Join your fellow Rinkrats below to discuss what the Blackhawks accomplished (or did not accomplish) this year as the market opened.

Player	Pos	Prev Team	New Team	Age	Ht / Wt	Term	Notes
Bowan Byram	D			25	6' 1" / 205	6x$12.5M	per Darren Dreger, official per Chicago Blackhawks
Cole Smith	W			30	6' 3" / 194	3 x $3M
Ian Cole	D			37	6' 1" / 238	1 x $4.75M
Dylan Anhorn	D			27	6" / 192	1 x $850K	AHL / 2-way
Connor Mackey	D			29	6' 2" / 201	2 x $937,500K	AHL / 2-way
Dillon Boucher	F			29	6' / 220	1 x $850K	re-sign/AHL / 2-way
Connor Mylymok	F			26	6' 1"/ 205	1 x $850K	re-sign/AHL / 2-way

These are Blackhawks trades relevant to this offseason.

Date	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
6/23/26	Louis Crevier, 1st round pick (#4) in 2026 and 2nd round pick (#45)		Bowen Byram, Jordan Greenway
6/26/26	Andre Burakovsky		2027 6th Round Pick
6/27/26	37th and 119th pink in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft		35th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft

Trade Analysis

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2026 Free Agency Tracker appeared first on The Rink.

The players that the organization selects will be listed below, with links to their prospect profiles and all their vital stats.

2026 Blackhawks NHL Entry Draft

Trades made leading up to and during the draft:

Date	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
6/23/26	Louis Crevier, 1st round pick (#4) in 2026 and 2nd round pick (#45)		Bowen Byram, Jordan Greenway
6/26/26	Andre Burakovsky		2027 6th Round Pick
6/27/26	37th and 119th pink in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft		35th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft

Trade Analysis

The Chicago Blackhawks acquire Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres for a 2026 1st round pick (#4), a 2026 2nd round pick (NYI, #45) and Louis Crevier

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2026 Upper Deck NHL Entry Draft Tracker appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, and Rink co-founder Jeff Osborn discuss the Blackhawks recent trade acquisition of Bowen Byram.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 40 – Blackhawks Go Big / Acquire Bowen Byram appeared first on The Rink.

trade alert pic.twitter.com/ZpL5eOx0cI

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 24, 2026

At first glance, the price paid by the Blackhawks seems to be high, potentially very high. But we do not live in a black-and-white world. Context matters, greatly. That’s why we felt it was important to write this article, to provide that context, because there are a lot of people out there who either willingly or ignorantly cannot grasp the context. Careful what you wish for, Blackhawks fans. You just might get it.

Byram fills a huge need

Right off the bat, the most obvious element of this trade is that Byram fills a massive hole the organization had: a left-handed defenseman legitimately capable of playing top-pair minutes. Simply put, Alex Vlasic is not that guy (which we will address later), and it is feeling more and more likely that Kevin Korchinski will not be, either. Despite what some fans think, you could make a very strong argument that the biggest remaining need for the Blackhawks to become a long-term future contender was a top-pairing left-handed defenseman. While Byram has not filled that role yet in his career, he has not been in a situation where he needed to be, playing behind elite defensemen like Cale Makar and Rasmus Dahlin.

Byram took a big step forward in his two full seasons in Buffalo, tallying 38 points in 2024-25 before posting a career-best 42 this season. Of note, just seven of those came on the power play, as Byram was on Buffalo’s second unit. He should absolutely have the opportunity to play significant minutes on the man advantage, and it is already very easy to envision him dishing passes to Connor Bedard and Anton Frondell on the flanks. If that does not get you excited, nothing will.

Byram also immediately becomes Chicago’s most experienced defenseman under contract and has a Stanley Cup on his resume to boot. Adding an experienced blue-liner (or two) was definitely something needing to be addressed this summer.

The Hawks could not afford to wait to draft and develop a left-handed top-pair defenseman

A critical element of this deal is the timing in terms of the Blackhawks’ rebuild. The team needs to start its ascension in a tangible way in 2026-27, period. Using the fourth overall pick on a defenseman — which was the likely scenario, as we will unpack momentarily — would have resulted in waiting at least three or four years for that player to be making an impact.

By swapping that pick for Byram, the Blackhawks are fully cutting out that wait. Byram can perform as an impact player beginning this October. Another element of this tradeoff is whether any of the defensemen in this draft class will ever become what Byram already is, and that is an entirely legitimate argument, with some draft analysts feeling the top blue-liners are no more than low-end first-pairing guys long term.

Whether fans like the trade or not, it accomplished exactly what they were asking — nay, demanding — Davidson to do in selling future assets for an immediate impact player. This move clearly indicates the building phase of the rebuild is over and the ascension phase is now here.

Byram is ready and motivated to prove himself as a top-pairing guy, and he will now have the opportunity to do so with the team he grew up cheering for.

a full circle moment for our newest Hawk

everyone say hi bowen pic.twitter.com/39BzeoEAbI

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 24, 2026

Stenberg will almost positively be gone before the fourth pick

It is very likely the narrative surrounding the top of the draft had an impact on the fourth overall pick being dealt. Following the draft lottery, there was plenty of debate about San Jose opting to take the best defenseman at second overall and the assumption Vancouver would take Caleb Malhotra. Those narratives have very clearly shifted this week, especially following San Jose’s trading of William Eklund, opening a clear path for them to draft Ivar Stenberg. There have also been reports that Vancouver will pass on Malhotra. As such, the likelihood of Stenberg falling to the Blackhawks dropped to essentially zero, as only Stenberg and Gavin McKenna can be projected as top-line wingers, something the Blackhawks need. This made the fourth overall pick much less appealing to them and making it a far more viable asset to use to improve the team immediately. Another consideration here following the trade is the Blackhawks being very high on Roman Kantserov, who will likely be given a good opportunity to play running mate to Connor Bedard. Yes, adding another top-end winger to the team would be great, but the Blackhawks do have some quality pieces already who could fill that role down the road, at least to some extent. The same could not be said about a top-pair left-handed defenseman.

The landscape for acquiring high-end talent has changed

With going after Byram, Chicago was targeting a legitimate talent who could not say to his general manager, “I’m only going to Minnesota, Las Vegas, Carolina or Florida.” That’s right, an abundance of talented players under contract carry no-movement-clauses, and should they be approached for a possible trade, they want to go to a winner, and likely not the rebuilding Blackhawks. At 25, Byram does not have such a clause and therefore is a hot commodity. There was no way this was coming cheap and the golden ticket to outbid other suitors came with the fourth overall pick. Yes, losing that pick is a tough one to swallow, but the Hawks just acquired a now-seasoned former fourth overall pick in doing so. That cannot be lost in this.

Acquiring Byram allows Vlasic and Kaiser to be properly slotted

Vlasic is not a top-pairing defenseman but rather a stabilizing second-pairing player, and there is nothing wrong with that. Prior to this trade, the Blackhawks did not have an effective puck-moving defenseman needed to support the play offensively. Wyatt Kaiser is a solid bottom-pairing defensive defenseman and will be more effective in limited minutes. To round out a top five — the current best of which being Byram — of defensemen 25 years old or younger, now with more experience, will effectively balance a better defensive core. Acquiring Byram also takes pressure off the rest of the group, as they can slot into more realistic roles for where they are at in their development. That in and of itself is a valuable part of this.

Greenway is a valuable depth piece

You can call Greenway a throw-in piece and that’s fine, as he has had a difficult time staying healthy. Yet if you watched him on the forecheck in the first two rounds of the playoffs, you may be getting excited. He’ll be on the third or fourth line with the Blackhawks but brings a big no-nonsense physical game and he can also chuck ’em. For a young team coming along that cannot afford to be pushed around every night, Greenway at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds will bring some needed thunder to the lineup.

Selling high on Crevier

This is a bummer of sorts losing Crevier, a former seventh-round pick who has far surpassed expectations already, but coming off a career year, his value is high and ceiling as a bottom-pairing defenseman solidified. It should not be that difficult for the Hawks to replace Crevier with another right-handed limited-minute defenseman. Fully expect Crevier to go on and do well in Buffalo, and he will thrive in his role there, but he would not have been a huge difference maker in Chicago as they claw their way back. It was an unfortunate loss, as you would rather have him than not, but even with his departure, the 2026-27 Blackhawks undoubtedly got better through this trade.

from your rookie lap to now, thank you for everything Crev pic.twitter.com/O4vPlclQOw

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 24, 2026

Takeaways

In the end, yes, the price paid to complete the deal was high. But given the context, this was exactly the type of swing Davidson needed to take. Seeing him actually take the swing is another step in the right direction, making a tangible move to improve this team both now and in the future. For the “Do something! No, not that!” crowd, let it play out. And for the love of all that’s holy, stop calling for Davidson’s head, and don’t hate Byram for the sake of feeding your Davidson hatred. The offseason is not over and the Blackhawks have a number of quality assets still to use. As we have said from day one of this rebuild in 2022, let the process properly unfold and enjoy the ride in the meantime.

The post ANALYSIS: Davidson makes legacy-defining trade in blockbuster with Buffalo appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, and Andrew Bard are back to talk about the week leading up to the draft for the Blackhawks, recent NHL moves, what’s next in a tough trade climate for the Hawks, and final draft predictions for the Hawks from each Rinkcast member.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley are back for round four of Jimmy’s pre-draft prospect analysis on left-wing Ivar Stenberg.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 38 – Draft Prospect Analysis / Part 4 –Ivar Stenberg appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley are back for round three of Jimmy’s pre-draft prospect analysis on left-handed defenseman Carson Carels and Alberts Šmits, as well as all other things Blackhawks-hockey-related.

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With Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell under the weather, co-host Sean Fitzgerald is joined by Rink Co-Founder Jeff Osborn, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley for part two of Jimmy’s pre-draft prospect analysis on right-handed defenseman Chase Reid and Keaton Verhoeff, as well as to discuss the Blackhawks trade of Jack Pridham, the new NCAA proposal and how it affects college hockey, and much more.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley for part one of Jimmy’s pre-draft prospect analysis, specifically regarding center Caleb Malhotra.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about the Blackhawks #4 overall pick in the 2026 entry draft, the abrupt availability of winger Ilya Mikheyev, what trade possibilities there may be, and a lot more.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 34 – Draft Picks, Trade Winds and the Off-season Ahead appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to watch and discuss the 2026 NHL draft lottery with instant reactions on the results. Where will the ping pong balls land for the Blackhawks? We’ll be live with the announcement and provide analysis on the Hawks’ future pick.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to discuss the contract extension of general manager Kyle Davidson, as well as Jimmy’s recent article featuring Blackhawk player season letter grades.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to discuss the final week of the 2025-26 season for the Blackhawks, their top 4 locked NHL lottery draft position, and how fans are feeling about the current state of the team.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 30 – Closing Out the Season…Without Style appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to discuss the remainder of the Blackhawks season, how the young players are progressing, more takes on off-season needs, and where they should consider focusing with their first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 29 – The Limp to the Finish Line appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to discuss a glaring need for a seasoned defenseman for 2026-27, as well as the progress of Anton Frondell, the hot play of Frank Nazar, and all else Hawks!

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Malley, and Rink co-founder Jeff Osborn to talk about the arrival of highly touted prospect Anton Frondell, as well as the forthcoming debut of fellow rookie Sacha Boisvert and a glimpse into the summer trade rumblings that have been on the mind of many fans..

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about the final moves of the trade deadline for the Blackhawks, what may be ahead in their lottery position in the draft, what is to hope for spring hockey and Troy Murray’s legacy with the organization.

