Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq.,  discuss the mess that the Chicago Blackhawks are in, how Kyle Davidson is choosing to stick with the current coaching staff, and what, if anything, they can do to right the ship.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 10 Episode 9 – Limited Damage Control appeared first on The Rink.

One bright spot for Chicago (4-13-1) was captain Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist. Defensemen Wyatt Kaiser and Artyom Levshunov were both an impressive -6 in the game.

Chicago’s most impressive feat was their ability to give up nine even-strength goals in one game and not draw one penalty against the Hurricanes (14-3-2).

Another neat stat for the night came in the hits department. Most fans will look at losing hockey and say they are too soft to play against but Chicago out-hit Carolina 22-8. What most fans do not realize are hits does not make someone difficult to play against; being good is what makes a team difficult to play against.

Goaltenders Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom combined for 24 saves.

The Blackhawks will have four days to think about this loss until Thursday when they take on the Buffalo Sabres at the United Center for a 7 p.m. CST puck drop.

Analysis

The rebuild was supposed to start to show its rewards this season, as General Manager Kyle Davidson said so himself, but his team stands at 4-13-1 and look like a minor league team at best.

Fans should be frustrated and there is only one way to do so: stay away from Madison Street.

The post RECAP: Carolina dominates in a laugher 9-2 over Chicago appeared first on The Rink.

Here were the Blackhawks’ lines for this matchup:

Blackhawks lines in warmups at Lightning:

Kantserov-Bedard-Bertuzzi
Mangiapane-Frondell-Teravainen
Moore-Nazar-Donato
Smith-Greene-Boucher

Vlasic-Cole
Kaiser-Levshunov
Del Mastro-Rinzel

Soderblom

Scratches: Korchinski, Greenway

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 5, 2026

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First Period: 

Just a few minutes into the game, Ethan Del Mastro got called for a trip to put Tampa Bay on the power play. After killing most of it off, the Blackhawks let Victor Hedman carve up the middle of the defense. He got the puck back in the middle of the ice and wristed it past Arvid Soderblom, 1-0 Lightning.

Late in the period, old friend Ilya Mikheyev took the puck into the Blackhawks’ zone. He put a shot on goal from outside the left circle that beat Soderblom to make the score 2-0 Tampa Bay. That is how the period would end, as we would go to the intermission with the Lightning retaining that lead.

Second Period:

Early on in the second, we finally got some action from the Blackhawks. Dillon Boucher got involved in a fight with Jeffrey Viel to try to get his team going, the first of his NHL career. He came off the ice bloodied, but definitely did what he could to get his team going.

Dillon Boucher with his first career NHL fight and it’s a good one. I love this dude. #Blackhawks https://t.co/lP5gu0IdLb

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 6, 2026

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The second otherwise came and went without much incident. The Lightning out-shot the Blackhawks 16-9, and the Blackhawks killed off the two power plays that they had against them in the period to keep it 2-0 Tampa Bay.

Third Period: 

Another period, another weak goal let up by Soderblom. This time, Ryan McDonagh stepped into a slap-shot with no one in front of him blocking Soderblom’s view. The puck found its way to the back of the net, 3-0 Lightning. Two and a half minutes later, it was Mikheyev again, getting a tip-in right in front of the net and beating Soderblom again to make it 4-0 on his second goal of the game.

With under a minute to go, the Blackhawks broke up the shut-out bid. Roman Kantserov continued his strong start to the season with a tip-in goal to make the score 4-1.

Roman Kantserov tips one in for his 8th goal of the season to extend his point streak to 7 games and goal streak to 3 games. #Blackhawks https://t.co/TEn5BE770s

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 6, 2026

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That would be it for this one, as Tampa Bay fending off the late charge by the Blackhawks to win 4-1.

Analysis: 

This team is tough to watch. While they did show some life in this game, putting out the most hits they have all season, they are otherwise listless in other areas of the game. They have so many defensive lapses that lead to great opportunities for the opposition, and this game was no exception. It’s like they fall asleep and forget who they are supposed to be covering at times, that guy gets open and does something to help produce a great scoring chance. Soderblom was also bad in this game. His defense did him no favors, but he also should have stopped most of the goals that he did end up letting get past him. I really think that a coaching change is the only solution to the woes that this team has, as they don’t really seem to be responding to Jeff Blashill at all anymore.

