing loss to the Kraken, they will be.

Thursday, January 19 @ Philadelphia Flyers

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Flyers aren’t great. Despite winning seven of their last ten, they were smacked back to earth on Monday, losing 6-0 to the Bruins. Their head coach, John Tortorella, has already taken iPads off the bench because he wants his players to focus on the game.

We’ll see how a hard-ass head coach in a hard-ass city handles a team falling well short of expectations. Tortorella has a short shelf life wherever he goes. Perhaps this run will be shorter than usual. A coach like Torts isn’t hired to oversee a rebuild or “reload”, which is where the Flyers are likely headed.

Saturday, January 21 @ St. Louis Blues

7:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Blues are the very definition of average. They’re currently six points out of the final Wild Card spot, but are more likely to be sellers than buyers. Pending free agents Ryan O’Reilly, who is out with a broken foot and will be re-evaluated in six weeks, and Vladimir Tarasenko, who will be out until the end of a month with a hand injury, made Insider Frank Seravalli’s Trade Targets Board. Blues GM Doug Armstrong must have a realistic view of what these Blues are. He only has to look 300 miles north to see what happens when you cling to the past for too long.

Sunday, January 22 vs LA Kings

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The LA Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Seattle Kraken are battling it out atop the Pacific Division. All three teams are separated by two points. The other Pacific Division contenders, Calgary and Edmonton, have the top two Wild Card spots in their grasp. This is a deep division that will beat up on each other as the deadline and playoffs approach. Unlike Vegas (+17) and Seattle (+25) the Kings are being outscored by their opposition with a -3 goal differential.

Goaltender Pheonix Copley has outperformed Kings legend Jonathan Quick this season, though Quick has started ten more games than Copley.

Every point will matter to the top five teams in the Pacific, and Kings fans seem ready for Copley to take the reins, and it’s easy to understand why. He’s been the better goalie, and the best players should play, right? Especially in such a tight playoff race.

On a personal level, I owe a lot of my professional success to both of them and their dynasty teammates. Without the 2010s Blackhawks, who knows what I’d be doing with my career? It was an honor to cover them from a distance during my Score days, and it’s been an honor to cover them on a more official basis during my time at CHGO. That era of Blackhawks hockey is something I will never take for granted.

On Monday’s CHGO Blackhawks podcast, we started discussing what it might take to bring Patrick Kane back to Chicago on a short-term deal this summer. As the conversation went on, I came to the thought that it might be time to move on from the Kane and Toews era. Even if both players decide to play out this season, then tell GM Kyle Davidson they want to come back on new deals, I’m tempted to say, “Thanks but no thanks.”

This isn’t an “embrace debate” thing where I hope people get mad on Twitter and the interactions blow up. I’m coming from a genuine place, and it’s a place I’ve arrived at only recently…like this week, recently.

Yes, both players, especially Kane, could bring some on-ice value to the team, but at some point, the organization needs to move on. It feels impossible for the new era of Blackhawks to begin with the presence of these two franchise icons.

One the ice, we’ve seen players…even veteran players…defer to Kane when they shouldn’t, often passing up great looks and scoring chances to get the puck to #88. Off the ice this season, things seem really good in the Blackhawks locker room, especially considering the struggles the team has had, so I’m not implying that either player is a problem in any way, but I believe having two players of this stature in the room can have an impact on new leaders stepping up and asserting themselves.

It’s understandable. Anyone coming into their locker room can’t help but feel impressed and intimidated. Remember, veteran players in this league grew up watching Kane and Toews. They’re idolized, and that comes with a certain level of reverence.

Remember, Jeremy Colliton, who turned out to be a bad coach, was undermined from the start when some of the team’s star players, especially Duncan Keith, tuned him out from the start. Luke Richardson seems to be a much better coach and certainly has a better personality and demeanor for coaching, but full authority from the coach matters on a young team.

Whenever it happens, it will be painful. In fact, even as I write this, I can sense my head battling with my heart. I’m not sure I want to see either of them in another team’s sweater. It reminds me of seeing Jeremy Roenick as a Coyote or Chris Chelios as a Red Wing. It just wasn’t right.

This situation is different, of course. Roenick was still at or near his prime when he was traded, and, as usual, it was all over money. Chelios was deemed “too old” by the geniuses at the top of the Blackhawks. Chelios was so over-the-hill when he was traded, he was only able to muster 10 more seasons. Poor guy.

Maybe this is just me wanting the roller coaster of emotions to be over, but it feels like time. Theo Epstein famously said, “You can’t pay for past performance.” You also can’t pay for romance. Well, you can…but this is a family newsletter.

Any attempt to retain Toews or Kane feels like a grasp at the past. As I said on Monday, “It does suck that it’s over…but it’s over. The dynasty is over.”

I’ve praised Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson for his plan and vision to commit to the future. Both players could, of course, make the 2023-24 Blackhawks better and more competitive, but neither Kane nor Toews help the team in the distant future, when the team is ready to win again. Yes, the Blackhawks have to get to the salary cap floor next season, but for the money it would take to bring back Kane, why not find someone who might be part of things when the Hawks are ready to win again? Dylan Larkin, who is 26 years old, might be a free agent. David Pastrnak, who is 27 years old, might be a free agent. If the lottery balls pop correctly and the Hawks get Connor Bedard with the top pick, Chicago could be a very enticing destination for top free agents.

Blackhawks fans have spent the last 10 plus months steeling themselves for the seemingly inevitable loss of both players, either via trade or free agency. They’re ready for it to happen, and what better time to wipe the slate clean with a new leadership group than now?

If Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews leave, who leads?

I hear what you’re asking, though. “Jay, who the hell IS the new leadership group on this team?”

That is a perfectly valid question, and I’m not sure I have the answer. My first thought is to say Connor Murphy, Seth Jones and Jake McCabe, but there’s a possibility one or both of Murphy or McCabe get dealt at the deadline. Max Domi might be back with the team next season, but that’s not a guarantee, either. The only players on the team signed beyond next season are Murphy, McCabe and Jones. Even Lukas Reichel will need a new deal after the 2023-24 season. The roster situation is murky to say the least.

I can’t imagine Murphy and McCabe get dealt. I would imagine it will be a “one or the other” situation.

Murphy already wears an ‘A’ on his sweater and has strong leadership traits. He’s always available, after a win or a loss. He’s thoughtful in his responses. He’s honest in his analysis of the game and the team.

McCabe is the perfect “lead by example” guy. We’ve had Blackhawks fans on the postgame shows calling for him to be the next captain already. He’s got my vote, assuming he wants to stay in Chicago.

#VoteMcCabe

Could Patrick Kane be out longer than expected?

On Monday’s 32 Thoughts Podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, Friedman shared an interesting nugget on Kane.

There’s been a rumor that Pat Kane has been dealing with something. Some kind of nagging injury for some period of time. At some point, he’s going to need a ‘clean-up.’ This is my opinion…I am spitballing this. I wonder, if this really effects him and he can’t play or it noticeably impacts him, I wonder if the solution is Kane and the Blackhawks agree to a one-year extension…he shuts himself down…he goes and gets whatever procedure he needs, and he comes back next year healthy and refreshed, and we go through (the trade rumors) again. If he noticeably struggles because he’s hurting, it’s bad for everyone. It’s bad for him. It’s bad for the Blackhawks in trying to move him. It’s bad for another team that might be interested in him.”

Elliotte Friedman

It’s a fascinating angle, for sure. If, indeed, Kane’s injury is such that it impacts his play, and therefore his trade value. Marek points out that Kane doing this would be him doing a solid for the Blackhawks. A fully-healthy Kane, even a year from now, is likely more valuable than a Kane at 60-75% in the eyes of GMs around the league.

If I’m a betting man, Kane returns to the lineup Thursday or Saturday and life moves on, but Friedman doesn’t just “spitball,” without a bit of inside info.

Stay tuned.

Our Chicago Blackhawks are mired in year one of their rebuild. They’ve won two of their last 10 games. They currently lead the Tank Standings, and could very well be losing (arguably) the greatest duo in Blackhawks history in Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews by the end of the spring (or earlier).

Long story short, it sucks.

If you’re a Blackhawks fan looking for reasons to believe, you can turn on the World Junior Championships and watch Canadian draft prospects Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli. The forwards are projected to go number one and number two, respectively, in the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft.

Despite Canada’s 5-2 upset loss to Czechia on Monday night, both players flashed, especially Bedard who had a goal (assisted by Blackhawks d-man prospect Kevin Korchinski) and seemed to create scoring chances out of nothing on several occasions.

Bedard’s release is Auston Matthews level fast. His ability to get the puck from stick blade to back of the net is unmatched at his level, and virtually unmatched in the NHL.

Fantilli, who is bigger, stronger, and faster than Bedard, had some moments of brilliance as well. While he failed to score in the game, he attempted the famed “Michigan” goal early in the first period, and had some impressive rushes that didn’t result in chances this time around.

At this point, Bedard is almost assuredly the top pick because his scoring potential is that high-end, but Fantilli, with his size, speed, and total package, could be the better all-around player. Think Kane vs Toews, but at a potentially higher level for both.

Blackhawks Prospects representing Canada well

For Blackhawks fans, Bedard and Fantilli aren’t the only players to watch on Team Canada. Chicago has four prospects, defensemen Ethan Del Mastro, Kevin Korchinski, and Nolan Allan, and forward Colton Dach, representing the Great White North.

Korchinski picked up the second assist on Bedard’s goal, but forced the turnover that led to the marker. Allan and Del Mastro, who are more defensive-minded players, played steady defense, but also had a few moments of offensive confidence. Allan, at one point in the game, took the puck from the left point, all the way behind the Czechia net and around to set up a play at the right point.

Overall, Canada’s performance left a lot to be desired, but the round-robin rounds can be especially sloppy for teams like Canada. I’m confident they’ll find their way and end up with a medal, but that doesn’t matter as much for Hawks fans as the performance of their current, and potential, prospects.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, December 27 @ Carolina Hurricanes

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Hurricanes have the second-best point total in the NHL, behind only the 27-4-2 Boston Bruins. Though a perennial Cup pick, they haven’t been able to bring home the ultimate prize just yet. Last June, they traded for San Jose defenseman Brent Burns, who added both scoring and star power to a team that needed that final piece. Burns has been excellent, with 23 points in 34 games. Carolina’s biggest question is in goal, but if Pyotr Kochetkov can maintain his current level (10-1-0-4, 1.94 goals against average, .928 save percentage), they’ll have a solid shot at hoisting their first Cup since 2006.

Also, Teuvo.

Thursday, December 29 @ St. Louis Blues

7:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Blues are a tough team to figure out. They started out the season 3-0, then lost their next eight games. Then, they rattled off seven wins in a row. Then they lost six of seven. Then they won four in a row, leading into their current two-game losing streak. The end result is a .500 hockey team.