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Make sure to bookmark this page and come back as the moves happen for up-to-the-minute analysis and breakdowns from our friends at 

Date	The-Rink Division	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
3/2/2026		Connor Murphy (50% salary retained)		2028 2nd round pick
3/4/2026		Jason Dickinson (50% salary retained) and Colton Dach		Andrew Mangiapane and 2027 1st round pick (top 12 protected)
3/6/2026		Nick Foligno		Future Consideration
3/6/2026		Aidan Thompson		Derrick Pouliot

Trade Analysis/Breakdown:

• • 
    • • • The Edmonton Oilers acquire Connor Murphy (50% retained) from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2028 2nd round pick.

    

    • • • The Edmonton Oilers acquire Jason Dickinson (50% retained) and Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks for Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 1st round pick.

      

      • • The Chicago Blackhawks trade Nick Foligno to the Minnesota Wild for future considerations.

      

      • The Chicago Blackhawks acquire Derrick Pouliot from the New York Rangers for Aidan Thompson.

Also, be sure to follow the entire The-Rink staff on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates, as well:

The Rink Official

Chicago Divison
The Rinkcast
Jeff Osborn
Andy Campbell
Eric Andrews
Sean Fitzgerald
Jimmy O’Malley
Andrew Bard
Ray Napientek
Matt Csakai

 

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2026 NHL Trade Deadline Tracker appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about The Blackhawks trade of Connor Murphy and the pending trade of Jason Dickinson.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about the return of the Blackhawks NHL schedule, the rumors surrounding the possible trades of Connor Murphy and Ilya Mikheyev, and what to hope for and/or expect for the remaining weeks of the season.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 23 – The Hawks are back…those same ones. appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about Artyom Levshunov’s line-up scratches and development, Wyatt Kaiser’s injury and what that means for the left side of the blue-line, trade potentials, prospect watch, and an Olympic Preview.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about the Blackhawks solid play of late yet with the inability to finish off games. The Rinkcast team will also analyze the Hawks future on a position to position basis.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 20 – Everything but the finish appeared first on The Rink.

With eyes on the future, though, there is plenty to like about where the Hawks currently are. Oliver Moore has shown he is an NHL-caliber player, Tyler Bertuzzi has already tallied 25 goals, defensemen Wyatt Kaiser and Louis Crevier are now proven assets, having exceeded expectations this year, Spencer Knight is and will continue to be the Hawks’ No. 1 goalie for years to come, and Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are now back from injury and hopefully, after getting some time to reset after the Olympic break, will return to the forms that made them real weapons at the start of the season. And lastly, despite grumblings from the fan base when he makes a young error, Artyom Levshunov is one of the most promising defensive prospects in the game. He’s the real deal.

More help is on the way, too, as prospects Anton Frondell, Roman Kantserov, Sacha Boisvert and a few others may ink deals with the Blackhawks and see action as early as this spring. Kyle Davidson’s plan is in effect, and while time will tell how quickly the Hawks will return to the NHL’s elite, Chicago’s hockey team will certainly be a fun follow over the next few years.

No plan is flawless, but with a plethora of talent up front, currently in Chicago or arriving soon, sure, more offensive output could be welcomed, yet when looking on the back end, though, the need for an additional left-handed defenseman seems to be more and more critical.

Wyatt Kaiser has taken a big jump in his play this year and could be a core piece of the Chicago Blackhawks’ future. (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

Kaiser has been largely terrific this season, earning all, if not more, of his two-year contract worth $1.7 million per season. He is steady, much improved, has great gap control and has proven many doubters, this author included, that he is a bonafide NHL defenseman. Though his game could still grow, as can the game of Alex Vlasic, who one can say has been, well, “fine” this year, relying on those two to be the team’s one and two left-sided rearguards for when this team is attempting to compete for a Stanley Cup could limit the team’s potential. That is not to say that Kaiser or Vlasic do not belong — they certainly do. They are pieces to the team’s future, good ones at that, but given their styles, when you see this team going for the grail, likely one but not both of them should be in second-pair roles on the blue line. It is not a knock on them, just a reality. The Hawks are an elite left-handed, puck-moving defenseman away from having one of the league’s best future defensive units, and they should not settle for anything less.

Matt Grzelcyk, who has been a nice fit this season, will likely not be with the team next year and this could be his last season in the NHL. He has defied the odds being an undersized defenseman and he has had a tremendous hockey career, but unfortunately, this is likely his last stop.

On the right side, the scenario is quite different. Levshunov is the Hawks’ No. 1 defenseman of the future and could be elite as early as next season. While many, myself included, expected Sam Rinzel to be a mainstay this year, the play of both Crevier and Connor Murphy enabled the Hawks to give Rinzel some much-needed seasoning in Rockford. With Rinzel’s size, skating ability and lateral movement, one would expect him to be in the top four for the Hawks, likely next year. If you doubt that, you are welcome to, but it’s there for Rinzel and he will be a weapon. Crevier will be huge, literally and figuratively, as a bottom-paring stalwart for years to come.

The case for Kevin Korchinski

It seems as though Kevin Korchinski went from sure-fire cornerstone of the Hawks’ future to a wild card of sorts in the span of a couple of years. The 2022 seventh overall draft pick has already amassed 188 games as a professional and half of those have been in the NHL. He turns 22 in June, and to completely write him off at this point of career does not make a ton of sense. The two-time AHL all-star has and may see a few more games with the big club later this season.

Kevin Korchinski’s development used to be a question of “when;” now it’s a question of “if.” (Photo courtesy of Matt Marton / Imagn Images)

We are nearly four years removed from his draft year, though, and if you looked back to 2022, by the beginning of 2026, you may have thought that Korchinski would have made more significant “NHL-level” strides by now. Truthfully, he hasn’t. He can move the puck, but his strength, gaps and angles are not NHL caliber at this point, and with his puck-moving style, you will not see him as a rugged, penalty-killing bottom-pairing defenseman. Many, myself included, wanted to see Korchinski or perhaps Ethan Del Mastro stand out in training camp to earn a roster spot in October. Neither of them did, and in the case of Korchinski, as of this moment, it is beginning to feel like “if” as opposed to “when” he is going to be part of the core moving forward.

The case for the draft

The Blackhawks could very well address this in the draft, as with two first-round picks in the 2026 Draft, there will be ample options in their wheelhouse for what could be a top-10 pick, as well as an additional first-round choice later on courtesy of the Florida Panthers and the Seth Jones-Spencer Knight trade. In the weeks to come, you will hear from The Rink names and analysis on hopefuls such as Carson Carels, Alberts Smits and others in terms of who the Hawks may be targeting at this position.

If the Hawks do take this approach, then they buy some time to see if Korchinski is their guy, can focus on Kaiser’s extension (restricted free agent in 2027) and keep on keeping on, building through prospects and the draft. Seems simple, but is it?

The problem here is that anything less than making the playoffs in 2026-27 would and should be considered a failure for Chicago. Considering that a defenseman does take time to develop if Korchinski isn’t it, and you are taking the time to develop a mid-first round pick, it could be another message to the fan base of “hurry up and wait,” a sentiment that simply cannot go on for much longer.

The case for acquisition 

There are top-four defensemen out there and few teams have the draft capital and bargaining chips of prospects that the Hawks do to swing a good deal. That’s a fact. Particularly in their mix of forwards, the Hawks are going to literally run out of room in the next couple of years in their prospect pool, as they cannot keep them all. Chicago has two first-round picks and a luxury of three second-round picks in the 2026 Draft. They have ample assets to offer to a team looking toward their future.

A possible trading partner to consider could be the Ottawa Senators. The Sens have had a miserable season with difficult publicity and an unexpected nose dive in their play. Due to the league invalidating their 2021 trade of Evgenii Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Sens have forfeited their 2026 first-round pick, and they do not currently possess an abundance of quality prospects. Should they choose to retool, left-handed top-four defensemen such as Jake Sanderson or Thomas Chabot, both still young in their careers, could be very appealing to Davidson. The likelihood of the Senators being willing to move the 23-year-old Sanderson is slim, but the 28-year-old Chabot at an $8 million cap hit through 2028 is more than reasonable and would be a huge addition.

With the Ottawa Senators reeling and in need of picks and prospects, Thomas Chabot could be a player worth targeting via trade. (Photo courtesy of Chris Tanouye / Freestyle Photography / Getty Images)

There are others to look at, such as Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who recently fired head coach Dean Evason. But with the recent cap increase and it being set to increase again, summer free agency frenzies will be on hold for a few years. The idea of signing a premier free-agent defender will be very challenging, and the only way to look outside will be via trade, which Chicago truly needs to consider.

This year, expect the Blackhawks to miss the playoffs again, but they have taken strides. They will be in the mix next season no matter how they handle the left side of the blue line. Yet, for the Hawks to get back to the promised land, be the best that they can be and be a year in, year out Cup contender, Davidson and company will need to make some tough decisions and the future of the blue line is no exception to that.

The post ANALYSIS: The Blackhawks’ need for a premier left-side defenseman appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about the Jason Dickinson trade rumors, thoughts on the prospect pool and more.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 19 – Dickinson on the Block and Prospect Thoughts appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about Jimmy’s latest article featuring the the Blackhawks’ mid-term grades.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 18 – Blackhawks ’25-26 Mid-Term Grades appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley to talk about the Blackhawks’ recent trade with the San Jose Sharks, their winning streak, Connor Bedard’s return, the emergence of Anton Frondell at the World Junior Championships, and more.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 17 – The Up and Down ’25-26 Blackhawks appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast co-host Sean Fitzgerald is joined by Rink Staff members Jimmy O’Malley and co-founder Jeff Osborn, who are back in the Rinkcast studio to discuss the Blackhawks’ last two losses and future road trip. They will discuss Laurent Brossoit, the lack of goal scoring, and other NHL news.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 16 – Bedard-less World appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by Rink Staff members Jeff Osborn, and  Jimmy O’Malley, in the Rinkcast studio to discuss the Blackhawks’ recent road woes and, Sam Rinzel’s demotion, some goalie talk with the guru and a brief preview of their game against the New York Rangers.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 15 – Time to Panic? appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by Rink Staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and  Jimmy O’Malley, in the Rinkcast studio to discuss the streaky Blackhawks re-entering the win column ahead of a four-game road trip, the possible implications of activating goaltender Laurent Brossoit, and the status/future of the Hawks’ defensive core.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 14 – Blackhawks Start 4-Game Swing Out West appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by Rink Staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and  Jimmy O’Malley, in the Rinkcast studio to discuss the Blackhawks’ recent skid of three straight games, the importance of André Burakovsky in the line-up, questions around NHL officiating, and prospect Mason West’s big weekend.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell is joined by Rink Staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and  Jimmy O’Malley, in the Rinkcast studio to discuss the Blackhawks’ recent winning streak, Connor Bedard’s Olympic candidacy, the important growth of the young player, and how high the 2025-26 team can climb.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 12 – Red hot Hawks! appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell and co-host Sean Fitzgerald are joined by staff member Jimmy O’Malley, back in the Rinkcast studio to discuss the Blackhawks’ hot week with Bleacher Nation lead Hawks writer Tab Bamford.

• Are the Blackhawks for real?
• Blackhawks goaltending (Spencer Knight, Arvid Soderblom)
• The “Killer Bs” line
• Are Connor Bedard / Macklin Celebrini the next Sidney Crosby / Alexander Ovechkin?
• Artyom Levshunov’s growth

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 11 – Three in a Row, are Hawks for Real? appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell , staff members Jimmy O’Malley ESQ, and Sean Fitzgerald discuss the Blackhawks’ trade of Lukas Reichel, their recent 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the injury bug, a preview of the Tuesday match-up vs. the Ottawa Senators and what to look for on their upcoming road-trip.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 9 – Reichel Moved, Growing Pains to Go appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell , staff members Jimmy O’Malley ESQ, Sean Fitzgerald, and Andrew Bard discuss the Blackhawks’ winning ways through the first seven games of the season, what players have been pleasant surprises, and when will we see more young guns coming to the big club.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 8 – Young, Exciting, Winning! appeared first on The Rink.