The Blackhawks’ next game is on Saturday night in Raleigh against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. That one will be at 7 pm Central on CHSN.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks downed by an old friend, lose to Lightning 4-1 appeared first on The Rink.

Here were the lines for the Blackhawks:

Blackhawks lines in morning skate at Panthers:

Kantserov-Bedard-Bertuzzi
Moore-Nazar-Donato
Smith-Frondell-Teravainen
Boucher-Greene-Greenway

Vlasic-Cole
Kaiser-Levshunov
Del Mastro/Rinzel/Korchinski rotating

Knight in starter’s crease

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 4, 2026

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First period

This period was all Panthers. After a few shots on goal, Florida finally broke through Spencer Knight. Just under five minutes into the period, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart put on a passing clinic, finding Sandis Vilmanis in front, who put the puck home, 1-0 Panthers. Just under eight minutes later, the Panthers got their first power play of the game. Connor Bedard got two minutes for tripping, putting the Blackhawks a man down. Twenty seconds into the man advantage, Verhaeghe put the puck past Knight from in tight and the Panthers were up 2-0. Chicago got a power play late in the frame that would bleed over into the second, as the Panthers would go into the intermission with a 2-0 lead.

Second period

Florida went on to kill off the power play early in the second. The Blackhawks got more shots on goal than the Panthers to even things up late into the period. Thirteen minutes in, Vilmanis found Seth Jones coming into the right circle. He wristed the puck past Knight, giving Florida the 3-0 lead.

Then, three minutes after that, the Blackhawks finally solved Jacob Markstrom, with Roman Kantserov continuing his strong start. He picked up the puck in front of the net to make it 3-1 Panthers.

Roman Kantserov chips in for his 7th goal of the season, which leads all NHL rookies. #Blackhawks https://t.co/818yI89CL3

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 5, 2026

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The teams would go to the second intermission with Florida retaining their 3-1 lead.

Third period

With more early-period dominance from the Panthers, they gained another power play seven and a half minutes into the third. At the tail end of that power play, the Blackhawks intercepted a pass, with Frank Nazar taking it down ice. He out-waited Markstrom and put a backhander past him, making it 3-2 Florida.

Frank Nazar scores a shorthanded goal for his 4th of the season. #Blackhawks https://t.co/hURSlNUnuv

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 5, 2026

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A minute and a half later, after the Blackhawks failed to clear the puck from the defensive zone, as Ian Cole mishandled a puck in front of the net. Vilmanis pounced on it and put it past Knight for his second goal of the game, 4-2 Panthers.

Five minutes later, the Blackhawks would get one back. After Bedard brought the puck into the zone, it found its way behind the net. Sam Rinzel put a pass to the front that found its way back to Nazar, who wristed home his second of the period, 4-3 Florida.

Frank Nazar scores his 2nd goal of the game and 5th of the season. Looked like a knuckle puck. #Blackhawks https://t.co/9pfsQwnSec

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 5, 2026

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Unfortunately, that would not be enough, as the Panthers would put the game away with an empty-netter from Reinhart, making the final score 5-3 Florida.

Analysis

This Blackhawks team is simply tough to watch this year. They don’t have a lot of energy, they don’t do well with contact, they don’t play good defensively…the list could go on and on. The Panthers are obviously a team that has a lot more grit to their game, and the Blackhawks are almost designed with the way Jeff Blashill has them playing to have almost none. That’s fine if your offense is good, but if that side has an off night, you cannot shoot your way to victory. This team is comprised of too many skill players and not enough guys who can hit, play good defensively and generally keep the puck under control. I’m not seeing enough guys who are playing good, responsible hockey with any kind of grit and effort. I would love to see more of this, like Boucher was trying to do in getting his team going:

Dillon Boucher looking to drop the gloves to get his team going with Chicago down 2-0 but Garnet Hathaway resists. #Blackhawks https://t.co/vtjGojtGxX

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 5, 2026

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The Blackhawks’ next game is on Thursday night versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. That game will be at 6 p.m. CST on CHSN.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks bested by Panthers 5-3 in Sunrise appeared first on The Rink.

