News Blackhawks Team Notes

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Embarrassing Oilers, New Draft Rankings, Tax Issue Dismissed, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

I hate hyperbole and recency bias, but even I have to admit the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final were two of the best games in the history of the league. Game One went to overtime; Game Two went to double overtime. The games were both back and forth filled with incredible skill and fabulous playmaking all over the ice. Blackhawks fans were left feeling nostalgic for the teams in Chicago that looked that good.

Last night was Game Three. If you were excited to see where the series could go from the end of Game Two, last night was… a dull thud. The Florida Panthers were back at home and allowed the Edmonton Oilers to embarrass themselves for 60 minutes, taking stupid penalties and leaving their starting goaltender on an island while chasing players around to sucker punch them or cheap shot them instead of defending.

The end result: a 6-1 Panthers win that included the fourth-highest combined penalty minute total (140) in a Stanley Cup Final game in history. The Oilers accounted for 85 of those PIM, which is the third-highest total for a team in a Stanley Cup Final game in history. Ironically, the Oilers were five short of tying both the record for penalty minutes by a team and tying the score in the game (the Habs had 90 in 1986).

Let me be crystal clear: I’m not against fighting in hockey. I thought the 4 Nations Face-Off was incredible; I’ve written as much here a few times this year. It elevated hockey on an international level for sports viewers and fans who aren’t likely to tune in otherwise. And the US-Canada game started with a whole buncha rock-em sock-em robots. The difference here was the Oilers weren’t competing. They were trying to injure. And when the Panthers — who are plenty familiar with questionable hits/contact as a tactic — didn’t fight back and instead kicked their @$$ up and down the ice, the optics were terrible.

I think this clip from the end of regulation sums up the entire game perfectly. Corey Perry was out for blood, slashing anything he could find in an opposite color jersey. The Panthers stood around and took his whacks and laughed in his face while he lost his mind.

Corey Perry gave Niko Mikkola a nasty two-hander, and dropped the gloves to fight…

Meanwhile, Mikkola just pointed and laughed in his face pic.twitter.com/iTXIiPnib7

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) June 10, 2025

• NHL commissioner Gary Bettman appeared on the TNT set last night for a few questions. Paul Bissonnette asked him about the state tax “problem” that’s been created since teams in Canada can’t beat teams from Florida. I thought Bettman dismissed the attempt at creating an issue perfectly. When the Panthers and Lightning sucked for all those years, nobody complained. But once they got good owners who spend money and good general managers who spend that money wisely, OMG THEIR TAXES AREN’T FAIR! The Blackhawks won three times with terrible taxes in this state. Nobody complained.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman calls Paul Bissonnette's concern about the NHL & Florida's lack of state tax "ridiculous."

Bettman adds, "I was watching you during the prior rounds. Your attire was a little suspect in terms of your journalistic objectivity." #NHL #StanleyCup https://t.co/eLmLyNCi2c pic.twitter.com/25Tuu8gKnm

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 9, 2025

• Four of the top prospects heading to the 2025 NHL Draft were at Game Three of the Stanley Cup Final last night.

Just a couple of the top 2025 #NHLDraft prospects taking in the #StanleyCup Final.

Cc: Michael Misa, Matthew Schaefer, James Hagens & Jake O'Brien

: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/JBaTW47UTt

— NHL (@NHL) June 10, 2025

• Corey Pronman at The Athletic posted his final top 125 prospect rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft on Tuesday morning. He has Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa at 1-2, which isn’t a surprise. The intrigue is at 3-7. Pronman has Porter Martone at 3, Caleb Desnoyers at 4, James Hagens at 5, Anton Frondell at 6 and Jake O’Brien at 7.

New post @TheAthleticNHL: Top 125 prospect rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft https://t.co/8XKGVQIOhf

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) June 10, 2025

• Speaking of Desnoyers, really good read from Ben Pope on the player who might be the Blackhawks’ pick at No. 3 in a couple weeks. You should know by now that I’m a fan of his game and think he’s going to be a terrific NHL player. Good stuff in this interview with Ben.

I sat down with Caleb Desnoyers at the combine to learn more about him.

"If you’re better in your D-zone, you’ll get more offensive time. So I always took pride in that to get the puck."

Here's his Blackhawks prospect profile:https://t.co/qTC3WrKcBG

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 9, 2025

• With the Blackhawks likely promoting a handful of defenseman to the NHL (and some others potentially being involved in other decisions), one of the overlooked aspects of the organizational depth is which players would fill out the roster in Rockford. Over the past couple years, the Blackhawks have done a nice job of insulating young players with good vets in the AHL. They’re going to have one key member of their roster stay put for two more years. Defenseman Cavan Fitzgerald inked a two-year deal on Monday.

MVP is staying for TWO

We've signed defenseman Cavan Fitzgerald to a two-year AHL contract. See you soon Fitzy!!

: https://t.co/ZTsh7AvgjT pic.twitter.com/2XQvyXIYjD

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) June 9, 2025

• Earlier this morning I took a look at some new 2025 NHL mock drafts that have popped up since the end of the Scouting Combine this past week in Buffalo.

Let’s Compare Some New #Blackhawks Mock Drafts www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2…

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— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@bn-blackhawks.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 6:44 AM

• I’m pretty sure Evander Kane just took another penalty…

• The New York Islanders announced the hiring of assistant coaches Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner.

• TJ Oshie did retire on Monday. Heck of a career. Good for him.

T.J. Oshie, who helped lead the @Capitals to a #StanleyCup in 2018, has announced his retirement from the NHL after 16 seasons and 1,010 regular season games.

Full release and statement from Oshie: https://t.co/KZx1PFociU pic.twitter.com/osRPtKhjCP

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) June 9, 2025

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• One of the best home run robberies you’ll ever see took place last night.

• PFF loves the Bears’ new-look offensive line (here’s why).

• Bulls trade buzz before the 2025 NBA Draft? Yes please!

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...issue-dismissed-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Let’s Compare Some New Blackhawks Mock Drafts

With the NHL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, the hockey world now transitions into more frequent mock drafts. And the Chicago Blackhawks have two selections in the first round, which gives us more to discuss.

On Monday I posted an updated 2025 NHL mock draft of my own that incorporates a few trade scenarios that could play out in the coming weeks. I hadn’t included trades before, so that was a fun wrinkle. But those trades also incorporated some of the buzz that came from the Combine this past week.

We got three other new mock drafts on Monday, a two-for at NHL.com and an updated mock draft at The Athletic. Though Corey Pronman hasn’t updated his since the Combine yet, I wanted to include his most recent work in here as well because it was just before the Combine began. Here are the four mock drafts we’ll look at:

• NHL.com — Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale (June 9)
• The Athletic — Scott Wheeler (June 9)
• The Athletic — Corey Pronman (June 3)

Let’s get into the picks these analysts make for the Blackhawks with their two selections in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

Blackhawks Pick — No. 3 overall​

All four writers took Anton Frondell for the Blackhawks at No. 3 overall. Here’s some of what they wrote about that selection:

Wheeler: “Misa would be an obvious choice for the Blackhawks if he were to get to No. 3, but if he doesn’t, I’ve felt it’s going to be Frondell or [Caleb] Desnoyers for them here since the lottery. Their abundance of 5-10/11 forward prospects probably takes [James] Hagens out of their mix, and Porter Martone doesn’t have the skating/pace they prioritize. I’ve taken Frondell in both of my mocks, but Desnoyers is a real possibility here.“

Pronman: “Frondell brings high-end skill, an elite shot and a complete 200-foot game and fills Chicago’s need for a strong two-way pivot to pair with Connor Bedard or potentially move Bedard to the wing.“

Kimelman: “One scout described Frondell (6-1, 198) as a ‘military tank’ because of how competitive he is and how hard he plays. Frondell has an elite offensive game, is an outstanding skater and he uses it well on the forecheck. He won’t shy away from physical play, which is especially impressive from an 18-year-old player skating in Allsvenskan, the second-highest professional league in Sweden.“

Morreale: “Frondell did exceptionally well at the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine, particularly on the bike tests. He had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 regular-season games and seven points (three goals, four assists) in 16 playoff games in Allsvenskan to help Djurgarden earn promotion to the Swedish Hockey League for next season.“

Blackhawks Pick — No. 25 overall​

Predictably, there isn’t consensus on who the Blackhawks will target with their second pick in the first round. But four interesting names were mentioned, which gives us more names to consider.

• Pronman: Will Horcoff, C

“A big, skilled forward with great hockey sense, Horcoff needs to work on his skating but has the potential to be a legit scorer as a pro and looked quite good at the college level as a U18 player.”

• Wheeler: Daniil Prokhorov, RW

“The Blackhawks should look to be aggressive and package some of their picks to move up from here or look to add a player. If they do, I could see Nesbitt being a potential target a few spots up. If they don’t, I don’t see the consensus D in this range (Fiddler and Boumedienne, and then Brzustewicz) as targets. The competitive, well-rounded Gastrin makes sense if they stay here as a potential 3C of the future.”