Jordan Kyrou is one of hockey’s most exciting young players, while Vladimir Tarasenko has bounced back nicely this season. Where this all leads for the Blues remains to be seen. CHGO’s Greg Boysen joked early in the season that St. Louis head coach Craig Berube (and his giant Berubes) would be fired before the Blues met the Hawks on November 16. Obviously, that hasn’t happened, but it’s tough to see the end game with this Blues team. Much like the Predators last week, they’re in that hockey limbo of, “not good enough to win a Cup, not bad enough to land a franchise-changing draft pick.”

Saturday, December 31 @ Columbus Blue Jackets

12:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago

TOP SCORERS:

The last time your Chicago Blackhawks played, they beat the lowly Blue Jackets 5-2, and had periods of dominance we haven’t seen from the Hawks all year long. Columbus, who is riddled with injuries, is one of those teams that will be at the top of the Tank Standings for a while, but if they can get a little bit healthier, they could bounce back to respectability by the end of the year. Teams looking to lose don’t sign Johnny Gaudreau to a seven-year, $68.25 million deal. However, that signing, paired with a top five pick, could boost the Jackets into a place they hadn’t thought possible back in July.

Sunday, January 1 vs San Jose Sharks

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago

TOP SCORERS:

Yes, you read that correctly. Erik Karlsson has 46 points in 35 games. The speedy defenseman was basically written off as an albatross contract on a team whose best days were behind them. While the second part of that statement is true, Karlsson has discovered the fountain of youth. In fact, Karlsson hasn’t had a 46 point SEASON since 2017-18, where he finished the season with 62 points. I’m not sure if he can keep this going, but maybe the Sharks can find someone to take the next four years at $11.5 million per off their hands. No team would be that dumb, right?

Probably not.

Ahead of Monday’s holiday roster freeze, the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, and Florida Panthers got together on a three-way deal.

The Red Wings traded RW Givani Smith to the Panthers for D Michael Del Zotto, then flipped Del Zotto to the Ducks for C Danny O’Regan. Not a blockbuster by any means, but it could be an indicator of moves starting to happen, and the Blackhawks might be one of the teams looking to start making deals.

During a first-period report in Sunday’s Blackhawks-Rangers game, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that general manager Kyle Davidson is expecting to get updates from Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on their futures “in the new year”, and has let GMs around the NHL know that all of their other pending unrestricted free agents (forwards Max Domi, Andreas Athanasiou and Jujhar Khaira, defensemen Jack Johnson and Jarred Tinordi, and goaltender Alex Stalock) are all available.

While Davidson says he hasn’t had any specific conversations as of yet, according to Kaplan he’s not going to give away guys for anything or make a trade just to get a “sixth-round pick.” He’s interested in picks and prospects, and is focused on collecting assets (prospects and picks) for the rebuild.

Meanwhile, on the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Ottawa Senators called and inquired about defenseman Seth Jones, but doesn’t believe a deal will happen.

“We’ve talked about how the Senators have looked at every possible defenceman that you can think of. I think one of the guys that they at least asked about, and I don’t think it went anywhere, but I thought was interesting… I think one of the guys they asked about was Seth Jones. They just made the call and said, ‘Would there be (any interest in moving him)?’, and they’ve dealt with Chicago before in the DeBrincat deal. I think they just called and just felt it out. I don’t think it’s happening. I don’t think it’s going to, but I heard that on the weekend. They’re calling on everybody and they called on Seth Jones, but I don’t think it’s happening.”

The Senators have looked at every possible defenseman that you can think of. I think one of the guys they at least asked about…and I don’t think it went anywhere…was Seth Jones. I don’t think it’s happening. They called on Seth Jones, but I don’t think it’s happening.”

Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast

It would be nearly impossible for the Blackhawks to trade Jones for several reasons. The Sens won’t want to pay Jones’ entire salary. Even if they did, they only have $2.4 million in cap space, and wouldn’t be looking to add Jones if they were trying to dump other big contracts to make the deal work. In addition, the Blackhawks are likely unwilling to pay for half of his deal for the next seven years while he plays elsewhere.

Still, stay tuned … business could be picking up in a hurry.

Isaak Phillips is ready to go

Last week on the CHGO Blackhawks podcast, I discussed the team’s need for some sort of shakeup. Anything to have a different look or feel in the locker room. Well, injuries have forced a shakeup.

Defenseman Jarred Tinordi has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a facial fracture in Sunday’s game vs the Rangers. As a result, the Blackhawks have recalled defenseman Isaak Phillips from Rockford.

Phillips leads all IceHogs defensemen with three goals and 14 assists in 19 AHL games this season. He also leads the AHL with a +17 plus/minus rating. People around the organization have raved about his athleticism and puck-moving ability. He also turned some heads in his four-game call-up to Chicago last season.

“He’s a big guy. He’s an athlete. We’re not asking him to be a wrecking ball out there. We want him to use his skating ability and his skills,” Luke Richardson said after practice on Tuesday. “We also want him to use (his skills) also in a way that he defends hard, and makes the other team (think), ‘Maybe I’ll dump the puck in the other corner,” and maybe it’s not the best play (for them).”

Alex Stalock returns

In more positive injury news, Alex Stalock has been activated off of injured reserve. The goaltender has been sidelined with a concussion since November 1 after a nasty collision with the Islanders’ Casey Cizikas.

I’m happiest for Arvid Söderblom, who did the absolute best he could in his time with the Blackhawks. A return to Rockford will do wonders for his confidence and will allow him to play under more “normal” circumstances, meaning his team won’t be chasing leads and won’t be outmatched night after night.