The Hawks were coming off a tough 5-4 overtime loss in Boston in a game where the Hawks controlled play most of the way and saw a two-goal lead in the third evaporate. Spencer Knight got the start for the Hawks against Mackenzie Blackwood for the Avs. The game also marked the debut of the Blackhawks’ new green Hometown Remix uniform. The team will wear these new sweaters in five other games this season.

First period

Just 57 seconds into the game, Wyatt Kaiser gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead with his second of the season. Kaiser shot the puck from just inside the blue line and it was deflected by Cale Makar and it trickled into the net.

now THAT’S how you get the game started 44 https://t.co/g61wM4jXzf

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 3, 2026

The Blackhawks took a 2-0 lead on Roman Kantserov’s team-leading sixth of the season. A turnover in the offensive zone by Nazem Kadri led to Connor Bedard breaking out on a 2-on-1. Bedard fed Kantserov, who buried the one-timer at the 7:05 mark.

from 98 to 80 https://t.co/JqLMgVVo7f

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 3, 2026

Colorado thought they had cut it to 2-1, however, the Hawks challenged for goalie interference and the call on the ice was overturned so the Hawks maintained a 2-0 lead.

A few minutes later, Kadri scored a goal that would stand at the 15:23 mark. Gabriel Landeskog shot the puck from along the goal line, which Knight stopped, but the puck sat on the goal line and Kadri poked it in for his third of the season.

The Avs tied it 26 seconds later when Jaden Schwartz scored his fifth of the season. An aggressive Avs forecheck led the TJ Hughes retrieving the puck and passing to Schwartz, who fired it in at 15:49 to tie the game at 2-2 and it would stay that way after 20 minutes.

Second period

Kadri gave the Avs their first lead of the game at 3-2 with his second of the game and fourth of the season at 13:38. With the Avs on the power play, Kadri tipped a point shot by Makar past Knight for the lead.

With 10.6 seconds left, the Avs took a 4-2 lead. With Chicago having trouble getting the puck, Sam Malinski shot the puck from the point and Schwartz tipped it in for his second of the game and sixth of the season to give the Avs a two-goal lead at the second intermission.

Third period

Late in the period, with the Hawks’ net empty, the Avs weathered some Hawks offensive zone pressure. Devon Toews retrieved and fired the puck from the faceoff dot into the net for his fifth of the season to give Colorado a 5-2 advantage at 17:38, which would hold as the final score.

Analysis

Another strong, promising start for the Hawks went south quickly as the Avalanche showed off their world-class skill and depth en route to a three-goal win. Also of note, Patrick Kane left late in the second period with an undisclosed injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

The Blackhawks head back out on the road on Wednesday night when they face the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Florida. Puck drop is at 6:30 p.m CST and will be nationally televised on TNT with the radio call on WGN AM 720.

The post RECAP: Hawks squander 2-0 lead, lose 5-2 to Colorado appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq.,  evaluate the Blackhawks most recent games and discuss the challenging schedule ahead.

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First period

The Hawks got the scoring started early as the revamped power play scored. Patrick Kane playing on the left side fed Anton Frondell for the one-timer shot.

GOAL: Anton Frondell one-timer on the power play. Kane picks up his 900th assist. https://t.co/OBv4uPDvvN

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 31, 2026

It was Kane’s 900th career assist on the Frondell goal.

Later in the period, the Bruins caught the Blackhawks out of position. Pavel Zacha was able to make stretch pass to a wide-open David Pastrnak. Pastrnak beat Avrid Soderblom on the 1-on-1 opportunity.

The Pastrnak goal was the last goal of the period. The first ended knotted at 1-1.

Second period

Early in the second, Tyler Bertuzzi floated a puck toward the net that was deflect by Frondell for this second goal of the game.