As the 2025-26 moves along Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell , Jimmy O’Malley ESQ, Sean Fitzgerald, and Andrew Bard discuss the Blackhawks’ first three games, the impact of their top two centers, thoughts about the rookies, a preview of the contest versus the Utah Mammoth, and the curious possibility of a second straight healthy scratch of defenseman, Artyom Levshunov.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 7 – The future is “almost” now appeared first on The Rink.

As the 2025-26 moves along Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell , Jimmy O’Malley ESQ, Sean Fitzgerald, and a late add of The Rink co-founder Jeff Osborn discuss the roster, predictions, and what to be hopeful for the coming season. After final roster moves, The Chicago Blackhawks open up their 2025-26 season in Miami against the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday!

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 6 – The 2025-2026 Opening Week! appeared first on The Rink.

As the 2025-26 moves along Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell , Jimmy O’Malley ESQ, Sean Fitzgerald, and Andrew Bard discuss the Blackhawks recent roster moves, what may be coming and the what Kevin Korchinski’s recent demotion may or may not mean for his career..

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 5 – Preseason bubbles set to burst appeared first on The Rink.

Following the Blackhawks’ 3-2 preseason loss at Detroit, Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell , Jimmy O’Malley ESQ, Sean Fitzgerald and Jeff Osborn discuss what to hope for during the 2025-26 season, and raise concerns, as well.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 4 – Time to chill out or freak out? appeared first on The Rink.

On the eve of NHL training camp Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell and Sean Fitzgerald discuss story-lines heading into the first official Blackhawks practice. BREAKING Wyatt Kaiser news! Will the Hawks look to trade Lukas Reichel? Will Artyom Levshunov, Oliver Moore and others make the team out of camp? This and more are broken down.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 3 – Eve of training camp and breaking Wyatt Kaiser news appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley ESQ are joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Andrew Bard to talk about the Blackhawks upcoming rookie camp, the curious case of Wyatt Kaiser, a look at what’s in store for the Rockford IceHogs and more.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 2 – Rookie camp and the waiting game appeared first on The Rink.

It’s safe to say that when it was announced that Frank Nazar signed a seven-year, $46.13 million extension, worth a $6.59 million cap hit, it raised some eyebrows. Why wouldn’t it? It’s not the norm in the NHL to throw dollars at young talent, particularly with the restricted free agent structure in place, rendering young players somewhat powerless until the age of 27.

Some feel it is inconceivable and ludicrous that Davison would make this move considering Nazar’s entry-level contract expires in the summer of 2026. If the Hawks played this out, Nazar would have been a restricted free agent, would not be able to entertain the open market nor be arbitration eligible and would be at the mercy of Blackhawks as to what his next contract would be. It would be perfectly reasonable next summer to try to sign him to a “prove it” bridge deal of three or four years with annual earnings dependent on his 2025-26 season performance. Sure, perhaps that would have been fine. Waiting could potentially be the safer move, and if you prefer that Davidson would have taken that route, you’re not necessarily wrong. However, getting out in front of this and extending him now as Davidson has and believing in one of your younger and more promising players, the potential upside culturally, psychologically and economically could prove to be juice well worth the squeeze. 

Kyle Davidson has previously bet on young talent with a long-term contract, as he did with Alex Vlasic in 2024, signing him to a six-year, $27.6 million deal. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Tamez / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While surprising, this isn’t the first time Davidson has put his chips on a player with a thin resume. In April of 2024, The Blackhawks signed then-22-year-old Alex Vlasic to a six-year, $27.6 million contract with an annual cap hit of $4.6 million. It did feel less gasp-worthy than the Nazar deal, as Vlasic had completed his first full season in Chicago, but looking back on it now, what a deal!   

With the Vlasic and now the Nazar contracts, and the idea of paying players for what they will do versus potentially overpaying them for past performance, Davidson may have saved the Blackhawks millions of dollars and opened up the door for future cap flexibility. If the choice was made to wait, should Nazar have a 25-plus-goal season in 2025-26, which is not unrealistic in the least, the Hawks would have to pay the 22-year-old more handsomely with potentially a higher cap hit of $2-3 million more annually.

There is also the possibility of playing hardball with an RFA in that scenario, going late into the summer going back and forth with an agent, trying to figure out terms and an accurate number to get him re-signed. Sure, you can do it that way, but that sounds like a lousy way to reward and negotiate with a young player who is part of your plans and whom you want to be on the same page with. There is also plenty of proof league-wide, that late-summer negotiations with restricted free agents could play more in the hands of the player rather than the organization, ultimately creating potential rifts or harm to the beginning of a season. An example? Ask the Boston Bruins how this went with Jeremy Swayman at the start of the 2024-25 when they had Stanley Cup dreams, and what became of their campaign.

And okay, this is looking at it from a worst-case scenario lens, but if Nazar does hit that goal tally or higher, builds on that in future seasons, possibly being a 70-plus-point-per-season player through the length of the contract, to have that player at $6.9 million through 2032-33 is a bargain if there ever was one. We are already seeing dividends of the Vlasic investment and there are five seasons remaining at his current price point. Now at 24, it is easy to see Vlasic as a top-four stalwart of the future, and both he and Nazar will be competing for an Olympic roster spot for the United States for the 2026 Olympic Games.   

Connor Bedard and Spencer Knight are two other high-profile players entering the final year of their current contracts before becoming restricted free agents. Will either or both of them be extended sooner rather than later? (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

If you are Davidson and you believe in the players you are developing, then what is wrong with the message of, “We believe in you, here’s how much we believe in you, now go get it!”? If you are looking to develop a loyal culture where you appeal to your current young players and demonstrate that through compensation, might that be an attractive philosophy to lure marquee free agents in the future while keeping your core intact? Of course it would. 

What Davidson did with Nazar Thursday and with Vlasic a little over a year ago is in some way unconventional, but it may be exactly the best way to go about business with his young talent. Risky, yes, but there is inherent risk no matter when you re-sign an important asset. Should Nazar have a healthy and productive 2025-26 season, this contract will be dynamite as early as next April. And who may be next up, Connor Bedard, Spencer Knight, we will see. The reality is, if you believe in your rebuild and want to commit to the process, then put your money where your mouth is. Kyle Davidson did that this week and his plans for the team may end up being better for it.

The post ANALYSIS: Frank Nazar’s extension may be worth the bet appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley ESQ are joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Andrew Bard to preview the 2025-26 season with Blackhawks training camp on the horizon.

Draft pick talk
Acquisitions
RFA signings
Opening night roster
Centennial season expectations
Other notable league news
Prospects we’ll learn about in camp and players that will have a breakout season
and more!

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 1 – Blackhawks 2025-26 Preview appeared first on The Rink.

Join your fellow Rinkrats below to discuss what the Blackhawks accomplished (or did not accomplish) this year as the market opened.

Player	Pos	Prev Team	New Team	Age	Ht / Wt	Term	Notes
Dominic Toninato	F			31	6’2” / 202	2 x $850k	Two-way contract

These are Blackhawks trades relevant to this offseason.

Date	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
6/13/25	Victor Soderstrom		Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick
6/21/25	Joe Veleno		Andre Burakovsky
7/1/25	2026 sixth-round pick		Sam Lafferty

Trade Analysis

• The Boston Bruins acquired Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks for Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick

The Boston Bruins acquired Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks for Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick

• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired forward Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Joe Veleno

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken for Joseph Veleno

• Chicago Blackhawks acquire Sam Lafferty from Buffalo for a 2026 sixth-round pick

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Sam Lafferty from the Buffalo Sabres for a 2026 6th round pick

The post Chicago Blackhawks 2025 Real-Time Free Agency Tracker appeared first on The Rink.

1. New York Islanders — Andy’s Pick
   Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters (OHL)

(Michael Miller / ISI Photos)

New Islander general manager Mathieu Darche won’t get cute here. Schaefer is at the top of this year’s draft class and the smooth-skating defenseman will go No. 1 to the Isles. The Islanders need defensemen in their prospect pool badly and will take full advantage of pole position in this year’s draft. After missing a decent chunk of the 2024-25 season due to injury, Schaefer, who is 17 years young until September, will most likely need at least one more full season of development in the OHL with Erie, or there is a real possibility he could be NCAA bound for the 2025-26 campaign.

2. San Jose Sharks — Eric’s Pick
   Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

(Natalie Shaver / OHL Images)

While it is possible Sharks GM Mike Grier could galaxy-brain this pick and look to diversify his prospect pool with someone like Anton Frondell, which has been widely speculated as being the case, enough to make me strongly consider making Frondell the pick here, he would be wise to not overthink this one and select the consensus best forward in the draft in Misa. Though, us Blackhawks fans would be quite pleased if Grier does pass on the nearly goal-per-game scorer. I’m very much not confident in this given the growing belief Frondell will be a Shark, but I will give a proverbial 51-49 edge to Misa here and hope for the Hawks’ sake that I am wrong.

3. Chicago Blackhawks — Andy’s Pick
   Anton Frondell, C, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)

(Kenta Jönsson / BILDBYRÅN)

If Misa is here, it’s Misa, but if it’s Frondell, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson goes with the young Swede here and there is a lot to like. You need skill to win, but you also need players who win pucks and play a 200-foot game. That’s what you get with Frondell, and all signs indicate that his character and will to win are elements that any team would want in their locker room. It will be interesting as to when he would come overseas to make his NHL debut, likely the 2026-27 season, but regardless, the Hawks will be getting a hell of a prospect with Frondell.

4. Utah Mammoth — Eric’s Pick
   Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

The Sam Bennett effect is real, folks. Utah opts for the gritty center to create a diverse 1-2 punch down the middle with Logan Cooley. Bill Armstrong has shown before he is not afraid to reach for the player he believes is the best fit for his organization and again goes back to that well to continue building the Mammoth.

5. Nashville Predators — Andy’s Pick
   James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA) 

There are rumblings that Hagens may drop, but the Predators are truly at a crossroads after laying an egg in 2024-25, and the skill and talent of Hagens may be too much to pass up. Let’s not forget that it was not long ago that Hagens was predicted to go No. 1 overall. He was a point-per-game player for Boston College and tallied nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven World Junior contests for the gold medal-winning United States. Barry Trotz has hinted that he thinks highly of Hagens’ game, and for that reason and more, he goes to Nashville.

6. Philadelphia Flyers — Eric’s Pick
   Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

O’Brien has been one of the players most commonly associated with a rising draft stock as Friday has approached, and there has been much speculation that he will not last past Philadelphia at 6. In O’Brien, the Flyers get a smart pivot capable of producing offensively. Philadelphia likes opting for cerebral players, so while O’Brien may not have the highest ceiling among the players still on the board, he certainly feels like a Flyers type of pick.

7. Boston Bruins — Andy’s Pick
   Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) 

For a player who some have indicated has the ceiling of Patrice Bergeron, who better to take a flier on Desnoyers than Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. Some think Martone goes at 7, and possibly, but Fabian Lysell and Matthew Poitras are the lone skilled forwards in Boston’s prospect pool, neither of whom may work out for the long term. If David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy and others are to be Bruins for life, then they need to get younger with puck distributors and high-end talent. Desnoyers could be the steal of the draft and Boston would be wise to take him at 7.