• Kimelman — Malcolm Spence, LW

“After selecting a center with their first choice, the Blackhawks can take a shot with a talented forward who projects to be a solid goal-scorer. Spence (6-2, 201) is a very good skater who can accelerate with the puck on his stick, and he’s strong enough to make his presence felt on the forecheck. He also was one of five OHL players to score at least five power-play goals and five short-handed goals this season.”

• Morreale — Cullen Potter, C

“Potter is an elite skater capable of creating chances in the offensive end. He was the first forward in NTDP history to leave the program for college after his U-17 season.”

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2025/06/10/lets-compare-some-new-blackhawks-mock-drafts/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Report: Jonathan Toews Decision Coming Soon

It sounds like former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews could make a decision on his future within the next two weeks. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on Wednesday that Toews is expected to make his decision before the 2025 NHL Draft begins — which is two weeks from Friday.

Toews cannot officially sign until July 1, but he can make the decision in advance. Pagnotta reports the Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs have made inquiries. The Jets, Toews’ hometown team, have been linked prominently since Toews indicated he will return for the 2025-26 season.

The 2025 NHL Draft is on June 27 and 28, and Toews has an autograph event at Sports ‘N More in Yorktown Mall on June 29. Could make for some interesting questions at the table for the longest-tenured captain in Blackhawks history for sure.

Jonathan Toews is starting to narrow down his options and I'm told he plans to make a decision by the NHL Draft. He can't officially sign with a team until July 1, but can agree with a team in advance. https://t.co/k1aGMGS8dL

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 11, 2025

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2025/06/11/report-jonathan-toews-decision-coming-soon/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Blackhawks Draft Buzz: Frondell Frequency, Trades Coming? Lack of Dinner Dates, More

If you haven’t been able to tell by now, I’m a little bit of a draft addict. I love looking ahead to the NHL draft for the Blackhawks every year, whether they’re picking first or last. So June is a great month even if there aren’t meaningful games for the Hawks. And mock drafts? Give me all of them!

While I like mock drafts that are from a single writer, when The Athletic does their beat writers mock draft I’m locked in. It gives us a sense from those who cover teams closely that they think the teams will do. And they dropped the latest edition of that exercise on Wednesday. Scott Powers had the privilege of handling the Blackhawks’ two picks in the first round.

For The Athletic's mock draft, I made the Blackhawks' two first-round picks. I'm relatively confident with the first one. Who knows on the second one? I'm not convinced they'll even make that pick. www.nytimes.com/athletic/640…

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— Scott Powers (@scottpowers.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 9:09 AM

Not surprisingly, Powers went with Anton Frondell at No. 3 overall. Powers notes that he might be a wing at the NHL level, which the Blackhawks may prefer if they believe Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are indeed their top two centers moving forward. There’s a ton of smoke around Frondell to the Blackhawks right now. And that gives me a little pause, because GMKD doesn’t necessarily always do what we all expect him to do.

At No. 25, Powers writes that he doesn’t necessarily believe the Blackhawks will make a pick. Trade up? Maybe. Trade for other assets? Possibly. But for the sake of the mock draft, he had to make a pick And he went with Russian forward Ivan Ryabkin, who’s viewed as a bit of a lottery ticket in this draft. Maybe a super-high ceiling, but it feels like he could have a low floor as well. Interesting name to consider for the Blackhawks.

No Blackhawks Dinner Dates?​

Really good emptying of the notebook from the NHL Scouting Combine from Rachel Doerrie at ESPN. She writes about some of the team-focused buzz as well as the players whose stock went up most at the events in Buffalo. First, this comment about the Blackhawks:

More interesting, Chicago, which owns the third pick, did not take anyone to dinner. That is certainly a calculated decision from its brass. Perhaps the Blackhawks plan to invite players to Chicago (or fly out to them) during draft week? It’s anyone’s guess, but their strategy was the topic of some conversation among other teams. The Philadelphia Flyers famously passed on the opportunity to take Jett Luchanko to dinner last season before drafting him, so as to not raise alarm bells with other teams. Perhaps Chicago is taking a page out of that book.

I’ve said it before but I’ll reiterate it here: I’m not losing sleep over the Blackhawks not having a meal with anyone. Being mysterious this time of year isn’t a bad thing, folks.

On the player side of things, Doerrie writes that Brady Martin, Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers were the winners of the interview room(s) in Buffalo. She’s one of the many who are talking up Martin as a helium prospect in this year’s class; Doerrie goes as far as to say he won’t get past Boston at No. 7, which means there’s real chance of a slide from Porter Martone (cough, trade up Blackhawks? cough). There’s more buzz around Mason West in this piece as well.

For those who are feeling the Frondell to Chicago at No. 3 vibe, Doerrie wrote:

Questions about Anton Frondell’s fitness seemed to linger among scouts, and he all but shut those down, with one of the best performances on the VO2 max test, along with Cole Reschny.

Blackhawks Draft Miscellany​

• NHL.com wrote up the top ten goalie prospects in this year’s class. The Blackhawks appear to be set in net at the top of the depth chart with Spencer Knight moving forward. They have Drew Commesso coming in Rockford and Adam Gajan in college. So while I’m not sure they need another goalie, this front office has been consistent about drafting the best player on their board.

• Steven Ellis at Daily Faceoff put together his list of the 15 best wingers in this year’s draft — something that’s notable for Blackhawks fans with two first-round picks. I will note that Ellis used position designations from NHL Central Scouting, so no Frondell or Hagens here even if there’s some buzz they could be wings at the next level.

I looked at 15 of the best wingers for the 2025 #NHLDraft.

Porter Martone, Justin Carbonneau and Victor Eklund are among the top options available this year:https://t.co/wTetsUJ0Ax

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) June 11, 2025

• The draft could be a busy couple days for the coaches at a few NCAA programs, including the University of Michigan. There’s a lot of hype around Will Horcoff right now, whose workouts at the Combine may have elevated him into the late-first round conversation. Michigan could have seven (7) players on their 2025-26 roster hear their names called in a couple weeks in Los Angeles. Among those seven, Horcoff, Cole McKinney and Malcolm Spence could all make sense for the Blackhawks.

• Speaking of Los Angeles, the NHL making this year’s selection meeting remote appears to have been a good call — even if it was made months in advance.

The #NHL is closely monitoring the ongoing civil unrest and protests in Los Angeles, which is set to host the #NHLDraft in just 16 days.

Peacock Theater and LA Live are both within the current designated curfew boundary which restricts activity and movement from 8pm-6am.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 11, 2025

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...ency-trades-coming-lack-of-dinner-dates-more/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

NHL Trade Buzz: Kreider, Robertson, Necas, Rossi, Lack of Sellers, More

With Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final set to finally take place tonight, we’ve had a couple days to dig into trade winds that are blowing around the NHL. While our focus here from a Blackhawks’ perspective has been heavily on the 2025 NHL Draft, there’s a lot of action around the league that could shift the landscape of the game. Which is exciting.

With that being said, let’s take a quick lap around the most recent trade rumors and get an idea of some names that are floating on the market already.

Let’s start with some Blackhawks-specific mentions. Frank Seravalli at Daily Faceoff updated their trade big board with a few new names. Blackhawks Connor Murphy checks in at No. 14 and Lukas Reichel at No. 23 on the list of 30 names. Both players have one year remaining on their current contracts.

My take: Reichel is far more likely to go this summer than Murphy. If the Blackhawks are going to potentially have five young defensemen in the lineup next year — the oldest of which would be Alex Vlasic — having a steady leader in Murphy in that group is a smart play. At least until the trade deadline.

New Trade Targets board has 10 new names and 30 total in play as talks heat up around the #NHL:https://t.co/Q5Nd9IJbZp

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 11, 2025

NHL Trade Rumors​

• One new name on the Daily Faceoff big board that got my attention is Martin Necas of the Avalanche. We talked about him as a potential offer sheet candidate a year ago. He signed a two-year deal with Carolina and then was the centerpiece of the Mikko Rantanen trade. Seravalli reports he might not sign for a $9M AAV this summer, hoping for more if he can remain a point-per-game player for another season in Denver. That’s a big ask for a guy making $6.5M right now — but it isn’t crazy.

• Necas being mentioned makes sense when you look at the Avs’ books. A good piece from Harman Dayal at The Athletic looked at four teams that could have a cap crunch this summer — even with the cap going up significantly. Colorado has $1.5M in available cap space right now. Though there isn’t a long list of free agents with whom they need to get a deal done this summer, that isn’t much wiggle room if they want to improve.

Why these 4 NHL teams could lose good players because of salary cap crunches:https://t.co/x6AnhyaVt2

— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) June 11, 2025

• Dayal’s four teams that are having a cap crunch this summer that might lead to some relatively big names moving: Dallas, Colorado, Edmonton and Florida. The Panthers have the longest and most attractive list of players heading to free agency this summer. Probably the biggest ticket free agent named is Oilers RFA defenseman Evan Bouchard.