GOAL: Anton Frondell deflects in his second goal of the game. https://t.co/PiPIYe0IGB

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 31, 2026

Past the midway point of the second period, James Hagens sent a pass over to Casey Mittelstadt for his fifth goal of the season.

Late in the second period, Alex Vlasic was called for roughing on Mittelstadt. With Vlasic on the ice, Nikita Zadorov sucker punched Vlasic, leading to a miscoduct penalty.

Huge scrum involving Vlasic and Mittelstadt. Zadorov comes in and lands a cheap shot: https://t.co/5MWPtKwY6A

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 31, 2026

Period ended tied at 2-2.

Third period

Ryan Greene was able to bury a shot past Michael DiPietro to give the Hawks the lead.

GOAL: Ryan Greene scores on a 3-on-1 break to retake the lead! https://t.co/EiqVX655EH

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 31, 2026

Later in the period, Chicago was able to break out of their own zone. After the puck bounced through Hagens’ skates, Connor Bedard was able to bury it for the 4-2 lead.

GOAL: Connor Bedard WHAT A GOAL! Blackhawks up 4-2. https://t.co/IBlhbKrDGt

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 31, 2026

Sadly, that was last goal of the game for Chicago.

With seven minutes to go in the period, Mason Lohrei beat Soderblom short side for the Bruins’ third goal of the game.

Morgan Geekie fired a slap shot by Soderblom to tie the game up with 12 second left.

Overtime

Frondell had a great chance in the OT that was denied by DiPietro. Less than 30 second after the Frondell chance, Elias Lindholm buried the game-winner.

Analysis

Despite the loss, there were some positives. Connor Bedard said postgame he thought it was the Hawks’ best game of the season. Bedard was special with the puck on his stick in this game. He was generating chances and buried his best opportunity of the game.

Another postive was the play of Anton Frondell. Frondell was finally moved up to the power play and paid immediate dividends. Frondell nearly ended the game in overtime with his rush to the net. On offense, the Hawks out the Bruins 41-32, which was another positive.

In terms of the negatives, the Soderblom experiment is well past over; he should not finish the season in the NHL. The coaching staff seems to feel the same way as this was his first appearance in 23 days. He finished with an .844 save percentage on the game.

Wyatt Kaiser might have reached his ceiling as a player. If the Hawks bring a veteran left-handed defenseman, Kaiser could be dealt to a contender later this season.

With the rumors swirling that the Blackhawks are looking for veterans at forwards and defense, our very own Andy Campbell and I believe that the Hawks should not give up on Bedard, Arytom Levshunov, who turned in another great game, and Frondell.

The Blackhawks’ next game is Monday at home against the Colorado Avalanche.

The post RECAP: The nightmare continues as Hawks lose 5-4 in OT to Bruins appeared first on The Rink.

First period

Connor Bedard put the Hawks on the board first with his third of the season. Roman Kantserov skated through the middle of the Detroit zone and dropped the puck off to Wyatt Kaiser, whose shot was stopped but Bedard tapped in the rebound at 5:59. The Hawks took a 1-0 lead and it would stay that way through one period of action. For Kantserov, it was his first career assist.

fourth straight game with a point for Bedard
third straight game with a point for Kantserov and first career assist
Kaiser back-to-back games with a point https://t.co/FmvTkwu9Zv

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 29, 2026

Second period

Viktor Arvidsson tied the game at 1-1 with his sixth of the season at 7:25. William Wallinder’s shot from the point was tipped in by Arvidsson, who was all alone in front of the Hawks’ net. The game would remain tied at 1-1 after 40 minutes.

Third period

Detroit broke the tie early in the period with a power play goal from Lucas Raymond, who fired a wrist shot from the right circle through traffic to give Detroit a 2-1 lead. For Raymond, it was his fourth of the season at the 1:09 mark of the third.

Arvidsson tallied his second of the game and seventh of the season at 15:26 to give Detroit a 3-1 lead. Alex DeBrincat’s wrist shot was stopped, but Arvidsson drove hard to the net and poked in the rebound at 15:26.