With the Blackhawks’ goaltending situation as fragile as it is, it’s almost a certainty that Söderblom will be back, but let’s hope Stalock and Petr Mrazek can maintain health for the good of the team and for the good of Söderblom.

Richardson said Mrazek will get the start Wednesday vs Nashville, and hinted that Stalock would likely get the start Friday vs the Blue Jackets.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, December 21 vs Nashville Predators

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

This year’s Nashville team is the very definition of average. At 13-13-4, they’re not Cup contenders. Yes, they remain pesky, but pesky doesn’t hang banners. When I find myself getting frustrated with the Blackhawks rebuild, the Preds are a good reminder of what “halfing it” looks like. They have some expensive vets like all-world defenseman Roman Josi, and leading scorer Filip Forsberg, but what does a roster like this accomplish? Maybe they get hot and steal a wild card spot? Maybe they surprise and win a round, but then what? They’re right in the middle of the pack, which is the worst place to be. Not good enough to win, not bad enough to get a great draft pick. As painful as the Blackhawks rebuild is to watch, at least it’s a direction.

Friday, December 23 vs Columbus Blue Jackets

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago+ & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Maybe we should call this the real Winter Classic. Chicago will be covered in snow by Friday night, but as of the time I’m writing this, the game is still on. The Blue Jackets play Tuesday night and are expected to arrive in Chicago on Wednesday.

On the ice, the Jackets have been a disappointment. They are third in the “tank standings,” behind only Chicago and Anaheim. The excitement of unexpectedly landing last summer’s top free agent prize, Johnny Gaudreau, quickly tapered off after a poor start. Their top defenseman, Zach Werenski, has been on long-term injured reserve since November 19th. I fully expect the Blue Jackets to be right there with the Blackhawks in the race for the league’s worst record.

Tuesday, December 27 @ Carolina Hurricanes

6:00 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

This is what a Stanley Cup contender looks like. While the New Jersey Devils have been the darlings of the Metropolitan Division (and with good reason), the Hurricanes have an identical 44 points in 31 games, and that’s playing nearly a month without our special boy Teuvo Teräväinen. The offseason addition of defenseman Brent Burns has brought both star power and playoff experience to a team that had been considered a legit Cup contender for the last few years.

Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has taken the bulk of Carolina’s starts in goal and has been excellent. He’s third in the league with a 2.01 goals-against average, and sixth in the NHL with a .923 save percentage.

Mario’s Notebook: Nolan Allan may be better than we thought

• It’s official: Five Blackhawks prospects will be headed to the World Junior Championships this year, which begin on Dec. 26 and will run until Jan. 6, being held in Moncton, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada. Four players were selected for Team Canada and one for Team Sweden.
• In my neck of the woods for the Rebuild Report notebooks are four Canadian representatives in Nolan Allan, Ethan Del Mastro, Kevin Korchinski, and Colton Dach. They are four of five Blackhawks who were invited to the Canadian selection camp with Ryan Greene, a 2022 second-round draft pick, being cut.

• Greene not making the team was a bit surprising, given his performance in the selection camp exhibition games, but his overall chances of making a loaded Canadian roster were already slim. Just being invited and recognized amongst this vastly talented group is an accomplishment. Greene heads back to Boston University now, where he has been a point-per-game player as a true freshman with 14 points in 14 games.

• As surprising as Greene’s cut was, Dach being selected was just as surprising. He didn’t necessarily stand out in the selection camp exhibition games against the Canadian USports all-star team (Canada’s version of the NCAA). Still, he looks like a depth option for the defending gold medalists. He’s playing over a point-per-game with the Kelowna Rockets this season, having 17 points in 14 WHL games, having missed significant time earlier this season due to two concussion stints.

• The captain of the Kelowna Rockets has a pretty decent mentor to look up to in his older brother and former Blackhawk Kirby Dach. The elder Dach went through his own share of adversity with injuries and high expectations while playing with Chicago, but he also helps shine a positive light on the opportunity to play for Team Canada on the major stage. You’ll remember that Kirby was the captain of Team Canada heading into the 2021 World Junior Championships, only to break his wrist in a collision with fellow Blackhawks prospect Ilya Safonov prior to the tournament.
• I’m excited to see if Colton gets any significant playing time for Canada and what he could bring to the table in a forward group that includes the likes of Shane Wright, Connor Bedard, and Adam Fantilli, just to name a few.

• The Blackhawks’ prospects for Canada that look like they will be regulars in the lineup are a trio of defensemen in Korchinski, Del Mastro, and Allan.
• Del Mastro looks to play a significant role for the Canadians as a returning player from this past summer’s Gold Medal-winning squad. He was an injury replacement on that team but looks to have a chance to play on the top pair and log heavy minutes for Canada alongside Olen Zellweger. Del Mastro didn’t record a point in the summer World Junior Championships, but he didn’t need to. He was brought into the lineup to provide a defensive-minded, physical presence and did just that. He will be tasked with doing the same again for Canada, but this time around, he’ll likely be able to add a bit more offensively as his game has become more well-rounded with the puck on his stick.
• Korchinski will likely be a power-play specialist for the Canadians and have his minutes sheltered a bit on the third-pairing. With 28 points in 21 WHL games this season with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Korchinksi’s NHL future looks to be in that exact kind of role. Maybe not needing to be sheltered on a third-pair, one would hope, but being the kind of offensive player who “quarterbacks” a power play and plays significant time in the offensive zone.