8. Seattle Kraken — Eric’s Pick
   Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

The Kraken have invested heavily in high-end forwards in the first round over the last few years, highlighted by Matty Beniers, Shane Wright and Berkly Catton, so it’s time for them to turn their attention to the blue line. In Mrtka, the Kraken get a hulking yet smart defenseman. He uses his size well to close gaps and is good as a distributor in transition as well, giving Seattle a well-rounded two-way option for the future.

9. Buffalo Sabres — Andy’s Pick
   Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) 

For whatever reason, Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams felt compelled to move John-Jason Peterka, who finished second on the team with 68 points. The return on that trade is questionable, and if Martone, who some think is the best pure goal scorer in the draft, is available at 9, there is no chance Adams can pass up on him. Skating is something Martone will need to work on, but his willingness to get to the net, decent hands in tight and sharp shooting ability will see him being an NHL weapon. He has been rumored to head to the NCAA ranks next season, which will only support his development.

10. Anaheim Ducks — Eric’s Pick
    Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Anaheim is loaded with quality young players and prospects up front, even after dealing away Trevor Zegras this week, and while they also have some quality young pieces on the blue line already, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek makes a reasonable selection here in Smith, a creative, offensive-minded defenseman. Verbeek has also had a tendency to favor size, and at 6-foot-3, Smith also checks that box.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins — Andy’s Pick
    Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) 

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are nearing the end of their storybook careers, and the Penguins need to think about the center position for their future. Though McQueen should not be expected to carry that same torch, he is big, strong and highly skilled. Injuries shortened his 2024-25 campaign, but he is fully healthy and will be a force, should he decide to return to the WHL next season.

12. Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers) — Eric’s Pick
    Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

After snagging McQueen, who could be the steal of the draft, at 11, the Penguins turn their attention to the blue line with their second consecutive pick. Aitcheson plays an old-school brand of hockey on the blue line, making his presence felt in a big way with his physical style of play. He may not be the most thrilling player offensively at the next level, but did manage a very respectable 59 points in 64 games this season.

13. Detroit Red Wings — Andy’s Pick
    Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)

Victor Eklund fits everything a Detroit Red Wing is and has been. For those reasons, I am tempted to deviate from this choice, as Steve Yzerman is finally feeling the heat after another season without making the postseason, but alas, he will stay the course and take the highly skilled running mate of Anton Frondell. Eklund will be at least two years away from making his NHL debut, but that time for him to physically develop will serve him well.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets — Eric’s Pick
    Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Simply put, Bear plays a playoff brand of hockey that would be a welcomed addition to a Blue Jackets squad on the verge of breaking through to the postseason. While not overly big, he plays bigger than his frame suggests, and being a 40-goal scorer this season, Bear clearly has the finishing touch to complement his nose for the net.

15. Vancouver Canucks — Andy’s Pick
    Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Some think this may be a tad early for Nesbitt, but Vancouver is lacking in identity and having a future face of the franchise. Nesbitt is certainly not NHL ready yet, but his ceiling for a 6-foot-4 center, who is good at the dot and taking on players one-on-one may be precisely what they are looking for. Without being in the top 10 in the draft, going will over skill could be the path the Canucks take, and Nesbitt possesses both intangibles.

16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames) — Eric’s Pick
    Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Yes, he’s from Quebec, but Carbonneau is a perfectly rational pick here for the Habs with their first of back-to-back picks. Carbonneau is an excellent puck handler and is not afraid to use his body to get where he needs to go. He plays a style that would complement the many skilled forwards Montreal already has, and again, being a Quebec native is never a negative for le bleu, blanc et rouge.

17. Montreal Canadiens — Andy’s Pick
    Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)  

Cootes is a hungry player and gets better and better every year. He is fast, tough and plays bigger than his size. He could end up being the next installment of Brendan Gallagher for the Habs. Cootes ultimately could be a third- or fourth-line center when Montreal starts competing for championships.

18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey Devils) — Eric’s Pick
    Ben Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

I promise I’m not just going for the “hometown” picks. Kindel, despite playing in the same building as the Flames, brings a lot to the table. The top draft-eligible scorer in the WHL this season, Kindel is an elusive pivot who plays with pace, something the Flames could certainly use. His dual-threat offensive ability allows him to produce in a variety of ways, as is evidenced by his 99-point campaign.

19. St. Louis Blues — Andy’s Pick
    Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

The Blues will need some better puck-moving defensemen in their future, and the swift-skating, lefthanded Reid may be one of the better ones in this draft class. As with any puck-moving rearguard, size comes into question but at 18, he is 6 feet and already 190 pounds and is very strong on his feet. He has the ceiling of a power play quarterback and would be a solid mid-round pick for St. Louis.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota Wild) — Eric’s Pick
    Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals (WHL)

Reschny is a cerebral player who reads off his linemates well, taking advantage of his high-end vision and passing abilities to generate scoring chances for his team. These traits should allow him to gel nicely with other skilled players with the Blue Jackets, with the possibility to turn into an effective second- or third-liner.

21. Ottawa Senators — Andy’s Pick
    Milton Gastrin, C, MoDo Hockey (Sweden)

With Gastrin, the Sens get a player that they can use in multiple situations. He projects as a center or winger, is a smooth skater and sees the ice very well. He is not the player who is overly strong in any one area, but very sound fundamentally and a responsible hockey player with a scoring touch. He would make a nice add in Ottawa.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado Avalanche) — Eric’s Pick
    Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

After scoring a talented forward at 6 in O’Brien, the Flyers add to the blue line with Fiddler, a rangy defenseman with some edge to his game. The son of longtime NHLer Vernon Fiddler, Blake already possesses an NHL frame at 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, but moves well for a big man, often using his feet to position himself well to shut down the opposition. He is raw, especially on the offensive side of things, but with further development could become a top-four option.

23. Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay Lightning) — Andy’s Pick
    Logan Hensler, D, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

The Preds will go with a defenseman here and the right handed Hensler is one of the better young prospects in college hockey. After a decent first season at the University of Wisconsin, there is ample room for him to grow and improve his game. It may be two more years of Big Ten hockey before Hensler turns pro, but he has plenty of time to develop into a top-four defenseman in the NHL, which is a real possibility.  

24. Los Angeles Kings — Eric’s Pick
    Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

The Kings like size, and while Lakovic certainly offers that at 6-foot-4, he is also arguably the best player available on the board at this point, with some feeling he belongs in the middle of the first round. While his numbers don’t jump off the page like some, he was playing on a rebuilding Moose Jaw team and was relied upon as one of the team’s go-to options as a draft-eligible player. He certainly has notable upside, and the Kings place a bet on Lakovic reaching that potential as a chance-generating winger.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs) — Andy’s Pick
    Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL) 

(OHL Images)

Speed, tenacity, a scoring touch and character, this sounds like the perfect fit for what Kyle Davidson is trying to do in Chicago. And you know who has done well at churning out NHL talent? The University of Michigan. As a Wolverine come August, Spence will be in the ideal setting to work on his game. A two-year plan in Ann Arbor likely, let’s just hope that he makes it to pick 25. If so, it is a great day to be a Hawks fan.

26. Nashville Predators (from Vegas Golden Knights via San Jose Sharks) — Eric’s Pick
    Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

One of two teams with three picks in the first round, Nashville opts to round out the positional trifecta with Ravensbergen after picking Hagens and Hensler with their first two picks. The Predators could certainly use a quality goaltending prospect after questionably moving on from Yaroslav Askarov last summer, and Ravensbergen is a worthy candidate here. He reads plays very well and boasts great size at 6-foot-5. He plays a positionally sound style, which may not be the most exciting, but should set him up for a successful career in the cage. With Juuse Saros in town for the foreseeable future, the Preds can afford to be patient with Ravensbergen as well.

27. Washington Capitals — Andy’s Pick
    William Moore, C/LW, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL) 

The Caps get creative here and take a two-way center with a ton of upside. Moore could very well fall to day two of the draft, but there is a ton of value getting him at the 27th overall pick. He should slot into the lineup very nicely at Boston College in the fall and could be involved in their power play unit and on their top two lines immediately. He will get great exposure and development playing in the ever-talented Hockey East for the next two seasons.

28. Winnipeg Jets — Eric’s Pick
    Max Psenicka, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

The Jets have a decent crop of young forwards on the way, so looking to the blue line may be the play here. While maybe a little off the board, Psenicka has been a late riser among this year’s crop. At 6-foot-5, he boasts projectable size with the ability to play at a high pace, a great combination if you are hoping to find an impactful rearguard.

29. Carolina Hurricanes — Andy’s Pick
    Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL)

As the Hurricanes’ age among defensemen continues to rise, they will use this late pick to get a blue-liner. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Brzustewicz would be a nice add based on his strong two-way game. He put up decent numbers in London and projects as a reliable NHL prospect, without flash but the simplicity of his game will make him incredibly valuable to any franchise.

30. San Jose Sharks (from Dallas Stars) — Eric’s Pick
    Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University (NCAA)

The Sharks are in need of quality young blue-liners, so going for Boumedienne makes a ton of sense here. An interesting player, Boumedienne was born in Finland but represents Sweden internationally. His U18 showing turned heads, registering 14 points in just seven games. He has projectable size and is an attentive defender. While he may not become a big-time point producer professionally, he has the tools needed to be a serviceable NHL blue-liner.

31. Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton Oilers) — Andy’s Pick
    Semyon Frolov, G, Spartak Moscow (Russia)

The Flyers are in need of goaltending depth in their prospect pool and the end of the first round is a great place to snag the quick-footed Frolov. Time will tell how long it may take him to come to the States, but it certainly worked out well for the Fly-boys and Matvei Michkov, and having a fellow countryman in goal for the youngster could be an added bonus.

32. Calgary Flames (from Florida Panthers) — Eric’s Pick
    Jack Murtagh, LW, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)

The Flames again add to their forward corps with the final pick of the night. In Murtagh, Calgary gets a player determined to beat the opposition with his feet however possible, whether that be around or through. Murtagh is not afraid to get his hands a little dirty to make things happen offensively, with a willingness to win puck battles along the boards. His style and pace would complement Kindel nicely down the road.

BONUS

34. Chicago Blackhawks — Andy’s Pick
    William Horcoff, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)

(Daryl Marshke / Michigan Photography)

Perhaps it is too wishful to think that the Hawks will take two Wolverines back to back, but after the 6-foot-5 Horcoff posted 10 points in a mere 18 games at Michigan in 2024-25, he may be the next best prospect on the board. Great in tight areas and puck winner with a hard shot, Horcoff, son of longtime NHLer Shawn Horcoff, could be a nice complement to Chicago’s center depth in its prospect pool and has the flexibility to play on the wing as well.

The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft begins at 6 p.m. CDT on ESPN. Be sure to tune in to The Rink’s live draft coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. CDT on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

The post The Rink’s 2025 NHL Mock Draft appeared first on The Rink.

Check out Rink prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley and Rink staffers for a LIVE reaction podcast:

The players that the organization selects will be listed below, with links to their prospect profiles and all their vital stats.

2025 Blackhawks NHL Entry Draft

Chicago Blackhawks Draft Picks

Trades made leading to and during the draft:

Date	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
6/13/25	Victor Soderstrom		Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick
6/21/25	Joe Veleno		Andre Burakovsky
7/1/25	2026 sixth-round pick		Sam Lafferty

Trade Analysis

• The Boston Bruins acquired Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks for Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick

The Boston Bruins acquired Victor Soderstrom from the Chicago Blackhawks for Ryan Mast and a 2025 7th round pick

• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired forward Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Joe Veleno

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken for Joseph Veleno

• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired a 2025 1st round pick (#29) from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 2nd round pick (#34), a 2025 2nd round pick (#62), a 2027 5th round pick

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired a 2025 1st round pick (#29) from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 2nd round pick (#34), a 2025 2nd round pick (#62), a 2027 5th round pick

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Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ to discuss the Blackhawks recent moves including the acquisition of Andre Burakovsky, the buyout of TJ Brodie, Jonathan Toews to Winnipeg, and an in-depth look at draft prospect Michael Misa.