Arvidsson completed the hat trick with his eighth of the season at 16:45 to give Detroit a 4-1 lead, which was the final.

Analysis

Plain and simple, this was a missed opportunity. The Hawks were coming off a win and facing a Detroit team playing its first game at home off a long West Coast road trip. The start was promising when the Hawks jumped out to a 1-0 lead within the first six minutes, but then, for whatever reason, lost all momentum. After registering six shots on goal within the first eight minutes of the game, the Hawks applied little pressure offensively, as they had just 13 shots on goal the rest of the contest.

The Blackhawks’ road trip continues on Saturday afternoon against the Boston Bruins. Puck drop is at 12 p.m. CDT on CHSN with the radio call on 720 AM WGN.

The post RECAP: Red Wings drop Hawks 4-1 behind Arvidsson’s hat trick appeared first on The Rink.

The Blackhawks would look to get back into the win column against the Los Angeles Kings, who had just beat the New York Rangers the previous evening. The Blackhawks’ lineup changes were minimal, as Oliver Moore came back in for Andrew Mangiapane.

#Blackhawks morning skate lineup:
Kantserov-Bedard-Greene
Bertuzzi-Frondell-Donato
Moore-Nazar-Kane
Smith-Greenway-Teravainen

Vlasic-Cole
Kaiser-Levshunov
Korchinski-Rinzel

Knight
Soderblom

Extras: Mangiapane, Del Mastro, Byram (upper body, non contact jersey)

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 27, 2026

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First period

Two and a half minutes into the game, the Blackhawks were already down. After Chicago failed to clear the puck out of the zone, the Kings got it in deep. After a scramble in front, Andre Lee and Jared Wright poked it free to Samuel Helenius, who poked it past Spencer Knight, 1-0 Los Angeles.

The Blackhawks actually put some pressure on the Kings after the goal. By the end of the period, they had almost equal shots, though not quite as many high-danger opportunities. Knight settled in as well and stopped the other Los Angeles opportunities in the period. We would go to the second with the score still 1-0 Kings after the very early goal.

Second period

Finally, the Blackhawks looked to have a period that they looked like they would control. Just a few seconds into the period, Moore set up Artyom Levshunov for a huge opportunity. He was stymied by Anton Forsberg, but the Blackhawks would not let up. Just 2:20 in, Ryan Donato was denied on a chance in tight that would have tied it up.

Goodness gracious is Ryan Donato weirdly snakebitten. His smile and laugh says it all. #Blackhawks https://t.co/AFLKzjJZio

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 28, 2026

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Late in the period, the Kings’ Joel Armia took back-to-back penalties to give the Blackhawks multiple chances on the power play. The first came and went, but nine seconds into the second opportunity, Connor Bedard found Roman Kantserov right in front of the net, who scored to knot things up 1-1.

Connor Bedard to Roman Kantserov, who scores his 5th goal of the season. And the power play drought is over. #Blackhawks https://t.co/gHVehoXLE7

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 28, 2026

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Both teams would go to the third period all tied up at 1-1.

Third period

The Kings started off the third period on the power play. Sam Rinzel got called for a high stick that drew blood late in the second, so that bled over into the third. The Kings got good puck movement on their power play, but could not beat Knight, who kept things tied 1-1. After a great opportunity for Bedard that was turned aside, the Blackhawks had the puck in the attacking zone again. Patrick Kane got the puck to Frank Nazar. He saw Wyatt Kaiser getting in close, and found him with the puck. He wristed it past Forsberg for his first of the season, making it 2-1 Blackhawks.

“let’s GOOOOOOO” – #️⃣4️⃣4️⃣ https://t.co/80fxdeWt9k

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 28, 2026

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The Kings would get a few more shots on net, but it wouldn’t be enough to beat Knight. The Blackhawks would close this one out, getting the 2-1 victory.

Analysis

The Blackhawks did a lot right this game that they haven’t done all season. They seemed to want to play the entire game this time, which has not happened in most other games this season. There have been periods of play where they haven’t shown up at all, but that was not the case for this game. Knight did some bailing out, as he often does, but the team was better in this game defensively than I have seen the rest of the year. On the Kaiser goal, the Blackhawks showed how well this offense can run. The crisp passing was something that, as Blackhawks fans, you hope can become a staple of this team for the rest of the season.