• While it’s not the biggest surprise, it is still a bit of a shock to see Allan, a player selected in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft as a projected mid-second or third-round player, getting an opportunity in the top-four for the Canadians. As you read about the roster projections from people like Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman of The Athletic, it looked like Allan might be a guy who would be the seventh defenseman for Canada. But here he is in a prominent role.
• Allan was the subject of a massive trade in the WHL earlier this season that sent him from the Prince Albert Raiders, a team he was captain of, to the Thunderbirds. He is now on the top pair in Seattle alongside Korchinski.
• Thought of as another defensive-minded, physical player on the blue line, Allan’s offensive abilities have improved year-over-year, and he will be relied upon to help Seattle go deep into the WHL postseason again this year. That’s why he was brought to the Thunderbirds. But for the Canadians, he may have a role like Del Mastro played last tournament, where he will be matched up against the toughest opposition and be tasked with playing a shutdown role.
• I don’t doubt he can do that. I’m starting to doubt that his selection by a certain former Blackhawks general manager may not have been a stretch after all.
• Outside of the Blackhawks’ prospects, of course, keep an eye on Bedard and Fantilli with Team Canada.
• Team USA looks to have several potential 2023 Draft prospects on the roster that Blackhawks fans should also pay attention to. But one that I have mentioned a number of times will not be at the World Junior Championships: Will Smith.

• Team USA will, in fact, not be getting jiggy with it in this tournament, as Smith was cut during selection camp. As Flo Hockey’s Chris Peters mentions above, he’ll have at least one or two more chances to play for Team USA at the tournament in the future. Smith is on fire with the U.S. Development Program, having a combined 22 goals and 57 points in 33 games for the program at the U17, U18, and USHL levels.
• Another USHL product and Blackhawks prospect standing out is the 2022 first-round pick Sam Rinzel.
• This season, his first full season in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks, Rinzel has one goal and 11 points in 19 games as a defenseman. It’s a good start to his development, which is expected to be a more long-term project for the Blackhawks.

• Rinzel is currently playing with Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge being held in Ontario, Canada, this week. He’s doing just fine, it seems.
• After a hot start to the NCAA season with Notre Dame, Ryder Rolston had seen a small slump in scoring. He got back in the goal column this past weekend with some help from defenseman and Colorado Avalanche prospect Nick Leverman.

• Rolston now has 13 points in 18 games for the Irish this season. His Notre Dame teammate and fellow Blackhawks prospect Landon Slaggert also got in the goal column this past weekend with an empty-netter. Slaggert’s offense has not been where it was expected to be this season, notching just two goals and two assists in 16 games so far this year.
• Ending on a high note, Blackhawks prospects Dominic James, Wyatt Kaiser, and Aidan Thompson faced each other this past weekend as Minnesota-Duluth took on Denver. It would be the DU product Thompson getting the overtime winner on Saturday night.

• Thompson, a 2022 third-round pick by the Blackhawks, missed the start of the season due to injury but has put together a good freshman season with four goals and nine points in his first 10 NCAA games. He is coming off a 24-goal and 82-point season last year in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars.

Greg’s Notebook: David Gust tallies hat-trick as IceHogs offense ignites

• The Rockford IceHogs and Iowa Wild renewed their rivalry with three games against each other last week. The first contest came on Friday night at the BMO Center, where the Wild scored a 3-2 shootout win. The IceHogs got goals from Brett Seney and Josiah Slavin but gave up the tying goal with seven minutes left in regulation. Lukas Reichel had the only Rockford goal in the four-round shootout. Mitchell Weeks stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced in regulation and overtime.
• Saturday’s rematch needed more than 60 minutes to decide the outcome. Once again, the Wild tied the game late in regulation and won 3-2 in overtime. Michal Teply scored in the first period to start the Teddy Bear Toss, and Cole Guttman lit the lamp in the second. Dylan Wells made 21 saves in the losing effort.

• The teams moved to Iowa for the third and final game of the week on Tuesday night. The IceHogs won a crazy back-and-forth game, 7-4 behind David Gust’s first AHL hat trick. Speaking of firsts, Filip Roos scored in his AHL debut. Guttman added two more goals, and Adam Clendening scored on the power play. Reichel had three assists after being held off the scoresheet over the weekend. Weeks gave up four goals on 32 shots.

• The young defensemen were productive last week. In addition to Roos’ first AHL goal, Alec Regula had a pair of assists on Tuesday. Alex Vlasic had a helper in two of the three games against Iowa. Isaak Phillips had an assist and leads all blue-liners with 16 points.

• Weeks and Wells have goals-against averages (GAA) under 3.00, with Weeks at 2.94 and Wells at 2.96. They have a combined .901 save percentage (SV%). Jaxson Stauber was assigned to the IceHogs on Monday after Petr Mrazek was activated off IR. The rookie netminder is 3-2-0-0 with a 3.34 GAA and .829 SV% in the AHL this season. Alex Stalock appears close to returning to the lineup too, which means Arvid Söderblom will be heading back to Rockford soon. Weeks and Wells have performed admirably, while the IceHogs’ top two goaltenders have been in Chicago.
• Gust’s big night in Des Moines has him back in the team lead for goals with 13. Luke Philp is second with 12, followed by Seney and Reichel with 11. Seney leads the team with 18 assists and 29 points. The two hottest players in Rockford over the last nine games are Dylan Sikura, with five goals and 12 points, and Guttman, with seven goals and 11 points.
• Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson was asked about Guttman after Thursday’s morning skate on whether or not he noticed his play of late.