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Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell, staff members Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ are joined by hockey analyst Jonny Lazarus (from @NHL, @DailyFaceoff, @BR_OpenIce, and @NESN) to talk about the upcoming draft and where Blackhawks possible target James Hagens may land.

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Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ discuss the Blackhawks expansion plans for Fifth Third Arena, a look into the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals, another possible UFA target, what the future may hold for Jonathan Toews and a breakdown of draft prospect Anton Frondell.

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Chicago Rinkcast Host Andy Campbell is joined by staff members Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ discuss Jeff Blashill’s first press conference as head coach of the Blackhawks, Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic winning gold at the World Championships, talk about UFA to be Sam Bennett and take a closer look at potential draft target Porter Martone.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ discuss the pending hire of Jeff Blashill as their new head coach and dissect what the Hawks may do with the #3 overall pick in this year’s NHL entry draft.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ are live from the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery for instant reactions to where the ping-pong balls fall for our beloved Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks are guaranteed a pick in the top four and have a 13.5% chance to land the first overall pick:

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ discuss the Blackhawks’ exciting finish to the regular season, the emergence of their young core, what may be ahead for the draft and free agency, as well as preview the AHL playoffs for the Rockford IceHogs.

Artyom Levshunov and Kevin Korchinski to Rockford

Blackhawks sign Cameron Rowe

The TV woes continue

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If you are a Chicago Blackhawks fan and tuned into last night’s game, you are probably okay if not pleased to see Ovechkin get this done against your side. Perhaps like me, you are somewhat frustrated with yet another loss in a rebuilding season when your team entered the third period holding a 3–2 lead. Yet, as Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno encouraged his team to stick around after the horn sounded for all to shake the hand of Alex the Great and congratulate him on his momentous achievement, when looking at the nameplates, numbers and considering the ages of those embracing Ovi, you may have witnessed another torch being passed. For the young Hawks to be a part of this game, to feel that moment and electricity, to compete all night while maybe not fully realizing the gravity and magnitude of that game, it will only serve them well as they continue to grow and mature as young hockey players. 

Though it was Ovi’s night, if you were watching the contest on NHL Network as I was, many times during the game, and particularly in the second period, Capitals play-by-play announcers Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin often complimented Chicago’s youth movement. Whether it was the speed of Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar’s determination or the reads and angles of 19-year-old Artyom Levshunov, it was clear to those covering the home side that these kids can play. Nazar was perhaps the best forward on the ice, as he has significantly raised his game over the last two weeks. Moore tallied the first two points of his young career with two assists on the night. Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski were in the lineup again and Alex Vlasic was solid, as was Landon Slaggert. Young goaltender Spencer Knight remained poised as the clock wound down, stopping shot after shot from Ovechkin as he tried to break the record before time expired. And though Connor Bedard looks wiped out and downright exhausted, maybe that can happen in April of your second year as a pro when you have played 140 games, tallied 120 points in that span, are shy of your 20th birthday and are a marked man league-wide. It is fine to be critical of his play and I certainly have been at times, too, but keep it in perspective. Bedard is going to be just fine — elite and a force. An offseason reset will help him, and the shot in the arm of the youth movement will be just the injection he and the organization needs heading into the 2025–26 season. 

Oliver Moore tallied his first two points in his third NHL game with assists on goals by Frank Nazar and Philipp Kurashev. (Photo courtesy of Nick Wass / Associated Press)

There is work to be done, of course, as this team continues to climb the mountain. There is an abundance of young defensemen in the organization. Ethan Del Mastro was out of the lineup last night, but he will still be in the Blackhawks’ plans. Though Wyatt Kaiser has played well of late, will he stick? When will Nolan Allan get another shot? These are not bad problems to have.

Chicago does need to prioritize the hiring of a new coach — and early — this offseason, preferably before free agency opens on July 1. At this point, interim head coach Anders Sorensen seems more like a placeholder until a more seasoned NHL coach takes the reins of this young and budding club. You will hear names like University of Denver head coach Dave Carle and current Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, who may or may not be available as possible hires. Time will tell what the Hawks do about this, but with plenty of cap space at General Manager Kyle Davidson’s disposal this summer, in order to attract marquee free agents of the likes of Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, Brock Boeser and many others who will be in high demand, nailing down a solid coaching hire is critical.

They will also have another lottery pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, quite possibly in the top three. A world-class prospect such as Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa or James Hagens may soon be joining the arsenal of young talent within the Blackhawks’ system. 

There will be many hiccups for the kids as well. None are the finished product; they are all still prospects and some of them will hit and some will miss. But in today’s NHL, if you have speed, you have a chance, and you are starting to see the return of Davidson’s philosophy of investing in high-end skaters. And if you are not excited about where the Hawks are in this stage of their rebuild and what you see when you watch multiple young 20-somethings and two teenagers blazing around to close out a grueling 2024–25 season, I am not sure there is much more to tell you. Hawks fans have been asked to be patient; it is not easy, but it is happening, so jump on the train. 

For the youngsters, two of which Moore and Rinzel, who were wearing a white Blackhawks sweater for the first time while congratulating one of the game’s greatest players, gaining the experience of that hockey moment is invaluable, something they will all look back on with fondness and one that can and will motivate each of them to be the best they can possibly for their hockey team both now and in the future, hopefully to the tune of another era of multiple Stanley Cups in Chicago.

The post ANALYSIS: Ovechkin’s night a right of passage for young Blackhawks appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard, and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ finish discussing Jimmy’s recent article on Blackhawks/IceHogs player season grades.

Each scholar will corroborate Jimmy’s assessments and/or have the chance to provide their own grade.

The NHL debuts of Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore.

Sacha Boisvert’s transfer to Boston University.

The Blackhawks recent signing of Providence Friar prospect, Taige Harding.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ jump on for a quick reaction Podcast following the Blackhawks signings of Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel, two former first round picks from the University of Minnesota.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Malley, Andrew Bard, and a late special guest discuss Jimmy’s recent article on Blackhawks player season grades, and each scholar will corroborate Jimmy’s assessments and/or have the chance to provide their own grade:

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 8, Episode 24 – Blackhawks 2024-25 Season Letter Grades appeared first on The Rink.

Since then, things have felt different. They just have. In some sense, it is “out with the old and in with the new.” Now, Jones at 30 years young is hardly old, and definitely has some good hockey ahead of him, and best of luck in Florida, but for the rebuilding Hawks, it was time for him to go, and perhaps it was just the lift they needed. He did not want to be in Chicago, was certainly not shy about that and his departure felt in many ways like the final wave goodbye to the old regime. Jones’ overpriced contract was the final, desperate attempt by Stan Bowman to keep the team in contention when Jones was traded for and extended in the summer of 2021.

Now with Jones out, and 10 players under the age of 23 in the lineup against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night — inclusive of 2024 second overall draft pick Artyom Levshunov making his NHL debut — it finally feels like the plan is happening. It is now Kyle Davidson’s team and the Hawks’ recent play is showcasing a blueprint of good things to come. 

The Hawks lost to the Avs 3–0, but ahead of Monday’s tilt against Colorado, Chicago was 3–0–2 in the five games since the Jones trade, Knight has been sensational and the Hawks are playing their best hockey of the season. It is no longer the Connor Bedard show; the second-year 19-year-old is of course the league’s focus with his hills and valleys of late, but mind you, that is all part of the growth of becoming a seasoned player. It is the excitement of Knight, Levshunov, Colton Dach, Ethan Del Mastro, Frank Nazar, Landon Slaggert, Alex Vlasic and the many prospects to come — some as early as this spring when the NCAA season ends. 

Enter Levshunov, and what a test for the 19-year-old in his first taste of NHL hockey. Levshunov started solid; his gap control for someone his age at this level is phenomenal. His skating was smooth, he was intentional about regaining the blue line and his angling was sound. There was nothing about his game that looked out of place, and if you were a first-time hockey watcher tuning in last night, you would have thought you were watching a five-year NHL player. Sure, there is so much growth to be had for the youngster from Belarus, but if you have been following Chicago and you are questioning why they chose him second overall last June as opposed to a flashy, offensive-minded, easy-on-the-eye but perhaps higher-risk investment, last night should have quelled those doubts. This kid has it. It was that obvious by the end of the first period, and there is a real possibility that he could be a major force in the NHL for years to come. Too optimistic? Maybe, but when you think of the fact that two years ago this kid was in the USHL, last year was the Defenseman of the Year in the Big Ten while at Michigan State and then a 22-point rearguard with the Rockford IceHogs in 50 games this season, to his first NHL game — all shy of being on this earth for 19 and a half years — don’t tell me I am too excited right now. Levshunov is the bow wrapped on a bundle of promise for the future of the Blackhawks’ blue line. 

After Alec Martinez went down and did not return for the second period, Levshunov finished the game with 20:55 of ice time as the Hawks shifted and fought valiantly with a five-man rotation in the back. He also had three shots and two shot blocks and honestly may have been the Hawks’ best defenseman in the game.

The Hawks squandered a two-man advantage in the second period and despite hanging on to a 0–0 draw heading into the third period, the dam soon broke and Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas scored early in the third to make it 2–0 Colorado. Nathan MacKinnon registered his 1,000th career point with an assist on the Lehkonen goal. The Hawks pressed and Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood was terrific with 21 saves on the night. The game would end 3–0 with the Avs scoring an empty-net goal. 

For the first time in five games, Chicago lost a regulation game. Yet as aforementioned, this did not feel like the demoralizing losses of previous months. The whole feel is different, and not simply because the Hawks were in the game throughout. It is the feeling of a happening, a vision that is now a plan starting to take form. Rebuilds are long journeys to take, and roads that Chicago faithful truly did not have to bear through for long after Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews arrived in the fall of 2008. This will indeed take longer and it will be a while before the Hawks are back in Cup contention, but thus far in the month of March, for the first time in a long time, we may be finally seeing a team on the rise.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard, and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ meet up in the Rinkcast Studio to discuss:

The impact of the Seth Jones/Spencer Knight trade.

What could be ahead for the Hawks ahead of the March 7 at 3:00 PM (EST) trade deadline?

Discuss what is going on with the slumping Connor Bedard.

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Make sure to bookmark this page and come back as the moves happen for up-to-the-minute analysis and breakdowns from our friends at 

Date	The-Rink Division	Outgoing Player/Pick	Opposite Team	Player/Pick Received
3/1/2025		Seth Jones and a 2026 4th round pick		Spencer Knight and 2026 1st round draft pick
3/7/2025		Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith		Joe Veleno
3/7/2025		5th round draft pick in 2026		Shea Weber, Victor Soderstrom and Aku Raty

Trade Analysis/Breakdown:

• • The Florida Panthers acquired Seth Jones and a 2026 4th round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks for Spencer Knight and a 2026 1st round pick
  • The Detroit Red Wings acquired Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks for Joe Veleno
  • The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Shea Weber, Victor Soderstrom and Aku Raty from the Utah Hockey Club for a 2026 5th round pick

Also, be sure to follow the entire The-Rink staff on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates, as well:

The Rink Official

Chicago Divison
The Rinkcast
Jeff Osborn
Andy Campbell
Eric Andrews
Sean Fitzgerald
Jimmy O’Malley
Andrew Bard
Ray Napientek
Matt Csakai

 

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, and Sean Fitzgerald share their immediate reaction to the Blackhawks trading Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Spencer Knight and a 2027 first-round pick.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard, and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ meet up in the Rinkcast Studio to discuss:

4 Nations Cup wrap.

The Seth Jones saga.