The Blackhawks’ next game is on Thursday night in Motor City to face the Detroit Red Wings. That game will be at 6:30 p.m. CDT on Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks dethrone Kings, win at home 2-1 appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq.,  try hard to stay positive amidst the Blackhawks three-game home losing streak. Is the Jeff Blashill era coming to a quick and abrupt halt? What is next for this laboring hockey club?

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 10 Episode 7 – No Where to Run to Nowhere to Hide; Hawks Stink appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago had a much better effort, but unfortunately, a costly line change late in the third period proved to be the difference, leading to the game-winning goal.

First period

Chicago got off to a great start in this game. Ryan Greene was able swat a puck out of the air for the game’s first goal and his first of the season.

GOAL: Ryan Greene bats in a puck in front to open the scoring. https://t.co/k7W6U2dyRH

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 25, 2026

Later in the period, Sandis Vilmanis of Florida tied the game at 1-1.

Matthew Tkachuk gave the Panthers the lead with a power-play goal late in the first period.

Second period

Roman Kantserov noted the game at 2-2 for the Blackhawks.

GOAL: Kane to Kantserov to tie the game. https://t.co/Dpz4QTbQUH

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 25, 2026

Third period

In the third period, the Hawks played the Panthers tough. The young defensemen of Sam Rinzel and Korchinski made an ill-advised change that led to the Lars Ellers game-winner. Rinzel and Korchinski had been playing well in the game before the bad change.

Analysis

This game will go into the scorebook as a loss but perhaps this game is the start of the change. The Hawks were engaged and competitive in the third period of this game. Based on the numbers, the Hawks played Florida even for the game.

Expected goals today, per Natural Stat Trick:

Chicago: 3.4
Florida: 3.38

Even game. Power play going 0-for-7 was the difference. Not having Bowen Byram up top has been tough. Obviously another loss is frustrating but hard to be mad about the effort. #Blackhawks

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 25, 2026

I believe we can take a few things from this loss. The most important thing is this effort needs to be there night in and night out. When the Hawks bring the effort, they can play with the top teams in this league. If they would have any puck luck on any of Ryan Donato’s chances, the result might have been different.

The second thing is that Hawks have to get better on the power play. Without Bowen Byram, the power play has had to adjust its deployment but it’s clear it is still not working. They were 0-7 today and 0-6 against Montreal; that’s 0-13 in their last two games. The last two games, the unit has been five forwards: Connor Bedard, Patrick Kane, Teuvo Teravainen, Kantserov and Tyler Bertuzzi. I think it’s time for that composition to change.

The final thing is that when given a chance, Korchinski can play in this league. With a team starved for offense, a young offensive-minded defenseman might be able to help. Blashill said Korchinski “did a lot of good things today.” Hopefully the effort of this game will continue throughout the rest of the season.

The Hawks’ next game is Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

The post RECAP: Hawks fall 3-2 to Florida appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq., discuss the Blackhawks’ struggles, Blashill comments on breakouts, Kevin Korchinski, trivia, and much more.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 10 Episode 6 – Finally Another Game! appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The aforementioned Bedard goal, on the power play, gave the Blackhawks the lead at 1-0 at the 8:11 mark of the opening frame. The goal, assisted by forwards Patrick Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi, was a thing of beauty as the 21-year-old ripped home a wrist shot past Skinner.

Patrick Kane Connor Bedard
goal https://t.co/lYZSQn2thR

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 16, 2026

Frank Nazar would extend the early lead to 2-0 beating Skinner at the 15:10 mark with a wrist shot of his own after a short breakaway. The unassisted goal was Nazar’s third goal of the season.

GOAL: Frank Nazar buries a breakaway goal in his first game back from suspension. https://t.co/5r5vSjFuDZ

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 16, 2026

Chicago had plenty of control of the first period of action and probably could have extended their lead to three on a few occasions but the Jets cut the lead in half at 2-1 after Neal Pionk scored his first of the season, beating goaltender Spencer Knight at the 16:57 mark of the period.