“I thought he was really good in the rookie camp. We need to have that right spot. You can’t just bring him up and put him in a role. He’s not the same type of player as Reese Johnson or Colin Blackwell. He’s more of a skilled guy. We just don’t have an opening for him right now.”

• The IceHogs are sitting in third place in the AHL Central Division with 29 points. They are one point behind the second-place Texas Stars and three points behind the division-leading Milwaukee Admirals. Their 89 goals are the most in the Central and tied for the second-most in the league. Only the Calgary Wranglers have more goals, with 92. The IceHogs will host the Toronto Marlies on Friday and the Hartford Wolf Pack on Saturday before a pre-Christmas two-game set at the Stars on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• The Indy Fuel are enjoying a successful start to their ECHL season. They recently had their six-game winning streak snapped, but they have earned victories in eight of their last 10 games. The Fuel sits atop the Central Division with 33 points, tied for the third most in the ECHL.
• Chad Yetman, the lone Blackhawks draft pick in the ECHL, was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 9 with an undisclosed alignment. He was riding a five-game streak before heading to IR. The 2020 sixth-round pick has seven goals and 19 points in 18 ECHL games this season.

• In Europe, Antti Saarela picked up an assist Tuesday in Luuko’s 4-1 win over HIFK. The 2019 fourth-round pick has been picking it up after missing a month of the season due to a leg injury. He has assists in three of his last four games and is up to three goals and seven points in 21 Liiga games.
• KHL All-Star Ilya Safonov picked up an assist over the weekend. The 21-year-old center now has four helpers in his last five games. He has 11 goals and 20 points in 37 games as captain for Ak Bars Kazan.
• The elder statesman of the prospect pool, Artur Kayumov, was selected to play in the Channel One Cup but will miss it due to injury. He has not played since Dec. 4. The 24-year-old winger has nine goals and 23 points in 3Dec. 4games for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

To stay abreast on all things Chicago hockey, be sure you are subscribed to the CHGO Blackhawks Podcast.

This leaves Blackhawks fans in a weird situation. Is it acceptable, as a fan, to root for history?

Before I answer this, I want to acknowledge the awkwardness here. Some fans will always refuse to cheer for Ovechkin over his support of Vladimir Putin. If you fall into that category, I completely understand and support you. It can be extremely difficult to separate “art from the artist,” and it’s something many Blackhawks fans have been faced with because of myriad off-ice disappointments, including issues with Bobby Hull, Patrick Kane, and of course, the entire organization after the Kyle Beach sexual abuse scandal.

That said, an achievement this rare would be incredible to witness, regardless of your opinion of the human being. Gretzky’s 894 goal record is one I never dreamed I’d see broken. With the evolution of goaltenders and the athleticism of defensemen around the league, it almost seems impossible, but Ovechkin just might do it. He’s only 97 goals off of Gretzky’s mark, and is still scoring at a .56 goals per game pace. If he can continue that pace for 175 more games, he’ll break the record. He has three more years on his contract after this season. At this point, Ovechkin breaking the record seems inevitable.

To reach 800 on Tuesday, he’ll need a hat-trick. While that may seem far-fetched, keep in mind that the Blackhawks are expected to start Petr Mrazek, who is fresh off injured reserve from his second groin injury of the season. Couple that potential rust with the fact that Mrazek hasn’t exactly been the second-coming of Patrick Roy this season (4.05 goals against average, .884 save percentage) and the odds don’t seem so insurmountable for Ovechkin.

In his 21 games against the Blackhawks, he has 11 goals and 11 assists. Mrazek is 5-7-2 against the Capitals and has allowed six Ovechkin goals over the course of five games.

Make no mistake, he is absolutely chasing the record. The Capitals have him on the ice with the empty net every time they get the chance. In fact, over his last three games, Ovechkin has four empty net goals. Do you think there might be a chance the Caps have a late lead on the Blackhawks? Hmm…

If you do choose to attend the game (you can get in the building for under $20 with our special Gametime link), don’t feel bad about rooting for history. Hey, maybe he’ll score five goals, reaching 802 and knocking Red Wings legend Gordie Howe down a peg. See? It’s all how you spin it. You’ve rooted for opponent no-hitters. This is no different, especially when considering the Blackhawks are tanking, and losses actually help them in the long run.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, December 13 vs. Washington Capitals

8:00 pm on ESPN & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The Capitals (14-12-4) are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference Wild Card standings. They aren’t the powerhouse they used to be, but with Ovechkin still lighting up the league, they’re still a fun watch. Old friend Dylan Strome has been centering Ovechkin and Connor Sheary, and who woulda thunk it? He’s doing well! 22 points in 30 games for the former Blackhawk, who will undoubtedly be looking for a bit of revenge against the team that decided they didn’t need him anymore.

Thursday, December 15 vs. Vegas Golden Knights

7:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Golden Knights are really good again. Who cares? This is all about Phil Kessel, hockey’s beloved Iron Man, and Chicago’s missed opportunity.

In fairness, the allure of the Sin City’s poker tables probably made it impossible to Phil to say no to Vegas, but has he had a real Italian Beef before? Apparently not.

The Knights are on top of the Pacific division, and quite comfortably. At 20-9-1, Vegas is six points ahead of second-place Seattle, though the Kraken hold three games in hand. While Kessel’s 11 points in 30 games are nothing to write home about, Jack Eichel has re-established his love of hockey (eye roll) since leaving Buffalo, and leads the team in scoring.