Ryan Donato’s great season and trade value.

Lukas Reichel’s benching.

Trade Deadline.

Some Trivia.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley ESQ meet up in the Rinkcast Studio to discuss:

Artyom Levshunov gets hot in Rockford.

4 Nations Cup, Canada vs USA is a big hit.

Prospect Nick Lardis is on pace for, potentially, 70 goals.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and Ray Napientek meet up in the Rinkcast Studio to discuss:

Red hot Ryan Donato and what that means for the trade deadline.

A brief look at some prospects.

What’s ahead in the Four Nations Cup.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and James O’Malley ESQ meet up in the Rinkcast Studio to discuss:

Excitement over prospect Nick Lardis.

Artyom Levshunov’s recent practice call-up.

Other odds and ends from around the league.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard, and James O’Malley ESQ jump on during the Blackhawks game in Carolina to discuss:

The implications of the Blackhawks recent trade of Taylor Hall

The rise of Ethan Del Mastro

What’s to come for the Hawks before the trade deadline and offseason.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell and Sean Fitzgerald briefly dissect the Blackhawks trade of Taylor Hall to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three team deal.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard, and Jimmy O’Malley jump into the Rinkcast Studio to talk Blackhawks:

Recent call-up of Ethan Del Mastro

The demotion of Wyatt Kaiser

The signing of A.J. Spellacy

What may be ahead for the Hawks as the trade deadline nears

This is in fact episode THIRTEEN. The same number Alex Zhamnov once wore and the one that many perceived to be unlucky. Also the number of a baker’s dozen. Yes, that THIRTEEN. Just to be clear to all out there, this is episode THIRTEEN.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley touch base during the first period of the Blackhawks/Predators game:

Recent rumors surrounding a Taylor Hall trade

The actual trade of Isaak Phillips

A look ahead at what players will be available for the lottery-pick bound Hawks come the 2025 NHL entry draft

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Malley, and Jeff Osborn are back from the holidays to talk about the Winter Classic and more:

Criticism of Connor Bedard

Rockford IceHogs talk

David Carle

Bit and pieces.

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It has been 16 years since the first time the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. With some similarities, aside from the venue, classic retro jerseys and another festive occasion, the Hawks were then and are now a team in transition. 

The 2008–09 Blackhawks were on the rise, led by future hall of famers Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith among other talented players. They had narrowly missed the postseason in the 2007–08 season, and despite being outclassed in the 2009 Winter Classic, and again in the 2008–09 Western Conference Finals by the Detroit Red Wings, the organization then propelled to three Stanley Cup wins over a six-season span. It was lightning in a bottle; a fairy-tale rebuild that the current Chicago faithful are now realizing, which will not come as easy this time around. 

The 2024–25 Hawks entered the Winter Classic versus the St. Louis Blues on a four-game skid, in last place in the NHL and despite the promise of a 19-year-old generational talent, Connor Bedard, and an abundance of other prospects who may or may not eventually turn out, they are still at the foot of the mountain looking up. Though there is the promise of a new day and a more competitive, Cup-contending team in the future, the pace of this rebuild, rising ticket prices, in addition to television contracts and the inability for all Chicagoans to even watch their team locally, the patience of the most loyal Hawks fans has been wearing thin. 

But today, in a day of celebration, not even an energetic performance of “Tonight” by the iconic Chicago band Smashing Pumpkins could ignite the Blackhawks to a winning performance. As they have been all season long, and this game no exception, the Hawks were dreadful; a tale consistent, yet nevertheless tiring and downright frustrating.

From the onset, the game did not go according to plan; or maybe it did, if you have been closely following this year’s Hawks. Within the first minute, Louis Crevier cleared the pick over the glass in his own zone for a delay-of-game penalty. On the ensuing power play, Cam Fowler tallied a goal in the 1,000th game of his career from a wrist shot from the slot, assisted by Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas to make it 1–0 St. Louis.

If that was not an early sign, I am not sure what else could be. The Blues continued to create the pace and the Hawks took another penalty before the seven-minute mark when Nolan Allan was escorted to the penalty box for holding. Jordan Kyrou buried one from the goalmouth after some nifty puck movement from the Blues to make it 2–0 before the halfway mark of the period. 

The Hawks began to skate a bit and cut the lead in half on the power play with just over five minutes to go in the first period. Ryan Donato kept the puck in the zone and blasted a shot from inside the blue line. Jordan Binnington kicked the rebound out, right to the stick of Taylor Hall, who banged it home to make it 2–1.

CHELSEA DAGGER AT WRIGLEY FIELD pic.twitter.com/sFo637gX91

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 31, 2024

Chicago outshot the Blues 10–7 before the period concluded.

And that was about it. Three second-period goals from Justin Faulk, Dylan Holloway and a second from Fowler gave the Blues a 5–1 lead going into the third period. At that point the game was lost. Yes, Tyler Bertuzzi made it 5–2 in the third period, Bedard got on the board with a secondary assist to give us some emotional insurance that there is an actual rebuild plan, but it still ended with a 5–2 victory for the Blues.

ringing in the New Year pic.twitter.com/Elzq2hy9Dw

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 1, 2025

Perhaps this is a game that some Hawks fans will look back on with fondness, as a bookmark to the beginning stages of when the rebuild actually began, or more likely for the experience of an outdoor game, battling the elements and environment in Wrigleyville. Those same fans will not remember it for heading to the exits early with new holes in their wallets, listening to Blues fans chant in euphoria after a convincing, and truly easy victory.

Time will tell if and when Chicago will become contenders again, but in contrast to the last time the Hawks played at Wrigley Field amidst a “return to glory,” this year’s game was a bit premature for that. Do not blame anybody within the organization for it, certainly not Danny Wirtz for saying “yes” to a Winter Classic at Wrigley. Who on Earth would decline that? That said, for those Hawks fans who have not had an opportunity to even watch their team this year due to bureaucratic nonsense amongst television providers and ownership, this may have been their first glimpse at how dismal of an on-ice product the Blackhawks have, and how far they have to go before returning to relevance. 

It was fun — the jerseys, pregame skates with players and families, a neat walk through an alleyway to bagpipes for the home side, an adoring crowd and surely a revenue stream to support a struggling franchise, that is for sure. Ultimately though, if the Chicago Blackhawks want to replicate the fortunes of another group that once skated at Wrigley Field over 15 years ago, it will take more than pageantry to do so. Hockey is a game, a sport that in many ways is simple. There is the victor and the vanquished, and being the victor is not a role the Hawks have enjoyed of late. Success is defined not by merchandise nor the bottom line. If the Blackhawks as an organization did not realize it before, in hockey as in any sport, there is no substitute for winning. None.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Malley, and Andrew Bard are back ahead of their Tuesday night game versus the Washington Capitals:

Connor Bedard’s recent offensive output.

Rumors circulating a potential trade for The New York Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko.

Other Blackhawks odds and ends.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley reconvene to talk about the Blackhawks first two games under Anders Sorenson:

Kevin Korchinski’s solid night back with the big club

The idea that more young players may be headed to the big club

And of course a run down of the latest in the unavailability of watching Blackhawks hockey

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley jump on for a quick reaction Podcast to talk about the firing of Head Coach Luke Richardson

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Eric Andrews, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley jump on to talk Blackhawks’ latest woes and Lukas Reichel:

Once again, Luke Richardson is not on the hot seat.

Does Lukas Reichel need more ice time?

Jimmy O brings the War Pigs report.

Frank Nazar

The never ending pathetic CHSN saga

Prospects

The ex-girlfriend report (ie. Dylan Strome and Brandon Hagel)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Jeff Osborn, Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley jump on to talk Blackhawks prior to their game vs the Anaheim Ducks:

Taylor Hall healthy scratched.

Can Connor Bedard get going with Jason Dickinson, or anyone else for that matter?

Hope for a shot at No. 1 overall pick again and a shot at James Hagans?

War Pigs report with Jimmy O.

More on the CHSN debacle.

Alex Ovechkin hurt.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley jump on to talk Blackhawks and IceHogs:

With Jeremy Roenick now in the Hockey Hall of Fame, is Duncan Keith next?

Andreas Athanasiou on waivers

Can, when and how will Connor Bedard get going?

Too early to sell, and if not, what?

Rockford IceHogs news (matter of time for Frank Nazar?)

CHL-NCAA agreement, i.e. Jack Pridham

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It was a big test for both clubs and it was fun to get a look at Chicago Blackhawks prospect and 57th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Ryan Greene, on Friday. Equally as enticing to watch were BU’s highly touted freshman, Cole Eiserman, the New York Islanders’ 20th overall pick in 2024, and Michigan’s Michael Hage, 21st overall to the Montreal Canadiens — both of which some Chicago Blackhawks fans feel General Manager Kyle Davidson unwisely passed over when he picked Sacha Boisvert with the 18th overall pick in June.

Ryan Greene

Let’s start with Greene. What’s to like about Greene’s game that he showcased on Friday is his positioning. He is a center, not one who will be a huge point-producing player at the NHL level, but also not one where there will be questions about if he is a better fit at center or wing. He is a natural pivot, responsible in both ends of the ice, can kill penalties and is on the first-team power-play unit for the Terriers. The BU captain tallied 36 points in 40 games in the 2023–24 season that saw the Terriers reach the Frozen Four. For Greene’s NHL prospectus, his ceiling is likely a third- or fourth-line center whose primary objective is puck control and not to get scored against. Sure, he may be able to chip in offensively at the NHL level, and most bottom-six forwards in the NHL do a lot of scoring in their college years, if they come from the NCAA ranks. Where he struggled a bit on Friday night and through the weekend was in the faceoff circle, particularly in his own zone. That said, this is something that all centers need to focus on, but for Greene, considering how he projects, this could be an integral ingredient to his ultimate success in the NHL. Still, he is a good prospect. He may or may not pan out, but there is a like about him.

Cole Eiserman

This time last year, Eiserman began to drop on draft boards. In June of 2023, he was projected to be a top-two pick in the 2024 draft, potentially even first overall, and then as his season with the U.S. National Development Team progressed, he began sliding as questions around his overall game began to surface. After being picked by the Islanders, some thought Davidson missed his shot to snag this elusive offensive talent and potentially a long-term sidekick for Connor Bedard. Maybe, maybe not, but if you were paying close attention on Friday night to the previous weekend’s Hockey East Player of the Week, you can see why many GMs balked in the first round. Eiserman scored a power-play goal and is an extremely gifted offensive player. When he has the puck, he is absolutely electric. Yet, when he is away from the puck, it is somewhat of an issue. Often on Friday, BU was pinned in their own zone when he was on the ice and three times he was caught out there for a two-plus-minute shift when his team had to ice the puck and he was unable to make a change. For the most part, Michigan had their way with the Terriers at even strength when Eiserman was on the ice. His body language when things were not going how he wanted was also questionable, and with the Wolverines up 2–1 in the third period, he took an unnecessary slashing penalty behind the play, leading to Michigan’s third goal of the night. Now, the story on Eiserman is far from complete and he could go on to be a tremendous NHL talent. He will score a ton at BU and perhaps some day in the NHL. At the same time, when you are bringing a young team along and you notice some red flags, if you can find players where that is not an issue, that is not a bad thing. So, I would not question the passing up on Eiserman by Davidson in the least. 