• The first big trade of the offseason could come as soon as today. The Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers have been talking about a deal that would send veteran forward Chris Kreider to Anaheim. Reports last night are that the deal is progressing and could be finalized soon.

• One of the most intriguing names on the trade block (reportedly) right now is Jason Robertson. And, after firing their head coach after a disastrous end to their season, the Dallas Stars appear to be in play to make a handful of moves this summer because of their limited cap space. We can add Mason Marchment’s name to the list of players potential leaving Dallas this summer, according to David Pagnotta.

#TexasHockey are indeed taking calls on Jason Robertson, but GM Jim Nill is hesitant to move him. As they look to free up some cap space, I'm told they are shopping Mason Marchment, who is entering the final year of his contract ($4.5M AAV) https://t.co/OJjAyGBHXD

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 11, 2025

• I’m interested to see how the summer progresses for the St. Louis Blues. Remember last summer when they surprised many of us in signing both Philip Broberg and Dylan Halloway to offer sheets? Well, they both got bridge deals on those offer sheets. Which means they’ll both be entering the final year of their respective contracts on July 1st, making them extension-eligible. How much that costs the Blues on their next deals — and how that impacts their spending approach this summer — will be something to watch.

• There have been a few notable mentions of the Vegas Golden Knights shopping 26-year-old left-handed defenseman Nicolas Hague, who will be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent on July 1.

• In his latest column for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun reports that new Islanders GM Mathieu Darche told forwards Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal that they will not be moved this summer.

• LeBrun writes that this is a fascinating summer because of the lack of sellers in the market. With the cap going up as much as it is, more teams have cap flexibility. And more teams — a list on which he includes the Blackhawks — are looking to improve, not move out vets. LeBrun wrote this:

In a more traditional offseason, several teams would be entering a rebuilding phase, saying, “Take our veteran players off our roster” for future assets. But there really isn’t a single franchise ready to implode its roster.

• LeBrun links the Vancouver Canucks, who need a No. 2 center, to Minnesota Wild RFA center Marco Rossi. He also writes “all signs point to the Canucks keeping Elias Pettersson, whose full no-move clause kicks in July 1.”

• In closing, LeBrun wrote that trade talks are percolating right now and the draft’s start will kick off silly season for real.

It’s still too early for most of the high-profile trade conversations to go next-level. So much of what happened in Buffalo was planting seeds and trying to get a sense of the market. But the first round of the draft on June 27 will act as the first deadline, of sorts, of the offseason as far as trades that may involve first-round picks.

Is this an off season like no other? Why are there so few selling teams? Let me explain. Plus the latest on on a number of fronts as the summer market heats up. My latest Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ https://t.co/PPiTUG6Mjf

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 11, 2025

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...r-robertson-necas-rossi-lack-of-sellers-more/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Hellebuyck History, Comparing Draft Classes, All-NHL, All-Rookie, Atlanta Again? and Other Blackhawks Bullets

It’s always tough when the Blackhawks have one individual award winner in their division. We learned earlier this week that Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar won the Norris Trophy. On Wednesday evening we learned that the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Trophy are also staying in the Central Division — with the same person. Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck won both!

Hellebuyck won the Vezina after the 2023-24 season as well, making him the first repeat winner of the award since Martin Brodeur in 2006-07 and 2007-08. This is the third time he has won the Vezina, joining Dominik Hasek (six), Brodeur (four) and Patrick Roy (three) as the only four goaltenders to win the award at least three times.

Hellebuyck also becomes just the fourth goaltender in the expansion era (since 1967-68) to win the league’s most valuable player award, following Hasek (1996-97 and 1997-98 with Buffalo), Jose Theodore (2001-02 with Montreal) and Carey Price (2014-15 with Montreal). Hello, Hall of Fame!

Two for one!

See Connor Hellebuyck's reaction to being surprised with both the Vezina AND Hart Trophy. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/lZBdgEwNH9

— NHL (@NHL) June 12, 2025

• The Chris Kreider trade to Anaheim was finalized on Thursday. Here are the details and some comments from NHL Network:

.@TheFourthPeriod joins @EJHradek_NHL and Cory Schneider to discuss how the Chris Kreider trade went down and what's next for both clubs.#FlyTogether | #NYR | #NHLTNFirstShift https://t.co/R1TCIoM7Qf pic.twitter.com/TfOqhfZjBe

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 12, 2025

• Moving on to the 2025 NHL Draft, I always enjoy comparing draft classes. So when Corey Pronman at The Athletic put this year’s class up against last year’s, it was a fun and educational read. He considered 20 players: last year’s top ten picks and the top ten projected picks this year. For those who are hyper-focused on players the Blackhawks might select, Pronman had Caleb Desnoyers ranked seventh — just ahead of Blackhawks’ No. 2 overall pick from last year, Artyom Levshunov. Pronman ranks James Hagens, Anton Frondell and Jake O’Brien in that order following Levshunov.

Comparing the 2025 NHL Draft to the 2024 class https://t.co/jzygcZaACu

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) June 12, 2025

• When I took a lengthy look at some NHL trade rumors yesterday, I left out one Blackhawks-specific nugget from Pierre LeBrun in his column to consider it alone today. Here it is:

The Chicago Blackhawks are exploring options to add to their forward group. They feel like they’re in a good spot on the back end with their young guys and set in goal. They want to start turning the team over to their younger players overall, so while they would like to add a player or two up front this offseason, they also don’t want to hinder their younger players’ path to quality playing time. So while the Hawks are looking to add up front, I don’t think they’re going to chase something unreasonable or do anything that doesn’t make sense in terms of the path they’re on.

Is this an off season like no other? Why are there so few selling teams? Let me explain. Plus the latest on on a number of fronts as the summer market heats up. My latest Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ https://t.co/PPiTUG6Mjf

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 11, 2025

• The Stanley Cup Final continues to be amazing. We’re getting at least six games now.

• The NHL also unveiled the All-Rookie team and the NHL All-Star First and Second Teams on Thursday. Blackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro received one vote for the All-Rookie Team. Here are the six players selected for that group:

• And here are the first and second NHL All-Star Teams:

Presenting your 2024-25 First and Second All-Star Teams! #NHLAwards

Read more: https://t.co/nyR7Ic6NPt pic.twitter.com/GjyqREWaYi

— NHL (@NHL) June 12, 2025

• Kings future Hall of Fame center Anze Kopitar added a third Lady Byng Memorial Trophy to his collection on Thursday as well.

And the "Nicest NHL Player" award goes to…

Anze Kopitar's kids surprised him with his third Lady Byng Memorial Trophy during a day of family golf in Slovenia.

Catch the 2025 #NHLAwards before Game 4 of the #StanleyCup Final TONIGHT at 6p ET on @NHL_On_TNT and… pic.twitter.com/yoLqTKXgdk

— NHL (@NHL) June 12, 2025

• Today’s “OMG we’re so old” moment was seeing Adrian Aucoin’s son, Kaden, signing with the Sarnia Sting.

The @StingHockey have signed second round 2025 #OHLDraft pick Kaden Aucoin to an #OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Son of long-time #NHL defender Adrian Aucoin spent 2024-25 with the @ChicagoMission.

DETAILS : https://t.co/AvORY3hS4V pic.twitter.com/RG9sua66rv

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) June 12, 2025

• Hey, remember that time when Atlanta had a hockey team and it failed? I know, I know… which time? Well, the NHL apparently wants to run it back a third time.

The NHL will be expanding to Atlanta within the next few seasons. https://t.co/m5r0he7ESe

— Allan Walsh (@walsha) June 12, 2025

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• Cubs prospect Owen Caissie extended his home run streak!

• Rome Odunze is ready to play “freely” in 2025.

• Matas Buzelis is in full reporter mode at the NBA Finals!

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...e-atlanta-again-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Blackhawks, Bruins Make a Trade (Update: It’s Official)

The Blackhawks have traded the RFA rights to defenseman Victor Söderström to Boston for defenseman Ryan Mast and a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.



Mast, 22, is a massive (6-5, 220) right-handed defenseman who has appeared in 44 games over the past two seasons with the Providence Bruins in the AHL. He had five assists in 37 games for Providence this past season.

During the 2022-23 season, Mast appeared in 51 games with the Sarnia Sting in the OHL. Current Blackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro was traded to Sarnia after the World Junior Championship that season; Del Mastro skated 30 games for the Sting.

Mast was originally a sixth-round pick (No. 181 overall) by Boston in the 2021 NHL Draft. He has one year remaining on his current contract before hitting restricted free agency.

The rights to Söderström, 24, were acquired from Utah with forward Aku Raty and the contract of Shea Weber at the trade deadline for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2025/06/13/report-blackhawks-bruins-make-a-trade/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Mitch Marner Buzz, Draft Superlatives, Islanders Decision (and Desire), and Other Blackhawks Bullets

I’m a big fan of the work Corey Pronman does in putting together lists like this one before the draft. Which prospects are the best skaters — something the Blackhawks obviously value with the current front office? Which prospects have the best shot? Best compete level? Highest hockey IQ?

