Chicago Blackhawks
Team Leader
Olympics Buzz, Bedard’s Heater, No Nazar, PP Change, Matthews Hurt, and Other Blackhawks Bullets
Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...l-teams-working-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/
We’ll start with the biggest question from Tuesday’s practice right out of the gate this morning. Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill said Jason Dickinson will not play tonight and Frank Nazar is doubtful. Dickinson skated before the rest of the team in a no-contact jersey. Nazar did not skate and is considered day-to-day. Blashill, when asked if Nazar’s issue was upper or lower-body, replied “mid.” Nazar is questionable for Toronto on Saturday night at this point as well.
- I shared a couple tweets from Pierre LeBrun in my bullets on Tuesday regarding the management groups for the United States and Canada meeting. He shared an update on the Canadian side of that equation on Tuesday after a conversation with Canada general manager Doug Armstrong. According to Armstrong, Canada has narrowed its list of players from around 90 to 35-40. That list does still include Blackhawks Connor Bedard and Sharks Macklin Celebrini. Here’s what Armstrong told LeBrun about the two young stars:
- Hockey Canada’s management team’s next meeting will be first week of December. Armstrong added:
Team Canadastill watching Celebrini, Bedard as it cuts list of potential Olympians to 35-40. My latest for @TheAthletic
https://t.co/LdCw0Amh2N
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 11, 2025
- Jack Hughes hasn’t been able to stay healthy much over the past few years for the Devils. New Jersey and Bedard don’t have a great history; Brendan Smith was responsible for Bedard’s broken jaw during his rookie season. Tonight will only be the third time both players are healthy in a game, including the night Bedard got hurt. Jack Hughes is 2-0-0 against the Blackhawks when Bedard at least starts the game in the lineup.
- Scott Powers at The Athletic did a deep dive into the specific elements of Bedard’s game that have helped him take a huge step forward this season.
- Some good notes here from Ben Pope at the Chicago Sun-Times on the Blackhawks’ power play turning a significant corner since they made a few personnel changes.
- ICYMI I shared a terrific conversation I had with Ryan Greene yesterday. He talked about being more comfortable in the NHL, his changing roles and how the young players are bonding — and having a good time — as they turn the Blackhawks around.
- Nathan Behm was back in action with Kamloops early on Tuesday night. He opened the scoring with this beauty — his 13th goal of the year — and added an assist on the Blazers’ second goal of the game.
- Corey Pronman put together his first top ten list of prospects for the 2027 NHL Draft. Yes, I said 2027! The way-too-early list (I love it) tells us we should be keeping an eye on Alexis Joseph, Landon DuPont and Russian forward Nazar Privalov. Personally, I hope the Blackhawks are a good distance away from a top-three pick… but the thought of a guy named Nazar Privalov potentially skating with Frank Nazar is certainly something.
- Yesterday — Veterans Day — the Blackhawks announced a multi-year partnership agreement with GOVX, an eCommerce platform and membership program that provides savings for military and first responders. GOVX is the new presenting partner of the Blackhawks’ Hero Salute program.
- The Carolina Hurricanes announced Tuesday that defenseman Charles Alexis Legault had surgery on Monday to repair multiple torn extensor tendons on his right hand. He is expected to miss three to four months.
- The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Gavin Brindley to two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season. It’s a two-way deal at $850K for 2026-27 and $900K, one-way for 2027-28.
- Something to watch in the coming days: Auston Matthews took this hit from Nikita Zadorov last night in the middle of the second period and did not return to the game. After the game, Toronto coach Craig Berube did not give a timeline for Matthews’ return to the lineup. “I don’t know exactly. I really can’t give you guys a timeline or how serious it is right now. And I’m not sure when he hurt it, to be honest with you.” The Maple Leafs are visit the Blackhawks on Saturday evening.
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- It sounds like Luther Burden III is earning Ben Johnson’s trust
- The Dallas Mavericks finally fired GM Nico Harrison
- Things continue to sound awful for Kris Bryant
Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...l-teams-working-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/