There are noticeable reasons why Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson elected not to choose the offensively gifted Cole Eiserman with Chicago’s 18th overall pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft. (Photo courtesy of Boston University Athletics)

Michael Hage

The local Chicago Steel product was someone who was very intriguing for the Hawks with the 18th pick and could be a “steal” (pun intended) for the Montreal Canadiens. The teenager is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward and has a strong lower frame. His stride is powerful, hands great in tight, wins draws and can play in all situations. Did the Hawks miss on this one, maybe, but all of that depends on how he and others, including Boisvert, pan out, and we will not know this or be able to judge it for a long time.

Sacha Boisvert, Adam Gajan, Aidan Thompson

On to Boisvert. While I have yet to watch him closely and have only seen a highlight or two, he does have seven points in seven games for North Dakota thus far, which is…well, good, if not great. A real test lies ahead for him in his next four games when North Dakota heads to Minnesota Duluth this weekend for a two-game set and then host the No. 1 Denver Pioneers the following weekend. We will know a lot more about Boivert after seeing that competition. And if you want to check out other Hawks prospects in those tilts, Adam Gajan, the Slovakian netminder taken 35th overall in the 2023 draft, is 3–3 thus far for the UMD Bulldogs with a .900 save percentage. For the Pioneers, Aidan Thompson, 2024 NCAA champion and Chicago’s third-round pick (90th overall) in 2022, is currently leading the country in scoring with six goals and nine assists for the top-ranked Pioneers. The 22-year-old in his third season with DU is a major factor on their club this season.

Chicago Blackhawks prospect and 2024 first-round pick (18th overall) Sacha Boisvert has produced at a point-per-game rate in his first seven games at the University of North Dakota. (Photo courtesy of Grand Forks Herald)

The Blackhawks have a number of players worth checking out in the NCAA ranks and these are but a few, but for those wondering if Davidson has been meticulous for who he has and has not chosen to draft, evidence suggests he has been doing his homework. As always with some prospects taken late in the first round and later, some will work out and some will not, but the Hawks’ pool of prospects is solid and deep, particularly in the NCAA ranks.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley take some time to discuss the Blackhawks and IceHogs with the voice of the Rockford, Dana Grey:

Getting to know the new play-by-play voice of the IceHogs.

The Lowly Hawks.

Luke Richardson and is his seat getting warm?

Young players like Alex Vlasic and Lukas Reichel emerging.

Is help on the way?

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald and Jimmy O’Malley discuss the 1-1-1 Blackhawks and their early results ahead of their Tuesday night contest vs. the Calgary Flames:

Johnny Gaudreau night in Columbus

Hawks TV Issues

Teuvo Teravainen looking good

Arvid Soderblom’s great season debut

Where in the world is Tyler Bertuzzi?

The Lukas Reichel conundrum

Seth Jones for the long haul?

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Eric Andrews, Sean Fitzgerald and Ray Napientek reconvene live from the Rinkcast Studio to talk about the upcoming season:

The bizarre circumstances behind the Jeremy Swayman contract negotiations.

The Patrick Laine incident and injury.

The status of the CHL and NCAA eligibility.

Michkov-mania in Philadelphia.

The current state of the Blackhawks.

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Eric Andrews, Sean Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Malley and Ray Napientek head back into the Rinkcast Studio to talk about the upcoming season:

Nick Foligno is your new Blackhawks Captain.

Off-season Additions, fits and expectations

Rookies in camp, Strong Rockford roster ahead, any surprises who can make it out of camp?

Predictions: How will the Hawks finish this season?

Around the league: CHL-College Hockey case study, MTL (Hawks doppelganger in the East?, Mo Seider, Jeremy Swayman, other RFA’s out there.

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1. San Jose Sharks — Andy’s Pick 

Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)

When the Sharks won the lottery, this was a done deal. Winning the Hobey Baker Award as a 17- year-old when college hockey has never been better is a heck of a feat. There is still a real possibility that he returns to BU for an additional year of development, but nevertheless, this is the consensus No. 1 overall pick and for good reason. The kid has all the tools.

The Sharks are expected to take the slam-dunk top prospect in Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick. (Photo courtesy of Boston University)

2. Chicago Blackhawks — Eric’s Pick 

Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA)

The Hawks have another opportunity to add a franchise cornerstone and turn to the blue line this time to land their top-pair right-handed defenseman of the future. Levshunov boasts an impressive tool kit of skating, playmaking and physicality in an NHL-sized frame. As a true freshman at Michigan State, Levshunov was the No. 1 defenseman for a strong Sparty squad, playing huge minutes in all roles. While already having Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic as top-four options for the future, Chicago lacks a projectable stud all-around defenseman in its rebuild and checks that box in a meaningful way with the Belarusian.

Side note: I had every intention of providing some draft analysis leading up to the draft about potential options for the Blackhawks, but frankly, with how thoroughly exhausting the endless vitriol among Blackhawks fans online has been regarding the pick, it ultimately was not worth my sanity to write pieces that would inevitably fall on deaf ears. The fact of the matter is, whether the Blackhawks select Levshunov or Ivan Demidov (or surprise and choose someone else), the draftee will be a foundational piece to the franchise moving forward, and that is undoubtedly something to celebrate, regardless of who it is. Be happy, Blackhawks fans. The front office knows far more than you do.

The Blackhawks opt for defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the second overall pick of our mock draft. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State University)

3. Anaheim Ducks — Andy’s Pick 

Sam Dickinson, D, London (OHL)

This could be Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom as well, but with the talent-rich offensive prospect pool the Ducks have, so much so that they may be shopping Trever Zegras, they will go with a defenseman here. Dickinson has tremendous versatility, offensive output and a lunch-pail style, put your hard hat on and go to work that would blend in well with Mason McTavish and what the Ducks are trying to build culturally. Anton Silayev is a strong possibility here, too, but Dickinson could be the best fit.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets — Eric’s Pick 

Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)

Columbus landed a huge building block in Adam Fantilli last summer and return to the well of big pivots again by selecting Lindstrom. Though Lindstrom battled injury concerns throughout the season, he boasts a tantalizing skill set and large frame. With Fantilli penciled in as the No. 1 center for the future, Lindstrom can slide in nicely as the No. 2 center to give the Blue Jackets a 1-2 punch down the middle sure to make many franchises jealous.

5. Montreal Canadiens — Andy’s Pick 

Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA-1946 (Russia)

The Habs would be thrilled if Demidov slides to 5 and this would be a no-brainer. After taking David Reinbacher with the fifth overall pick in 2023, they will turn to offense, and who better than perhaps the highest rated pure offensive talent in the draft after Celebrini. Though, to be fair, it would be entertaining to see Habs fans’ reactions should Montreal look elsewhere.

6. Utah Hockey Club — Eric’s Pick 

Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

One of this year’s biggest risers late in the season, Sennecke gives Utah a highly talented winger who can perform on the biggest stage. Though Utah could instead look to one of the high-end defensemen still available, the combination of size and skill Sennecke offers is too much to pass on, betting on his steep trajectory to continue.

7. Ottawa Senators — Andy’s Pick 

Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna (WHL)

The Senators are at a crossroads, have so many needs and could pick a defenseman here, too, but Iginla’s stock continues to rise and it does not have to do with his last name. He is impactful in so many areas and plays a controlled game, something that Ottawa needs badly. 

8. Seattle Kraken — Eric’s Pick 

Zeev Buium, D, Denver (NCAA)

With the center position comfortably addressed with Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, the Kraken can take advantage of a strong blue line class and opt for Buium, a talented offensive defenseman with plenty of moxy. Buium has been a winner at every level in his career, winning U18 and U20 world championships and the NCAA title with Denver this spring. Wherever he lands, Buium should become a fan favorite on and off the ice.

9. Calgary Flames — Andy’s Pick 

Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw (OHL)

Perhaps the most offensively skilled defenseman in the draft, and if available, there is little chance Calgary can pass up on him at 9. They certainly need help on the blue line and this would be a great fit, especially if the “hometown kid” is already off the board.

10. New Jersey Devils — Eric’s Pick 

Anton Silayev, D, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

The Devils opt for the massive Russian defenseman to firmly round out what should be an incredible top four for many years to come alongside Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey. Silayev can skate like the wind for a big guy and provides a strong shutdown game to go along with decent offensive upside. It is entirely possible Silayev is gone long before 10, but if he slips to this range, any team would be thrilled to land him.

11. Buffalo Sabres — Andy’s Pick 

Berkly Catton, C, Spokane (WHL)

Corey Pronman has Catton rated as the second-best forward in the draft, and why not? With 54 goals and 116 points with Spokane in 2023–24, there is no doubting his talent. He is not heavy and perhaps that is why he will drop this low, but regardless, Buffalo gets a real potential game breaker here.

12. Philadelphia Flyers — Eric’s Pick 

Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary (WHL)

The last of the top-end defensemen in the class, the Flyers add a high-end offensive defenseman in Yakemchuk, who hit the 30-goal plateau in the WHL. Add in a bit of bite in his game and he feels like a player Flyers fans will rally around for years to come.

13. Minnesota Wild — Andy’s Pick 

Konsta Helenius, C, Tappara (Finland)

A well-disciplined hockey player, this feels like a Minnesota pick. The Wild still have decent talent and will not need to rush Helenius. He will have time to develop and could turn out to be a solid pivot for their future, something they could certainly use.

14. San Jose Sharks (from PIT) — Eric’s Pick 

Stian Solberg, D, Oslo (Norway)

After choosing Celebrini to begin the night, the Sharks can turn their attention to the blue line, an area they desperately need help in. They opt for Solberg, one of the draft’s biggest late risers, who provides a menacing physical game on the blue line.

15. Detroit Red Wings — Andy’s Pick 

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora (Sweden)

All signs see Brendsegg-Nygard landing in Detroit if he is still available. He is gifted offensively and responsible in his own end of the ice; a vintage Red Wing trait that they would love to work with and develop. Playing in Sweden never hurts your cause as a Red Wings target, either.

16. St. Louis Blues — Eric’s Pick 

Adam Jiricek, D, HC Plzen (Czechia)

The Blues choose to add another blueliner to the organization after selecting Theo Lindstein with one of their first-round picks last year. Jiricek missed significant time with injury this season, but the Blues bet on the upside that had him considered as a lock for the top 10 entering the season.

17. Washington Capitals — Andy’s Pick 

Cole Eiserman, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

At this point last year, many people thought Eiserman was a top-two pick in this year’s draft. Questions have arisen as to whether or not he can play in all areas of the ice. Still, he is a gifted offensive talent with an incredible shot. He will be a critical part of Boston University’s success next year and is still a talented prospect who filled the net with the NTDP unlike anyone has before.

18. Chicago Blackhawks (from NYI) — Eric’s Pick 

Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon (USHL)

After picking Levshunov at 2, the Blackhawks turn their attention to the forwards available at 18 and opt for Boisvert, a well-rounded center who offers goal-scoring ability and a physical edge the Hawks are lacking in their prospect pool. Boisvert’s size also allows him to comfortably project as a center at the NHL level, something the Blackhawks could use given the uncertainty of Oliver Moore and Frank Nazar being long-term center options.

Chicago selects gritty forward Sacha Boisvert with the 18th overall pick of our mock draft. (Photo courtesy of the Muskegon Lumberjacks)

19. Vegas Golden Knights — Andy’s Pick 

EJ Emery, D, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

The Golden Knights’ defensive core is aging and Emery fits the mold of what they can use moving forward. The North Dakota commit plays a hard-nosed defensive game that is not fun to play against. As the Knights get older, he would be coming in at the right time and provide the yin to Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin’s yang.