Best skaters, puck skills, hockey IQ, compete level and athletes in the 2025 NHL Draft https://t.co/J9ZSfdj1y9

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) June 13, 2025

What’s both interesting and potentially problematic for Blackhawks fans is the four best skaters on Pronman’s list — L.J. Mooney, Cameron Schmidt, Cullen Potter and Lukas Sawchyn — are all forwards listed in the 5-10 height range. I would tend to think Mooney and Sawchyn could be intriguing names for the Blackhawks with their second pick in the second round. Potter’s name could be in play at No. 25 (if the Blackhawks make that pick).

Schmidt, meanwhile, has big time Alex DeBrincat vibes. He ranked second in best shot and second in best skater. Circle that one for later… maybe…

Here’s how Pronman’s list for Best Hockey Sense ranked:

• The Blackhawks and Bruins reportedly made a trade on Friday afternoon. Nothing that’s going to shake up the organizational depth in either place, but the Blackhawks are bringing in a massive right-handed defenseman in 22-year-old Ryan Mast.

• What does it mean in the short-term? Well, a big right-handed defenseman with another year of term on his deal at the AHL level likely means Louis Crevier‘s days in Chicago could be limited to the rest of this month. He’s a restricted free agent on July 1 and the Blackhawks will have Sam Rinzel, Connor Murphy and probably Artyom Levshunov on the right side of the NHL roster. Nolan Allan and Ethan Del Mastro — who was Mast’s teammate for half a season in the OHL — can play both sides and I would argue they’re also NHL-ready.

• I’m also fascinated with the potential of Mast (6-5, 220) playing the right side with left-handed Taige Harding (6-7, 240) in Rockford this coming season. Good luck, opposing forwards!

Report: #Blackhawks, Bruins Make a Trade www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2…

[image or embed]

— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@bn-blackhawks.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 4:17 PM

• And now this light-hearted collection of outtakes from the Blackhawks’ social team with the young guys having fun in front of the camera:

View this post on Instagram​

A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks (@nhlblackhawks)​

• Andy Strickland reported on Friday that the ship has sailed: Mitch Marner is leaving Toronto. So how about Carolina making a serious run at Marner this summer? If he is indeed going to walk away from the Leafs, I would prefer he stay out of the Western Conference if he isn’t with the Blackhawks (though Elliotte Friedman said he thinks Marner will head west). I’m on board with the Canes throwing a king’s ransom at him.

When/if Mitch Marner hits the open market July 1, the expectation is the Carolina Hurricanes are going to take a massive swing to try and sign him. Sources say we shouldn’t be surprised if they go above $14M on an AAV over a 7-year term. UFA market opens in 18 days.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 13, 2025

• Some terrific 2025 NHL Draft intel here from Stefan Rosner for The Hockey News on the situation with the Islanders, who won the lottery and moved all the way up to the No. 1 overall pick. He’s pretty locked on the Isles taking defenseman Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 overall, but looks into some scenarios where they move back up into the top ten overall to get James Hagens. It’s clear Hagens wants to be an Islander. And it appears the Islanders want Hagens. But at No. 1 overall? Let the intrigue begin.

Remember, Hagens is more valuable to the Islanders than any other team, and other teams are aware of this. The leverage won’t be in the Islanders’ favor, that’s for sure, unless they were willing to dangle a major piece like pending restricted free agent Noah Dobson.

There’s no question Hagens wants to be an Islander.

We are two weeks away from 2025 #NHL Draft.

Column for @TheHockeyNews https://t.co/ktFkQw1n7f

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 13, 2025

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• Cade Horton did a lovely job dueling with Paul Skenes on Friday at Wrigley but the Cubs lost in 10.

• It sounds like the Lions already miss Ben Johnson.

• How about a best-case-scenario NBA mock draft?

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...sion-and-desire-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Draft Thoughts, Free Agency or Trade, Marchand Magic, and Other Blackhawks Father’s Day Bullets

Happy Father’s Day, Blackhawks fans! Here’s hoping you can share some time with someone who has been a mentor and/or father figure in your life today. This is my second Father’s Day without my old man, so we’ll stop by and have a nice cigar at the cemetery this afternoon.

• The hockey staff at The Athletic put together a team-by-team collection of thoughts on one unrestricted free agent each team should pursue. Scott Powers handled the business for the Blackhawks and said it “should” be Mitch Marner… but almost by default. Not surprisingly, Powers writes making a move via trade might be the more likely route for Chicago this summer than a significant contract to a UFA. Here’s what he wrote:

Marner is probably a long shot, and the Blackhawks may not even sign a significant unrestricted free agent. It’s possible they’ll be more aggressive in trying to acquire someone through trade. But of the current UFAs, Marner is the one who makes the most sense from age and talent standpoints.

• On Saturday morning I wrote about some young Blackhawks players who hope to be part of their respective Olympic rosters this coming season. It looks like we can expect the first six players on the respective rosters to be made between the end of the Stanley Cup Final and the 2025 NHL Draft. Stay tuned!

Was curious if 2026 Olympic squads were still planning to unveil 'First Six ' players in June as reported a while back (since little has been said since).

Per NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly: "I expect an announcement will be made."

Keep an eye out between Cup Final & Draft

— Matt Larkin (@MLarkinHockey) June 14, 2025

• After acquiring him from the Blackhawks on Friday, the Boston Bruins announced yesterday they have signed defenseman Victor Soderstrom to a one-year, two-way contract through the 2025-26 season with an NHL cap hit of $775,000.

• Here’s a link for Blackhawks fans to bookmark. The Athletic always does a great job of presenting unique perspectives on prospects leading into the NHL draft. Their 2025 draft guide is now available.

New: Our @TheAthleticNHL Draft Guide.

All of @coreypronman and I’s work (plus some @m_bultman features), all in one place https://t.co/kd93y8AShJ

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 13, 2025

• Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic got five votes for the Lady Byng Trophy.

• Pretty impressive company here for Brad Marchand.

That's now five goals in five games for Brad Marchand in the 2025 #StanleyCup Final. He also scored five goals in the 2011 Final, when he captured the championship with Boston.

: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax https://t.co/ehfbKvA9Wg
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ … pic.twitter.com/zkg12IXMkY

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) June 15, 2025

• Did you have a chance to check out our Top 75 prospect rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft yet?

I've been asked how I would rank the top prospects coming out in the 2025 NHL Draft…

So I went ahead and put together our Top 75 Rankings #Blackhawks https://t.co/v3c15CrKdz

— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) June 13, 2025

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• The Bears are reportedly looking to sell a minority stake in the t.eam

• The Cubs flipped the script and beat the Pirates 2-1 on Saturday.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...gic-and-other-blackhawks-fathers-day-bullets/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

2026 Winter Olympics: First 6 Players Named for All 12 Countries

After the amazing hockey that we witnessed at the 4 Nations Face-Off during the 2024-25 season, followed by terrific playoffs and another great Stanley Cup Final, the excitement for NHL players to finally return to the Winter Olympics is as high as ever.

That excitement grew with on Monday morning. The 12 teams that will participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, announced their fix six players for the preliminary rosters.

Here are the first six players for all of the rosters, which were announced by the individual countries and the IIHF. Only one current member of the Chicago Blackhawks was named to a preliminary roster.

USA Olympics Roster​

• Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights
• Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks
• Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
• Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators
• Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers

𝐄𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋, 𝐐. 𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐄𝐒, 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐖𝐒, 𝐌𝐜𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐘, 𝐁. 𝐓𝐊𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐊, 𝐌. 𝐓𝐊𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐊

Introducing the first six for the #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/dvTRFm2pcg

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) June 16, 2025

Canada Olympics Roster​

• Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
• Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
• Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
• Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
• Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
• Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers

Meet the first 6⃣ players who will wear the at #MilanoCortina2026!