About 20 seconds after the Jets’ tally, forward Ryan Donato beat Skinner for his second goal of the season with an excellent drag move and showed tons of patience before firing home the goal blocker side.

Ryan Donato, that was smoooooth https://t.co/zUvK0Qdnpm

— NHL (@NHL) October 16, 2026

Second period

Winnipeg would take advantage of the intermission and came out with a little pep in their step as Chicago played much of the early part of the period on their heels. After a Ryan Greene tripping penalty, Jets winger Kyle Connor scored his eighth goal of the season to shorten the Chicago lead to 3-2.

Chicago was outshot 13-6 in the middle frame and that did not seem to give justice to some of the pressure the Jets put on in the period.

Third period

The lone goal of the final regulation period came by the way of a tip-in by forward Alex Iafallo at the 5:39 mark. The gaol, Iafallo’s second of the season, tied the game at 3-3 and forced the game into overtime.

Overtime

Levshunov fired home his game-winner after Kane dropped the puck for Bedard, who found some speed and brought a couple defenders his way, leaving the 20-year-old defenseman wide open in front with plenty of time to beat Skinner for the game-winning 4-3 goal.

Chicago goal!

Scored by Artyom Levshunov with 03:23 left in the OT. Assisted by Connor Bedard and Patrick Kane.

CHI: 4 | WPG: 3

#WPGvsCHI #Blackhawks #GoJetsGo https://t.co/mS4KDr8oD5

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) October 16, 2026

Chicago is back on home ice as the Dallas Stars fly into town for a 6 p.m. CDT start on Saturday.

Analysis

Chicago won a game in which they found themselves up early, surrendered a two-goal lead and found more in the tank to finish off a Jets team that had been playing very well to start the season. Bedard, Nazar and Levshunov each scoring goals was a great night for the young nucleus of this hockey team still putting things together.

Playing defense in the NHL is a difficult task that many young defensemen struggle with for years. Levshunov is still a baby in terms of his NHL age and continues to grow on offense while trying to figure out how to defend the world’s best forwards every night. Anyone looking for a prime example of a high draft pick who has all the talent in the world but is still trying to figure things out each night should look no further than Owen Power in Buffalo. The 24-year-old has seven points in seven games this season, which is his SIXTH season in the NHL. That’s right fans, it’s taking a “sure-fire” No. 1 pick six seasons to finally show that he may eventually turn into the Norris Trophy candidate many thought he could turn into, myself included. Let’s give the Blackhawks’ 20-year-old defenseman some time to develop and realize he’s trying to develop on a bottom-five type team.

The post RECAP: Levshunov’s game-winner downs Jets 4-3 in overtime appeared first on The Rink.

First period

Chicago opened the scoring at the 0:28 second mark of the game when forward Teuvo Teravainen scored his first goal of the season beating Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov. The goal, assisted by forwards Anton Frondell and Tyler Bertuzzi, would energize the crowd early as the rowdy faithful were still buzzing from the return from Bedard.

Teuvo Teravainen opens the scoring for Chicago just 28 seconds into the game. His 1st goal of the season. #Blackhawks https://t.co/luj5WhVJ5I

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 14, 2026

Pittsburgh would tie the score at 1-1 after 39-year-old captain Sidney Crosby scored his first goal of the season beating goaltender Spencer Knight at the 6:57 mark of the opening frame. The goal, assisted by defenseman Erik Karlsson, came after a terrible play along the boards that broke out to a 2-on-1 for Pittsburgh.

Chicago would take the lead before the first intermission when 22-year-old winger Roman Kantserov buried a power-play goal for his second goal of his career. The goal was assisted by Bedard and defenseman Bowen Byram.

Power play goal for Chicago!

Scored by Roman Kantserov with 02:10 left in the 1st. Assisted by Connor Bedard and Bowen Byram.