20. New York Islanders (from CHI via TBL) — Eric’s Pick 

Michael Hage, C, Chicago (USHL)

The Islanders go with the talented Hage at 20, a player who can add offensive pop to an organization known for its defensive acumen. New York is probably thrilled to get Hage at 20 after trading down from 18, as he would have likely been in consideration for them had they stood pat.

21. Los Angeles Kings — Andy’s Pick 

Igor Chernyshov, LW, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

Chernyshov plays the length of the ice and is always around the puck. Big and strong and a decent skater, he found success in the KHL and ultimately could be a goal-scoring threat in the NHL in a power forward mold.

22. Nashville Predators — Eric’s Pick

Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri-City (USHL)

Barry Trotz looks past Connelly’s troubling off-ice past and bets on the offensive upside that would have comfortably put Connelly in the 10–15 range if not for the character concerns. Good luck, Nashville. Hopefully it works out, or not.

23. Toronto Maple Leafs — Andy’s Pick 

Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie (OHL)

A strong, physical center who plays a power game is everything that is lacking down the middle for the Leafs. Most of the Leaf core will still be intact by the time Beaudoin will be ready and he can simplify his development with a lot of talent around him. This would be a solid pick for Leaf nation. 

24. Colorado Avalanche — Eric’s Pick 

Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph (OHL)

The Avs are in the advantageous spot of being able to focus on taking the best player available, and Luchanko fits that bill at 24. A skilled pivot with good offensive instincts, Luchanko’s top-end speed game would mesh well with a Colorado team known for playing with pace.

The Avs take skilled forward Jett Luchanko with the 24th pick of our mock draft. (Photo courtesy of Luke Durga / OHL Images)

25. Boston Bruins (from OTT via DET via BOS) — Andy’s Pick 

Cole Hutson, D, U.S. NTDP (USHL) 

The Bruins love their in-town talent and another Boston University product could be the take here. Like a Torey Krug or Matt Grzelcyk, the Bruins have a good history of developing defensemen who are not blessed with size. Hutson being right down the road is a plus, and let’s be honest, it would certainly make for an interesting storyline with older brother Lane already in Montreal.

26. Montreal Canadiens (from WPG) — Eric’s Pick 

Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor (OHL)

Montreal giddily takes the stage to take Greentree, a player who very well may be gone multiple picks ahead of this spot. Greentree gives the Habs a big-bodied winger to add to their forward group, something they could certainly use to complement Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and now Ivan Demidov.

27. Carolina Hurricanes — Andy’s Pick 

Leo Sahlin-Wallenius, D, Vaxjo U20 (Sweden) 

One of the better skaters in the draft, Sahlin-Wallenius plays a safe and responsible game. He has good stamina, and while not overwhelmingly dynamic in any one area, he is a consistent hockey player who could eventually be in the 4–6 range on a defensive depth chart.

28. Calgary Flames (from VAN) — Eric’s Pick 

Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George (WHL)

The Flames stay close to home for their second pick of the first round, taking Parascak out of the WHL. Parascak gives the Flames a scoring threat for their prospect pool, something Calgary could certainly use more of as it looks like the turning of the chapter in Cow Town.

29. Dallas Stars — Andy’s Pick 

Alfons Freij, D, Vaxjo Jr. (Sweden)

Freij comes with an offensive game and puck-moving ability. He is yet another smooth-skating defenseman from Sweden who will need to refine his defensive habits, but with his offensive form and blue-line depth in Dallas, he could be very intriguing for the Stars’ brass.

30. New York Rangers — Eric’s Pick 

Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrew’s (PHC)

Letourneau just feels like the easy pick here. The Rangers love their massive forwards, and with a solid team already in place, New York can afford to be patient with Letourneau and hope he is able to develop into a valuable NHL piece.

31. Anaheim Ducks (from EDM) — Andy’s Pick 

Emil Hemming, RW, TPS (Finland)

A large body with offensive upside who could be a good puck-winning player for the young Ducks core. He will need to work on his skating and creativity with the puck, but there is potential in his game. He will be a late first- or early second-round pick.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (from FLA) — Eric’s Pick 

Nikita Artamonov, LW, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

Philly returns to the Russian well in selecting Artamonov, a player who some feel should be chosen much higher. By bringing over Matvei Michkov, the theoretical Russian factor should feel diminished for the Flyers, so they bet on Artamonov’s upside to close out the first round.

The first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft will begin at 7 p.m. EDT on Friday and will be broadcasted on ESPN and Sportsnet.

The post The Rink’s 2024 NHL Entry Draft first-round mock draft appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Eric Andrews, Sean Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Malley and Andrew Bard jump into The-Rink Studio to talk about Friday’s NHL Entry Draft first round:

The debate over Ivan Demidov and Artyom Levshunov continues to be insufferable.

What choices do the Blackhawks have at the #18 spot?

Potential UFA targets for July 1.

Watch the entire replay of the Facebook live right here:

Watch the entire replay of the YouTube right here:

Watch the entire replay of the X right here:

#Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 7, Episode 20 – Blackhawks Pre-Draft Takes https://t.co/LZgfR8yHx8

— Hockey Rinkcast Channel (@TheRinkcast) June 26, 2024

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Eric Andrews, Sean Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Malley reconvene 24 hours after the NHL Draft Lottery to talk about possible Blackhawks picks at Number 2:

Suddenly the debate over Ivan Demidov and Artom Levshunov has become insufferable.

Ivan Demidov’s strengths and deficiencies.

Artom Levshunov’s strengths and deficiencies.

Watch the entire replay of the Facebook live right here:

Watch the entire replay of the YouTube right here:

Watch the entire replay of the X right here:

#Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 7, Episode 19 – Demidov/Levshunov…with Pick #2 https://t.co/5H4z67NSPN

— Hockey Rinkcast Channel (@TheRinkcast) May 9, 2024

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Jeff Osborn, Eric Andrews and Jimmy O’Malley jump on to watch the NHL Draft Lottery and discuss the results:

Eric tells us all about the top 5-7 prospects.

Each member takes a turn on the tankathon draft simulator.

The Blackhawks will pick second overall.

Follow-up, who we think they will pick.

Watch the entire replay of the Facebook live right here:

Watch the entire replay of the YouTube right here:

Watch the entire replay of the X right here:

#Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 8, Episode 18 – Draft Lottery Bonanza https://t.co/1H0BrjZIe3

— Hockey Rinkcast Channel (@TheRinkcast) May 7, 2024

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Eric Andrews, Andrew Bard and Jimmy O’Malley discuss the Chicago Blackhawks’ latest happenings:

Honest recaps of this miserable season.

Thoughts on Frank Nazar.

Ethan Del Mastro makes his NHL debut as well.

A special segment where we welcome Ford Hatchett from ABC15-Phoenix to discuss the sale of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah.

Watch the entire replay of the Facebook live right here:

Watch the entire replay of the YouTube right here:

Watch the entire replay of the X right here:

#Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 8, Episode 17 – Hawks in Review and The Sale of the Coyotes https://t.co/1WO6BJswFS

— Hockey Rinkcast Channel (@TheRinkcast) April 19, 2024

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Chicago Rinkcast staff members Andy Campbell, Jeff Osborn, Eric Andrews, and Sean Fitzgerald discuss the Chicago Blackhawks’ latest happenings:

The Calder “race”. More Bedard/Faber chatter.

The end of the Blackhawks season is fast approaching.

Draft lottery implications of recent wins.

Landon Slaggert has arrived.

Jason Dickinson’s fine season.

Watch the entire replay of the Facebook live right here:

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Watch the entire replay of the X right here:

#Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 7, Episode 16 – No points for second place…from the bottom https://t.co/5DAoEPhPPN

— Hockey Rinkcast Channel (@TheRinkcast) March 28, 2024

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 7, Episode 16 – No points for second place…from the bottom appeared first on The Rink.

Yet, if you are a fan in the great state of hockey, Minnesota, or in the Windy City of Chicago, the race for the Calder Trophy, the league’s top rookie, has become a hotly contested debate between Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber and Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard.

Now, if you are not a frequent flyer on X, the artist formerly known as Twitter, I dare you to take a peek after putting the words, “Bedard” and “Faber” into the search field. The arguments between Chicago and Minnesota fans as to why “my guy deserves it” began with validation and now are approaching the comical. Hey, I love the passion of both fan bases, but it is getting to the point where either fan base is attempting to discredit the other player to enhance an argument. The reality is, there are 16 regular season games to play, both of these rookies are absolutely outstanding and either one has “earned” or “deserved” (whichever term you prefer) taking home the Calder Trophy in a typical year for the award.

What makes it difficult to decipher between the two candidates is it truly is an apples-to-oranges argument. Faber, a puck-moving defenseman, logs minutes versus top-line opponents and is an asset to his team. Bedard, an 18-year-old phenom leading a team with a brutal roster in scoring at near a point-per-game pace, is also eye-popping. 

Brock Faber currently leads all NHL rookies with 32 assists. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Hockey Magazine)

The plus/minus take 

The main point of contention that keeps coming to the forefront between fan bases is an antiquated statistic that will likely have zero bearing on the eventual Calder result, and that is plus/minus. I will preface this by saying that I actually am a believer in plus/minus as a statistic…for defensemen. For a defenseman to be in the plus, as Faber currently is with a +6 rating, it means he is doing his job and doing it at an above-average rate, by definition. It can be a testament and is for him. That said, plus/minus, particularly if you are a forward and not a defenseman or third-line center, is often misleading and completely dependent on the players and team around you. If it was a telling and valuable stat for forwards, then there would be quite the buzz about rookie plus/minus leaders Connor Zary (+17) and Ridley Greig (+16), both centers playing for the lowly Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators, respectively. Both have had very solid rookie campaigns, but you do not hear a lot about them, and they certainly will not be Calder candidates. So, those who are out there suggesting that Connor Bedard’s -36 versus Brock Faber’s +6 (currently eighth amongst Calder eligible rookies) will be a factor need to look elsewhere. Plus/minus is not even something that is considered for the Norris Trophy to the league’s best defenseman. If it was, Boston Bruins rearguard Hampus Lindholm would have ran away with the award in 2023, and he was not even a finalist. Erik Karlsson won the award with 101 points at a -26. There is zero precedent for plus/minus being an indicator for an end-of-the-year award. And again, this is not to say that Faber’s plus/minus is not a good thing; it just is not an argument that will win him the hardware over Bedard. Fair or not, that is how it goes.

In individual vacuums, there are no real arguments against Faber or Bedard, for that matter. People should stop seeking the notion of “this is why this player should not win the Calder.” It is a zero-sum game. Ultimately, there are only reasons for why one will win the award over the other. 

The argument for Faber 

Faber is a horse. As a young defenseman, he is a budding star. He is a great skater, stays D-side of the puck and can play on either special teams unit. His 25-plus minutes of ice time per game is astonishing for a 21-year-old rookie defenseman, and it has been admirable how much of an asset he has been considering the injuries to the Wild blue line. Faber is currently leading NHL rookies with 32 assists (Bedard is second with 31) and has six goals to boot. As of this moment, the Wild are on life support in the Western Conference playoff race, six points out of a playoff spot with one more game played. It is not completely unrealistic for them to get in, but at least one of the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators or Vegas Golden Knights will have to take a significant tumble, and that is hard to imagine. With this in mind, should the Wild make the postseason, Faber will likely be a major reason why, and simply stated because he will have to be brilliant over the next 16 games for this to become a reality. While the Wild have talent on their roster, they are relying very heavily, perhaps too heavily, on a young defenseman for important minutes. Many knew that Faber was a compelling NHL prospect, but few believed that the former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher would be this valuable early on.