Voici les 6⃣ premiers joueurs qui porteront la à #MilanoCortina2026!@TeamCanada | @Equipe_Canada

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) June 16, 2025

Czechia Olympics Roster​

• Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks
• Radko Gudas, Anaheim Ducks
• Martin Necas, Colorado Avalanche
• Ondrej Palat, New Jersey Devils
• David Pasternak, Boston Bruins
• Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins

Who’s in? Czechia has selected the first 6 names for its Olympic Winter Games preliminary roster.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @czehockey @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/zii4b2t2pg

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Denmark Olympics Roster​

• Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes
• Oliver Bjorkstrand, Tampa Bay Lightning
• Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets
• Lars Eller, Washington Capitals
• Jesper Jensen Abo
• Jonas Røndberg, Henderson Silver Knights (VGK)

Denmark has named the first 6 players to its preliminary roster for Milano Cortina 2026.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @dkishockey @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/1xiFqnGwfb

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Finland Olympics Roster​

• Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes
• Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
• Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars
• Esa Lindell, Dallas Stars
• Mikko Rantanen, Dallas Stars
• Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators

Finland drops the first 6 players on its preliminary roster for the Olympic Winter Games.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @leijonat @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/wjGE7UqyRN

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

France Olympics Roster​

• Yohan Auvitu
• Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
• Jules Boscq
• Hugo Gallet
• Jordann Perret
• Alexandre Texier, St. Louis Blues

France's road to the Milano Cortina 2026 begins with these 6 players on the preliminary roster.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @hockey_fra @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/SXj2g1grMb

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Germany Olympics Roster​

• Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
• Philipp Grubauer, Seattle Kraken
• Lukas Reichel, Chicago Blackhawks
• Moritz Seider, Detroit Red Wings
• Nico Sturm, Florida Panthers
• Tim Stützle, Ottawa Senators

everyone say congrats Lukas pic.twitter.com/SnKL0JLHrm

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 16, 2025

Italy Olympics Roster​

• Damian Clara, San Diego Gulls (ANA)
• Diego Kostner
• Thomas Larkin
• Daniel Mantenuto
• Tommy Purdeller
• Luca Zannata

The road to Milano Cortina 2026 starts here! Italy has announced its first 6 players for the preliminary roster.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @fisg_it @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/k7XkJiUxch

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Latvia Olympics Roster​

• Rodrigo Ābols, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)
• Uvis Balinskis, Florida Panthers
• Teddy Bluger, Vancouver Canucks
• Zemgus Girgensons, Tampa Bay Lightning
• Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
• Artūrs Šilovs, Abbotsford Canucks (VAN)

Latvia reveals the first 6 players on its preliminary roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. #IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @lhf_lv @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/khjuffSnLq

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Slovakia Olympics Roster​

• Erik Cernak, Tampa Bay Lightning
• Martin Fehervary, Washington Capitals
• Simon Nemec, New Jersey Devils
• Martin Pospisil, Calgary Flames
• Juraj Slafkovsky, Montreal Canadiens
• Tomas Tatar

Slovakia’s Olympic countdown is on. Here are the first 6 players on their preliminary roster.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @hockeyslovakia @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/rgo2iYLrdH

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Sweden Olympic Hockey Roster​

• Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres
• Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
• Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
• Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche
• William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings

Sweden's Olympic Winter Games preliminary roster is taking shape with the first 6 names announced.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @trekronorse @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/ocidNPtM1X

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Switzerland Olympics Roster​

• Kevin Fiala, Los Angeles Kings
• Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils
• Roman Josi, Nashville Predators
• Timo Meier, New Jersey Devils
• Nino Niederreiter, Winnipeg Jets
• Jonas Siegenthaler, New Jersey Devils

Olympic update: Switzerland's preliminary roster is taking shape with the first 6 names announced.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @SwissIceHockey @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/QkAUsCGVOi

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...s-first-6-players-named-for-all-12-countries/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

NHL Draft Reminder: the Blackhawks’ Future Will Be Affected By More Than Just First Round Selections

Earlier today in my Tuesday morning bullets I included a comment from Frank Seravalli back in March saying Sam Rinzel could make a similar impact on the Blackhawks’ blue line to what Brock Faber has meant for the Wild. Faber was the 45th overall selection in 2020 — and his rights were traded from LA to Minnesota before he made his NHL debut.

It’s easy for Blackhawks fans to be overly-focused on Chicago having three of the first 34 overall selections in the 2025 NHL Draft and think that’s where the difference makers are going to come from who help the future of the franchise. Statistically, that’s the most probably range of picks to make an impact.

But let’s not be too quick to forget the Blackhawks also own picks Nos. 62 (from Dallas) and 66 at the end of the second round and to begin the third round. And Chicago could add meaningful prospects there as well.

Indeed, the Blackhawks have a number of young players on the NHL roster or starting their professional careers in the coming season who were drafted in the middle of the second round or later. Here are a few examples (as a reminder, Kyle Davidson‘s first draft as the Blackhawks’ GM was 2022):

• Alex Vlasic — 2nd round (No. 43), 2019
• Drew Commesso — 2nd round (No. 46), 2020
• Landon Slaggert — 3rd round (No. 79), 2020
• Wyatt Kaiser* — 3rd round (No. 81), 2020
• Colton Dach — 2nd round (No. 62), 2021
• Ethan Del Mastro — 4th round (No. 105), 2021
• Ryan Greene — 2nd round (No. 57), 2022
• Samuel Savoie — 3rd round (No. 81), 2022
• Nick Lardis — 3rd round (No. 67), 2023
• AJ Spellacy — 3rd round (No. 72), 2024
  * – Kaiser is an RFA this summer

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

I’m not projecting that every one of these young men becomes an elite NHL player. But there’s potential that some of the foundational pieces of the future are on this list.

We’ve already seen Vlasic become a top-pair defenseman and Del Mastro had a very good season between Rockford and the Blackhawks. If they can be two of the three left-handed defensemen most nights at the NHL level, that’s tremendous value for a couple guys picked after the first round.

Lardis made history in the OHL this past season and many of us were excited with what we saw from Spellacy during camp last year. Slaggert has already received a second contract from the Blackhawks and we might see Savoie make his NHL debut in the coming season. Greene had a terrific collegiate career and could push for NHL minutes this year as well.

This shouldn’t come as a revelation to Blackhawks fans who remember Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw and Alex DeBrincat were all picked after the first round in their respective drafts. (I could go further back to include non-first-round picks Duncan Keith, Corey Crawford, Marcus Kruger, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Dave Bolland, Bryan Bickell and Dustin Byfuglien but we’ll limit the list of recognizable names for the sake of brevity.)

Take this as a small reminder as we get ready for the 2025 NHL Draft to begin next week that it’s worth paying attention beyond the Friday night’s festivities. You never know which name is called that might wind up with his name engraved on a trophy somewhere in the future.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...ted-by-more-than-just-first-round-selections/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Spending Philosophy, Brodie Buyout Time? Prospect Comps, Draft Rumors, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

We’ve talked a fair amount here about the Blackhawks having the cap space, draft capital and stockpile of prospects to do something significant this summer. And there is clearly a desire for the organ-I-zation to do just that to get out of the bottom of their division.

The conversation around the Blackhawks is not only about getting better, but there’s also an implied pressure on the front office to better support Connor Bedard‘s development. He won’t turn 20 until mid-July, but everyone wants to see the generational talent reach his full potential sooner than later. These comments from Frank Seravalli on that subject are on point:

"You've got Bedard, you've got Nazar, and then you've got 3-4 forward spots where you're looking for the top half of your lineup."@frank_seravalli on what the Blackhawks should be looking for this offseason. #ChicagoLead pic.twitter.com/kpyIkjce01

— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) June 18, 2025

So I want to open our Thursday with comments from Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson that I think need to be read/heard/seen as we get into silly season. Ben Pope at the Chicago Sun-Times wrote a very good column with some more context from Davidson’s media availability at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. He’s pretty clear that the NHL isn’t like reworking a roster on your Xbox at home. It takes multiple parties to make something happen. This extended quote from GMKD is important:

“You’ve got to draft well and develop well, and that’s got to be the core of your team moving forward,” Davidson said. “It’s just unrealistic to think, ‘Hey, I want to do something, so we’re going to just go do it.’ You’re playing fantasy hockey at that point.

“You’ve got to draft your players, you’ve got to develop your good players, and then along the way, if something comes up . . . you jump at it and you take advantage. You’re not outsmarting anyone. You’re probably just in a situation [where] you can acquire a player that benefits both sides. But you’ve got to have other teams who are looking to do something different than you.”

“That’s when you have to find the teams that make a match. If the whole league is trying to add, then no one is going to subtract. There’s not enough splashy players for everyone to add across the league. … You can’t just [say], ‘I want to add because I want to.’ I wish it was that easy. Every other team wishes it was that easy; every fan base wishes it was that easy. It’s really hard.”

"Our ascension’s going to come through the growth of our young players. There’s no magic bullet to this."

My follow-up column on an illuminating conversation with Kyle Davidson at the combine: https://t.co/zGFHaTlq0k

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 17, 2025

• A reminder: the first buyout window for NHL teams opens 48 hours after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final. Which would technically be later tonight. I fully expect to hear the Blackhawks will be buying out TJ Brodie‘s contract at some point before the weekend. Here’s what that means to the financials of the Blackhawks (from PuckPedia):

• Okay, let’s talk draft a little more. Scott Wheeler at The Athletic dropped his comps for the top 20 prospects. My pick for the Blackhawks in my updated mock draft remains center Caleb Desnoyers. Wheeler compares him to “a cross between Sean Monahan, Elias Lindholm and Nico Hischier,” and adds “Some have used Jonathan Toews, and while I get it, I’m not going to position Desnoyers as a future Hall of Famer here.”

• Wheeler compares Anton Frondell to a “higher-end Anton Lundell/Brayden Schenn. “

• He compares Michael Misa to Marian Hossa. Because we didn’t need to be hotter about the Blackhawks trying to move up to get him.