Friday, December 16 at Minnesota Wild

7:00 pm ESPN+, Hulu & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

There is a certain percentage of folks reading this that identify as Blackhawks fans more than they do as hockey or NHL fans. If you’re in that category, Kirill Kaprizov might not be top of mind when listing the NHL’s best and most exciting players, but he should be. With 34 points in 27 games, the kid is absolutely electric. He skates like the wind, can snipe like few others, and has a knack for the spectacular. When I see the Wild pop up on ESPN+, I make sure to tune in, because when No. 97 is on the ice, something special can happen at any second.

The 14-11-2 Wild hold the second Wild Card spot but are barely .500 at home (7-6-1). The last time these two teams met, Minnesota won 4-3 in the shootout at the United Center. Marc-Andre Fleury could be the starter for the Wild in this one, as well.

Sunday, December 18 vs. New York Rangers

6:30 pm on ESPN & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

The last time the Chicago Blackhawks won a game, it was in New York against the Rangers, who can’t quite seem to find their footing after reaching the Eastern Conference Final last season. At 14-10-5, the are holding on, ever so slightly, to the second Wild Card spot in the East, with the hated Detroit Red Wings right on their heels. They still boast some of the most exciting players in hockey, with another old friend, Artemi Panarin, leading the way in scoring. Impossibly, Panarin only has six goals on the season, but his 28 assists keep him secured at the top.

So what has changed for the Rangers? Well, surprising to no one, Chris Kreider has NOT been able to duplicate the 50-goal pace he was on last season, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin has been a little more human than the Rangers are used to. He’s still elite (2.50 goals against average, .917 save percentage), but hasn’t been superhuman like he was last season.

Whether or not Sunday’s “players-only meeting” was anything more than teammates talking it out, we’ll never know, but I went around the locker room after practice on Tuesday and asked two of the Blackhawks’ veteran defensemen, Jack Johnson and Jake McCabe, how things were going in their minds.

I asked Johnson how the team’s mood was after seven straight losses.

“Fine today. Good. Good mood, excited to work.” Johnson’s response reflected practice, which was high-intensity, loose, and full of laughs…at least as much as can be expected after seven straight losses.

I asked Johnson what he could do to help younger players get through this stretch. “You just don’t let your attitude or your mood sway. There are going to be highs and lows…you can’t get too high or too low. Stay even-keeled and enjoy coming to work every day. We have the best job in the world.”

McCabe had a slightly different take on the mood of the team.

“(The mood) definitely could be better. Nobody is happy with losing seven straight. I think today was a positive day. Guys were working hard out there. We had a day off yesterday to regroup.

“Looking back at the points we’ve given up, it’s frustrating, but you just have to put together a sixty-minute effort.”

This has been, and will continue to be, my top story of the year. How does Luke Richardson keep this team competing hard as the losses continue to mount?

Kyle Davidson went out of his way to bring in competitors and high-character players. Hopefully, they’re better equipped to handle the ups and downs of a season.

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews Reunited

It was only a matter of time, but Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were reunited on the Blackhawks’ top line.

Andrea Athanasiou wins the left-wing lottery and has to be excited about this development. I’m also interested in seeing how Max Domi’s game changes with him being the top offensive option on his line. With Kane, we saw Domi deferring too often. He would pass up clear shooting opportunities and opt to pass. With this new role, he will be expected to provide the most offense on his line with Taylor Raddysh and Philipp Kurashev. Let’s hope Domi starts to pull the trigger more often.

Not-So-Fun Fact

Nine of the Blackhawks’ 21 regular starters have one goal or fewer on the season. Twelve of the twenty-one have two or fewer. Patrick Kane has three.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, November 30 vs Edmonton

8:30 pm on TNT & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

Patrick Kane leads the Blackhawks with 16 points in 21 games. That would make him Edmonton’s fifth-leading scorer. When it’s all said and done, Connor McDavid might be on hockey’s Mt Rushmore. McDavid’s game doesn’t have a weakness. He has an explosive and accurate shot, consistently stickhandles through defenders, and is one of the fastest skaters I’ve ever seen. His ability to go from standing still to top speed is unmatched.

Stopping McDavid is only one part of the puzzle. On his left wing is German superstar Leon Draisaitl. He is also one of the league’s finest players but is constantly in McDavid’s shadow. Yes, McDavid makes him a better player, but Draisaitl would be a star in any lineup. Draisaitl has 11 goals and 14 assists in 19 career games vs. the Blackhawks. He’s been a thorn in Chicago’s side since he joined the league in 2014.

Saturday, December 3 @ New York Rangers

6:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

If the Stanley Cup Playoffs began today, the Rangers would be on the outside looking in. They’re currently fourth in the Wild Card standings with 24 points in 23 games, but don’t expect that to last. The Rangers are loaded with talent and, despite falling short against Tampa Bay in last year’s Eastern Conference Final, showed they’re a team to be reckoned with, especially if they’re going to be as aggressive as expected at the deadline.

The Patrick Kane to the Rangers rumors started early and won’t go away. It’s an obvious connection to make with Kane’s incredible chemistry with Artemi Panarin. The Rangers are in win-now mode, and Kane might be the perfect piece for them to add at the deadline. As Greg Boysen said on Monday’s CHGO Blackhawks Podcast, the best thing that can happen for the Blackhawks is for the Eastern Conference playoff race to remain tight. The more teams are in it, the more trade partners they’ll have to work with.