New at @TheAthletic: 2025 NHL Draft player comparables!

Comps and projections for the top 20 prospects on my list:https://t.co/pc5I9SfaXj pic.twitter.com/aOGilbUdyV

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 18, 2025

• Interesting stuff here from James Murphy at RG Media. He reports the Bruins and Islanders are talking about what might be the first significant (dare I say blockbuster?) trade of the summer — one that could make it more feasible for the Isles to land hometown top prospect James Hagens.

Bruins-Islanders trade talks are heating up — and it’s not just about Pageau. Sources confirm the No. 7 pick and James Hagens are in play Full report: https://t.co/wsKJ9DTgjl

— RG (@TheRGMedia) June 18, 2025

• A good thought here from Seravalli about over-valuing workouts and a player based on their body type as a teenager before the draft:

Remember when people crushed 18-year-old Sam Bennett for his inability to complete a pull-up at the NHL Scouting Combine in 2014?

How's that working out?

His quote: "I guess, ultimately games aren’t won or lost if you can do a pull-up in the gym."

2025 Conn Smythe winner. pic.twitter.com/X1X1e7MK0H

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 18, 2025

• This is a terrific column from Pierre LeBrun on Sam Bennett’s magnificent postseason. He has truly become a postseason hero.

From Conn Smythe to the biggest decision looming in his career. On Sam Bennett, my last piece from the Cup final for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ https://t.co/MOU3ROH90R

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 18, 2025

• The Rockford IceHogs announced the signing of 28-year-old forward Dillon Boucher to a one-year AHL contract. Boucher was the captain of the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL last season.

• The New York Rangers announced they agreed on a two-year contract extension with forward Matt Rempe that has a $975,000 AAV.

• And now this from Edmonton:

Trent Frederic and Edmonton are closing in on an extension which is believed to be an 8 year deal in the range of $4 million per season. #LetsGoOilers

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 18, 2025

• Finally… yeah. It was inevitable. And it happened before lunch on Wednesday.

Fans erupt in “Thank you, Blackhawks” chants as Seth Jones joins the Elbo Room chaos pic.twitter.com/sN8uhZLmQU

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) June 18, 2025

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• Cubs prospect Owen Caissie is heating up (… and at just the right time)

• We now know when the Bears will report for training camp.

• Wait… how much do the Suns want for Kevin Durant??

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...ps-draft-rumors-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Dallas’ Dilemma: Stars Extend Duchene, But Lack of Cap Space Means More Moves Coming

On Thursday, the Dallas Stars announced a four-year extension with veteran center Matt Duchene that carries a $4.5M cap hit. Seems like a good deal for an older player who was productive for Dallas last year.

But, as Frank Seravalli pointed out, the Stars now have very little cap space left (under $500k)… and only 18 players on their NHL roster.

The #TexasHockey re-signed UFA F Duchene to 4 year $4.5M Cap Hit Deal

Yr 1 $3M Base & $3M Signing Bonus
Yr 2 1.8M & 3M SB
Yr 3 3.6M Base
Yr 4 3.6M Base

Years 1/2 No Move Clause, Years 3/4 5 team Approved Trade List

Rep'd by Pat Brisson @CAAHockey https://t.co/s9r1mxUB9Y

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 19, 2025

According to David Pagnotta at The Fourth Period, expect a busy summer in Dallas:

Stars GM Jim Nill has already been investigating his options and has been exploring the trade market on forward Mason Marchment, and defencemen Matt Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta reported earlier this month on NHL Network, the Stars have entertained calls on star left wing Jason Robertson, who comes with a $7.75 million cap hit, but the club remains reluctant to move him, which is why they are evaluating alternative options.

As I pointed out when we looked at the picks owned by the rest of the Central Division previously, Dallas has only one selection in the first 100 of the 2025 NHL Draft.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...ut-lack-of-cap-space-means-more-moves-coming/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Jonathan Toews Signing With the Winnipeg Jets (UPDATE: It’s Happening)

You know what’s the absolute best? When you throw out some predictions and they don’t even last an hour…

This morning I wrote some predictions for free agency. In that piece, I made the case that the Winnipeg Jets could make a lot of sense for former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews… but I said he would go to Colorado.

Well, scratch that.

JONATHAN TOEWS IS A WINNIPEG JET pic.twitter.com/YY9JY0C0Xo

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 20, 2025

The kid from St. Vital is coming home. pic.twitter.com/8Gh9EmziGQ

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 20, 2025

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2025/06/20/report-jonathan-toews-heading-home-to-winnipeg/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Three Bold Predictions for NHL Free Agency

The 2025 NHL Draft begins one week from today. We’ve already seen some teams around the league start getting deals done with their own free agents — including the Blackhawks re-signing Ryan Donato. We’ve also seen a few intriguing trades as teams try to navigate the new salary cap ceiling and the complexities that come with paying young players (see Mason Marchment to Seattle).

The reason NHL front offices won’t be in Los Angeles next week is because free agency’s doors kick wide open on July 1 — just two days after the completion of the draft. That turnaround, and trying to do business in the fish bowl that is the draft floor, complicated life for every general manager. So, at least for this year, we won’t have the usual format at the NHL’s selection meeting.

With the NHL salary cap going up as much as it is this year, we’ve talked about the lack of sellers in the trade market. Which means a relatively thin group of top-tier free agents could look to cash in big on the open market.

So let’s make some bold predictions for NHL free agency. These are very early predictions; obviously things will change in the next 11 days. But here are some bold guesses at how the market might shake out.

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

$10 Million Men​

With the cap going up as much as it is, and the lack of top-end talent on the open market, there’s a lot of speculation that there could be a handful of players who go over the $10M AAV mark. Certainly Mitch Marner is going to exceed that number; he might set a new bar for the highest-paid player in the league.

So how many players go over the $10M mark this summer?

I don’t think John Tavares leaves Toronto, and staying put means his number should/will come down under the $10M number. And if Sam Bennett is indeed staying in Florida, they don’t have the cap space to give him that big of a number. And they likely wouldn’t have to because the only reason they won the Stanley Cup is because they don’t have state income tax in Florida (/sarcasm).

Joining Marner, there’s a good chance that teams reach that number for Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers. Again, this isn’t a great/deep free agent class. And there aren’t many teams looking to sell good, higher-end players on the trade market this summer. Desperation plus low supply means demand will get guys paid. Throw in the increasing cap ceiling, and a $10M AAV won’t feel as big in the coming years.

I think there will be three forwards who get a $10M AAV this summer. And there’s one veteran defenseman I think reaches the $10M number on his next contract. That is…

John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Aaron Ekblad to Buffalo​

The Sabres currently have a little over $23M in cap space (according to PuckPedia) and have a collection of notable internal RFAs to deal with, including JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram and Jack Quinn.

The Sabres haven’t been in the playoffs since 2011. Their fans are growing impatient — and some of their players reportedly are as well. They’ve invested two No. 1 overall picks in defensemen — Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power — and have compensated each nicely. But it hasn’t translated into a postseason berth yet.

So how about adding a third former No. 1 overall pick to their blue line?

Buffalo has needed to find a right-shot defenseman to pair with Power for a couple years now. Ekblad is not only the right guy for that job/spot, but he has the championship experience they could sell to their fans as helping the team “know what it takes.”

If the Sabres are indeed going to explore moving Byram and potentially Peterka this summer, they could bolster their roster with some of the pieces they receive in those trades. Ekblad makes a lot of sense here, even if the Sabres might need to overpay him to get him to move from the beach to… Buffalo. I’m going to say Ekblad is one of the guys who gets a $10M AAV deal to get him to join the Sabres.

Two Offer Sheets​

There’s been a lot of talk about offer sheets heading into this summer, with Peterka, Marco Rossi and Matthew Knies needing new contracts. I’m going to predict there are two offer sheets signed this summer, but not to any of those three top players.

The most painfully obvious target for an offer sheet right now is Dallas forward Mavrik Bourque. The 23-year-old posted 11 goals and 14 assists in 73 games this past season. With the Stars in a cap crunch, a team could pretty easily give him a number ($3M?) that would take the Stars out of the bidding quickly without requiring significant draft capital going out the door.

The other player I think gets an offer sheet this summer that makes for a complicated decision for his current employer is Rangers forward Will Cuylle. Teams looking for a young, legit power forward could target him; he’s 23, listed at 6-3 and 215 pounds, scored 20 goals last season and hits everything he can reach. The big question here is how close a team is willing to get to the $4.68M number (maybe over?) that requires first- and third-round picks as compensation to get him — and if that’s a big enough number for the Rangers to not match.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2025/06/20/bold-predictions-nhl-free-agency/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Making Sense of the Blackhawks’ Andre Burakovsky Trade

The Blackhawks made a fairly surprising move on Saturday morning, trading center Joe Veleno to Seattle for veteran winger Andre Burakovsky. In the hours after the deal, it appeared there was a lot of head scratching about the trade. There really shouldn’t be — with one small exception.