Sunday, December 4 @ New York Islanders

6:30 pm on NBC Sports Chicago+ & WGN Radio

TOP SCORERS:

There’s no sugar-coating it … the Islanders are one of the NHL’s least exciting teams to watch. They’re just boring to play against and boring to watch. They’re sixth-best in the league with 59 goals allowed in 23 games. Their +18 goal differential is also sixth-best in the NHL. What the Isles lack in star power or household names, they make up for in depth and play style.

Watch our latest show on YouTube

When you look at the nearly 100-year history of the Chicago Blackhawks, only seven numbers (for eight players) have been retired. Glenn Hall’s #1, Keith Magnuson and Pierre Pilote’s #3, Bobby Hull’s #9, Denis Savard’s #18, Stan Mikita’s #21, Tony Esposito’s #35, and now Marián Hossa’s #81.

“Something tells me very soon, I’ll be flying back to Chicago to raise a few more of these jerseys,” Hossa said during his retirement ceremony.

He’s right, and we’ll have plenty of time to dive in to who might be next, who’s worthy and who might be left out in the months and years to come, but I want to make this post especially about Hossa.

When we got to talk to Hossa at CHGO on Friday, he was struggling with his voice. He had done so many interviews over the course of the week, and I’m sure had been asked many of the same questions many times. However, when I told him how meaningful his time in Chicago was to Blackhawks fans, he seemed caught off guard.

“The symbolism of you coming to Chicago means a lot to the people here. I don’t know if you realize that. It felt like an arrival for Hawks fans. Marian Hossa chose us, and that feeling was incredible,” I told Hossa.

“Right now, I’m taking all the credit and it doesn’t feel fair,” Hossa responded. “It was not just me that won the Stanley Cup. It was the whole team.”

“It’s a little bit different because you chose to come here,” I told him. “You chose Chicago.”

July 1, 2009 was the day it happened. The Hawks were coming off a Western Conference Final loss to the Red Wings, but were clearly the NHL’s team on the rise. There was some thought that with some small tinkering, they might be in the Stanley Cup conversation, but when they landed the premier free agent on the market in Hossa, the narrative changed. They went from possible contenders to favorites, almost overnight.

Yes, there had been big free-agent signings in Chicago before, but how many of them actually worked out as planned? How many of them exceeded expectations? Hossa was the best all-around player he ever was during his time in Chicago. Oddly enough, he credits that growth to his one year in Detroit, which he outlines in great detail in his book.

Three-time Stanley Cup Champion. First ballot hall-of-famer. His number in the rafters. Marian Hossa is the greatest free agent signing in Chicago sports history.

The other Chicago athletes with an argument would be Jon Lester or Candace Parker. Lester was fantastic as a Cub, but a pitcher only pitches once every five days. Parker, who has also won a championship in Chicago (and gets bonus points for being local), has only been with the Sky for two years. Hossa wins the tie-breaker with three championships to Lester and Parker’s one.

As I spent some time reflecting on the dynasty Sunday night, it was a reminder to me who my favorite Blackhawks of the dynasty were. Hossa was second. My favorite was Brent Seabrook, and he might just be next to have his number raised to the rafters.

Just like when Hossa surprised Jonathan Toews at his 1,000th game, Seabrook got the biggest pop from the crowd when he hit the ice. Second on that list was Niklas Hjalmarsson. It’s great to see that Chicago still recognizes the players who sacrificed their bodies night after night. I was concerned that the love for Seabs might have been diminished after his last few years in Chicago weren’t exactly Norris Trophy seasons. Time heals all wounds, and Chicago loves Brent Seabrook, as they should.

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, November 23 @ Dallas

7:30 pm on NBCSCH+ & WGN Radio

The Stars sit atop the Central Division with an 11-5-2 record and 24 points. Their +22 goal differential is third in the NHL, behind only the juggernaut Bruins (+38) and Devils (+26).

TOP SCORERS:

Jason Robertson, 23, is the player to watch in Dallas. He is one of the league’s brightest young stars. This summer, he signed a four-year contract with an AAV of $7,750,000. If he continues at the pace he’s on for those four years, he will be one of the league’s highest paid players.

Friday, November 25 vs Montréal

1:00 pm on NBCSCH & WGN Radio

The Habs aren’t exactly lighting the world on fire (9-8-1), but they have some of the most exciting young players in the game in Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. If you’re looking to a team that could run parallel with the Blackhawks when they’re ready to win again, Montréal might be a candidate.

They also have one of the best hockey last names in the game in Arber Xhekaj (pronounced JACK-eye).

TOP SCORERS:

Call this the Kirby Dach revenge game. Dach has been playing very well in Montréal. It helps that he’s paired up with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, but I don’t want to take anything away from what he’s doing. He needed a change of scenery from Chicago, but I feared moving to a market so intensely focused on hockey could be tough for Dach, but he’s been great so far. He’s third on the team in scoring, behind his linemates Suzuki and Caufiel,) with 4 goals and 12 assists in 18 games, and leads the team with 6 power play points.

Sunday, November 27 vs Winnipeg

6:00 pm on NBCSCH, NHL Network & WGN Radio

The Jets currently sit in third place in the Central Division with a 10-5-1 record. At the time I’m writing this story, they’ve won 7 of their last 10 games. They’re also a perpetual thorn in the side of the Blackhawks. Chicago hasn’t won a season series vs Winnipeg since 2018.

TOP SCORERS:

Earlier this month, the Jets blanked the Hawks 4-0. You may recall this as the game where Dylan Wells was forced to make his NHL debut after Arvid Söderblom left the game with dehydration. Josh Morrissey and Pierre-Luc Dubois each picked up a pair of points in the win.