The deal makes sense on the ice.

There’s value in Burakovsky as a player. He’s won two Stanley Cup championships (2018 with the Capitals and 2022 with the Avalanche). He posted 37 points in 72 games last year and had a career-high 61 during the 2021-22 season while he was with the Avalanche. He’s got a big shot and isn’t afraid to use it.

Frankly, he makes more sense on the 2025-26 Blackhawks roster than Veleno (who was starting to pop up as a potential buyout candidate recently).

It also makes sense off the ice when you consider the Blackhawks’ cap situation.

They have to get to the salary floor for the next few years. If we believe what we’re hearing consistently from guys like Frank Seravalli and Scott Powers, both of whom seem to have a decent inside track with the Blackhawks’ front office, we shouldn’t expect the Blackhawks to make any crazy, ridiculous, enormous deals in free agency any time soon.

That’s why the Blackhawks traded essentially nothing to Utah for Shea Weber’s contract.

We need to remember the Blackhawks have a few of the bigger remaining contracts on the books coming off at the end of the 2025-26 season. Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson are all hitting the cap for at least $4M and have deals that expire in 12 months. Weber’s deal also expires next summer. So having money carrying over is necessary if the Blackhawks aren’t going to spend big in free agency.

Lots of checked boxes. So where’s the catch?

The only issue I have with the deal is the Blackhawks doing the Kraken a solid and helping them clear over $2.2M in cap space this year — and the full $5.5M in the 2026-27 season — without getting anything to sweeten the deal.

Seattle not having to pay *anything* to get a team to take Andre Burakovsky's deal is incredible work. pic.twitter.com/NdjW5c4IcO

— dom (@domluszczyszyn) June 21, 2025

Burakovsky is 30 years old. He’s missed a lot of games because of injury since going to Seattle. He hasn’t averaged over 15 minutes per game in either of the past two seasons. He’s a bigger forward (6-3, 205) but he doesn’t hit a lot (only 33 credited hits last year).

Veleno is only 25 and the Blackhawks got him as what appears now to be a throw away piece in the deal that sent Petr Mrazek to Detroit this past season. His $2.275M cap hit is roughly half of Burakovsky’s and it expires one full season earlier.

Maybe the Blackhawks see something in Burakovsky similar to what they saw in Ilya Mikheyev when they acquired him from the Canucks last year.

But, again, in that deal Vancouver retained money and the Blackhawks flipped a fourth round pick for a second to take not all of Mikheyev’s deal off their books.

On the ice and on the payroll, I like the move. The Blackhawks are a better team now than they were when we went to bed on Friday night. I would have liked to see them get a little something for the cap savings they’re providing Seattle, though.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...nse-of-the-blackhawks-andre-burakovsky-trade/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

RFA Decisions, Silly Season, Frondell or Misa? Rumors Flying, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Welcome to Draft Week, Blackhawks fans! We’re now less than one week away from the 2025 NHL Draft and less than 10 days from free agency. It’s officially silly season, where rumors start to get more frequent, “reports” get cited worse and more widespread and pretty much anything and everything is on the table for the team of your choosing.

For the Blackhawks, we’ve already checked a few boxes already in the past week.

Re-sign Ryan Donato
Buy out TJ Brodie
Make a trade

The Blackhawks have some other questions they need to answer in the coming days, including what to do with their internal RFAs (Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier, Arvid Söderblom). There will be more reports, rumors and plenty of speculation. Get ready for a fast, busy week!

• Chris Peters did us a solid on Saturday and dropped a full first-round mock draft. In it, he adds his name to the growing list of folks who are hearing there’s still a debate about who the top forward is in this year’s draft between Michael Misa and Anton Frondell. If we assume Matthew Schaefer goes No. 1 overall, is there a chance the Sharks take Frondell? Peters mocks it that way, with the Blackhawks landing Misa in a best-case-scenario top three from Chicago’s perspective.

• At No. 25, Peters is another to have Malcolm Spence hearing his named called by the Blackhawks. The University of Michigan-bound forward has been a polarizing talent when talking about the draft in recent months. I wouldn’t be mad at all if he was the pick.

For your weekend…

MOCK DRAFT 2.0: My latest mock has been delivered as I try to predict the top 32. It's smokescreen season, of course, but it seems like just about anything can happen next Friday. https://t.co/tiFWo6LLR8

— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) June 21, 2025

• Here’s what Seattle GM Jason Botterill had to say about the trade he made with the Blackhawks on Saturday morning:

• A couple interesting notes from Pierre LeBrun’s NHL Rumblings column on Saturday:

• The Stars aren’t actively shopping him but are listening on him to educate themselves on the market and what teams might be willing to do at some point.

• Columbus has the most cap room in the league and is eager to add this summer.

Who was in on Toews, plus latest on Marner, McDavid, Tavares, J. Robertson and more in my latest Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ! https://t.co/MVmIWrTBKF

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 21, 2025

• For what it’s worth, this isn’t the first time in the last few days I’ve heard/seen/read the Blue Jackets coming up as a sleeper to have a big summer. There are more than a few people in around the league that think they could really push their chips in if they can get the right player(s) this summer. So keep an eye on Columbus.

• And now this from Edmonton:

I keep thinking Oilers GM Stan Bowman is calling Hawks to get winger Lukas Reichel. Bowman drafted him in first round in 2020 and he would be akin to trading for Podkolzin last summer when he was treading water. Plus Reichel is German and might work on team with Draisaitl

— Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) June 20, 2025

• A couple interesting CBA-related notes from Elliotte Friedman’s “32 Thoughts” column on Friday:

• He reports the league and players are “mulling over the idea of one year fewer on contract length maximums (from eight years to seven on your own player, and seven to six when you sign from another team).”

• Friedman also says there’s been a discussion about teams being able to carry a “permanent personal EBUG.” Full-time third stringer who is even with the team on the road.

• This was something I was wondering about with the NCAA allowing CHL players to play collegiate hockey. NCAA players can sign after one year of college and play in the AHL at 19; CHL players cannot. Not yet, at least. Here’s what Friedman wrote:

I think draft rights will be standardized across the board and one CHL team said they’ve been warned there’s been discussion about certain prospects being eligible to go to the AHL sooner than currently allowed — which makes sense considering the NCAA is an option now, too.

Written 32https://t.co/7NKz9fu8Vc

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 21, 2025

• In a year in which the draft is really stocked with lottery tickets, here’s a juicy one from Cam Robinson. Maybe a second goalie in the first round on Friday?

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• The best way to start a game is back-to-back home runs from your 1-2 hitters.

• Will the guest list for the green room at the NBA draft give us some idea of who the Bulls might pick?

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...a-rumors-flying-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Busy Week Begins, Hall of Fame, More Rumors, Bruins Make a Change, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

We’re now just a few days away from the 2025 NHL Draft, and the Chicago Blackhawks remain one of the more intriguing teams in the NHL. Part of the intrigue comes from the perception they need to add better pieces to their roster; that is amplified by their significant cap space and potential to make trades to make a more immediate impact on their NHL roster.

The other part of the intrigue around the Blackhawks is that general manager Kyle Davidson continues to do a very good job of keeping things quiet at 1901 W. Madison. The Veleno-Burakovsky trade seemingly came out of nowhere, and leaves many wondering what the Blackhawks might do next — even if most of the local writers are telling us to expect a relatively quiet summer.

Ben Pope wrote along those lines, tempering our expectations for a huge addition on the free agent market. Pope writes that defensemen Wyatt Kaiser and Louis Crevier and goaltender Arvid Söderblom — all pending RFAs — “likely will be re-signed at fairly low cap hits, keeping them around to compete for spots next season.” We’ll see if they stick around or if they become trade pieces before free agency opens.

The Blackhawks will try to add a talented forward or two this offseason, but they won’t be as busy as they have been in the last several.

From the draft to trades to free agency and more, here's a preview of what's to come the next two weeks: https://t.co/vajpDdBHdn

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 22, 2025

• Pope also reported a couple dates to add to your calendar(s). This year’s Development Camp will run from June 30 to July 3, and the 2025-26 schedule will be released on July 16.

• On Sunday, David Pagnotta at The Fourth Period wrote about the Buffalo Sabres being active on the trade market as we get closer to the 2025 NHL Draft. He reports the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks have inquired on JJ Peterka. Yes, the Chicago Blackhawks.

• TJ Brodie cleared waivers on Sunday. Adios.

• The Hockey Hall of Fame will announce its 2025 induction class at 2 PM CT on Tuesday, June 24. The announcement will air on NHL Network in the United States. Another opportunity for the Hall to get it right and put Steve Larmer where he belongs.

• Bob McKenzie’s final draft prospect rankings drop today. As always, I’ll have them printed, circled, notes written, etc.

With the #NHLDraft on Friday, @TSNBobMcKenzie unveils his final 2025 Prospect Ranking, Monday at 11:30am et on TSN4 and on TSN 1/4 at 7pm et

And check out Bob’s full 80-player (+20 honourable mentions) list at https://t.co/oqGzu2w3E9, Monday at Noon et#TSNHockey | #DraftCentre pic.twitter.com/MHiosDTfB1

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) June 22, 2025

• However, Pagnotta says the Sabres are seeking “immediate help and NHL talent coming to Buffalo. The Sabres are looking to add two top-six forwards this off-season, with a No.2 centre believed to be atop their wish list.”

• This is always a good read from Scott Wheeler before the draft. He talks to scouts and leaves names and teams off the board when sharing their thoughts on a range of topics from taking Roger McQueen inside the top ten overall to how they view the top of the draft board on the blue line after presumed No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer. Worth your time.

New at @TheAthletic: My anonymous scouts survey:
– Ranking the top D
– Roger McQueen in the top 10?
– Slotting Ivan Ryabkin

16 scouts dish on the #2025NHLDraft in my annual poll:https://t.co/V41mJHcjzf pic.twitter.com/D2HBsCC8cR

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 20, 2025

• I updated a couple Blackhawks-related pieces last night and this morning: the offseason roadmap of key dates and deadlines and updating the Blackhawks’ financial picture for free agency this summer and next year.

• On the new CBA, Pierre LeBrun tweeted this morning: “The NHL has a Board of Governors meeting Wednesday in L.A. The hope was to maybe have a framework of a new CBA extension in place for Board approval, but as of this morning I’m told there remain a few oustanding issues in CBA talks, so not quite there yet.”

• The Dallas Stars re-signed forward Mavrik Bourque to a one year contract worth $950,000.

• The Boston Bruins made a change this morning — to their logo. Welcome back, yellow B.

Built by Boston. Powered by Tradition. pic.twitter.com/TZCFzpOYLf

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 23, 2025

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• A Chicago team lost to a Seattle team 14-6 on Sunday. It is not football season; it was the Cubs and Mariners.

• The Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA championship last night.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...s-make-a-change-and-other-blackhawks-bullets/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Around the NHL: Draft Smoke, Free Agency and Trade Buzz, More

As we sprint into the silliest season for the NHL, rumors will fly and buzz will increase around anything and everything. Every team will have people prognosticating and guessing on their plans to spend money, draft the right game-changing player and trading players they don’t want/need any more.

As I said to open my bullets this morning, considering where the rumors and reports come from is critical this time of year for NHL fans. I’ll continue to do my best to vet what I share to give Blackhawks fans the best intel possible.

2025 NHL Draft Smoke​

When was the last time this many first-round picks were available?

Teams always listen, but this year, fistfuls of clubs are actively trying to move their picks for now players

It's the perfect storm of too many buyers, not enough sellers, and a slightly underwhelming class

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) June 23, 2025

The New York Rangers reportedly decided on Tuesday morning to transfer the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins (via the Vancouver Canucks) to complete the JT Miller trade. The Rangers had until 48 hours before the start of the draft to make the decision. This means the Rangers still own their first-round pick in 2026.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports he LA Kings to the list of teams willing to move down in the first round. The Kings currently own the 24th overall pick — one spot in front of the Blackhawks’ pick from Toronto.

Cam Robinson of EliteProspects reported “Djurgardens centre Anton Frondell is not expected to make it past the third pick in Friday’s draft.”

Scott Wheeler tweeted some of the rumors he’s hearing heading into the 2025 NHL Draft. Noteworthy nuggets from that thread:

• One source “said [Michael] Misa told one team at the combine that he didn’t think the Sharks were going to take him.” He’s got Frondell and Porter Martone linked to San Jose at No. 2, with the Sharks “wanting to get bigger.” Martone played with Macklin Celebrini at the World Championship. This would be great for the Blackhawks to land Misa.

• On the Blackhawks, Wheeler tweeted: “Rangers, Sabres and Penguins have all talked with Blackhawks about No. 3, but I believe they’ll keep it. Believe Penguins targets would be Martone and then Hagens if they move up.”

• “[The] Flyers and Bruins at 6-7 like the same three players: [Brady] Martin, [Jake] O’Brien and [James] Hagens.” He’s joined the list of folks saying Boston is trying to move up.

• Wheeler is also saying Utah has been very active. He says they’re looking for a starting goalie.

Free Agency & Trade Buzz​

Pagnotta reported the Canucks are “gauging the market” on starting goaltender Thatcher Demko. Circle this and consider Wheeler’s report on Utah…

Robinson reported the Carolina Hurricanes could be interested in a trade for Vegas forward in Tomas Hertl. This would be a move Vegas would make to open cap room for a Mitch Marner pitch.

Pittsburgh appears to be one of the very few — the only? — legit seller in this market. There’s a lot of smoke around Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. Rust’s no-movement clause expires on July 1.

Pierre LeBrun unloaded some notes from around the league at The Athletic on Tuesday morning, with thoughts on the draft and trade markets this summer. A few that stood out:

• “The Buffalo Sabres may be busy over the next week or two — not because they are selling, per se, but because they’re looking at hockey deals to improve their roster.”

• “Sabres GM Kevyn Adams views [JJ] Peterka as a fantastic asset that they’ve drafted and developed and are heavily invested in. The Sabres want to keep him in a Sabres uniform if possible.”

• LeBrun writes that the Devils and Canadiens are both looking for impact, top-six forwards. The Habs want a No. 2 center but might not get that done this summer.

• “[It’s] still my understanding that the Canucks don’t plan on trading [Elias Pettersson] — or at least that was the case as of Monday.”

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blac...-draft-smoke-free-agency-and-trade-buzz-more/

 

[Chicago Blackhawks]

Why the Blackhawks Should Draft Michael Misa

As we get closer to the main event, we’ve been looking at the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft who might be available for the Chicago Blackhawks with the third overall selection. Thus far, we’ve looked at center Caleb Desnoyers, Porter Martone, James Hagens and Anton Frondell and how they make sense for the Blackhawks.

In the past, I have written about the Blackhawks “have a type” when it comes to drafting players; there have been some consistent traits that have been clearly prioritized in each draft class since Kyle Davidson took over as general manager: excellent skater, smart/high hockey IQ, good all-around game and, many times, the player has been/will be in a leadership position with their team. More times than not, a player drafted by the Blackhawks checks most, if not all, of those categories.

Now let’s turn our attention to the guy most Blackhawks fans want to be the third overall pick on Friday night… even if that might require a little luck and some help from the two teams picking before Chicago.

Why the Blackhawks Should Draft Michael Misa​

Why? (checks stats) Duh! Michael Misa is a unit.

Misa is an excellent skater who’ll packages elite hockey sense with exceptional straight-line speed and strong edge work. He’s as good of a play-driver as any prospect in this class. In Scott Wheeler’s annual draft class superlatives at The Athletic, Misa ranked among the best in the class for best skater (9th), best shot (9th), best shot (8th), and smartest (6th).

Listed at 6-1 and 182 pounds after the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, Misa is coming off a historic season in the OHL. His 62 goals and 134 points in 65 regular-season games are the most by a draft-eligible OHLer in almost two decades; it’s the most productive pre-draft season in the OHL since Patrick Kane had 62 goals and 145 points for the London Knights in 2006-07.

Here’s who Misa compared himself to in the NHL: “I like to think I play a lot like Kirill Kaprizov, just the way he distributes the puck offensively. But he’s a 200-foot player, and he’s someone that I think I can model my game after. … It’s just the way he plays, but I think I’m more of a center.”

I’ll also note that Misa has popped into the comments of posts for Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis on Instagram a few times…

If the Blackhawks draft Misa on Friday night, they can immediately have a conversation about the future of either Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar as a center on the NHL roster. Because Misa could step into one of the top two lines and learn in the NHL this coming season (assuming he doesn’t opt to play college hockey).

He’s a winner​

Misa has plenty of hardware at home already. He’s been teams that have won the Memorial Cup and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He’s won the OHL rookie of the year award and, this past season, the OHL MVP and CHL top-scorer honor after scoring a blistering 62 goals.

He doesn’t only win on the ice. Misa was also named the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year this past season.

Maybe Canada should have taken him to the World Junior Championship?

Help needed​

Here’s the problem with projecting Misa to the Blackhawks: Chicago owns the third overall pick. They might need some help on Friday night (cough, Frondell to San Jose, cough) for Misa to find himself coming to the Blackhawks. It’s hard to imagine the Sharks passing on Misa for all of the reasons I wrote above.

#NHLDraft prospect Michael Misa had an incredible night for the @SpiritHockey!

His five point performance gives him the most points by a draft-eligible player since Patrick Kane in 2006/07. His 134 points on the season also tie him for the fifth most points in an #OHL season… pic.twitter.com/8tstkun6A8

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 24, 2025

Stats​

Profiles​

• Steven Ellis (Daily Faceoff)
• Emily Sadler (Sportsnet)

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2025/06/25/why-the-blackhawks-should-draft-michael-misa/