CHI: 2 | PIT: 1

#PITvsCHI #Blackhawks #LetsGoPens https://t.co/n6TcVfRbm6

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) October 14, 2026

Second period

Kansterov extended the Blackhawks’ lead to 3-1 with his second of the game, at the 10:32 mark, beating Murashov with a tip out front. The goal, Kantserov’s third of his career, was assisted by defenseman Artyom Levshunov and forward Patrick Kane.

Chicago goal!

Scored by Roman Kantserov with 09:28 left in the 2nd. Assisted by Artyom Levshunov and Patrick Kane.

CHI: 3 | PIT: 1

#PITvsCHI #Blackhawks #LetsGoPens https://t.co/sF3VG0XO5a

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) October 14, 2026

Pittsburgh would answer with just less than three minutes left in the period when forward Nick Robertson scored his fourth goal of the season beating Knight.

Third period

Crosby would show his world-class talent and tie the game with a wrist shot at the 9:17 mark of the last period to tie the game and 3-3.

Teravainen would score his second of the game to give the Blackhawks a 4-3 lead at the 15:42 mark. The goal, which would become the game-winner, was assisted by forwards Ryan Greene and Cole Smith.

Chicago goal!

Scored by Teuvo Teravainen with 04:18 left in the 3rd. Assisted by Ryan Greene and Cole Smith.

CHI: 4 | PIT: 3

#PITvsCHI #Blackhawks #LetsGoPens https://t.co/NTmmJb0MXx

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) October 14, 2026

Bertuzzi finished off the scoring with his second goal of the season into an empty net to give the home team a hard fought 5-3 victory.

Analysis

Kantserov and Teravainen each scored twice and Bedard assisted in his return back to the lineup. Frondell added two assists giving him five on the season. Chicago needed an offensive outburst, scoring two or less goals in four of their first six games this season. Fans had to be excited to see the youngsters perform at the level they know they are capable.

To say this was a must-win game in October would clearly be ridiculous, but after a few lackluster performances throughout the early season, the return of Bedard was the jump the team clearly needed. One player does not make a team but one player can definitely change a team.

The Hawks are back in action on Thursday, hosting the Winnipeg Jets for a 7 p.m. CDT puck drop.

The post RECAP: Kantserov, Teravainen score two goals each, Hawks win 5-3 over Pens appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq., discuss the pending return of Blackhawks captain, Connor Bedard and what that may mean to ignite the team amidst a sloppy 1-5 start to the 2026-27 season..

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 10 Episode 5 – The (much needed) Return of #98? appeared first on The Rink.

First period

On the offensive side, Chicago had two separate A+ changes from Wyatt Kaiser and Nick Lardis. Brandon Bussi of Carolina was able to hold the Hawks scoreless.

For the majority of the period, Spencer Knight stood tall in the Hawks’ net. With the period winning down, Mark Jankowski scored a breakaway goal to give the Carolina the lead. Sam Rinzel committed a costly error at the blue line.

Second period

With the Blackhawks on the power play, Bowen Byram breaks his stick at the point. He then chose to get back on defense. With Byram stickless, the Canes capitalized. Sebastian Aho took advantage on the play and scored top shelf over Knight.

Later in the period, Logan Stankoven took the puck to the net. Knight deflected the Stankoven shot back to the Carolina forward, and he then found a wide-open Jackson Blake. Blake fired the shot in for the Canes’ third goal of the game.

With Chicago down 3-0, Kantserov stole the puck at the blue line and then was off to the races.

GOAL: Roman Kantserov scores his FIRST NHL GOAL on a breakaway! https://t.co/XspQsbWnu1

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 11, 2026

The Canes were not done yet in the second period. Taylor Hall ripped a shot past Knight to make the score 4-2.

Third period

Carolina got its fifth goal from Jordan Martinook on a simple backhanded shot.

Late in the third period, Oliver Moore scored the Hawks’ second goal of the game.

Oliver Moore bats the puck out of mid-air for his 2nd goal of the season. #Blackhawks https://t.co/nSNcB51Nee

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 11, 2026

The Hawks fell 5-2.

Analysis

The Hawks lost another game to a superior team. The defense is still an adventure in their own zone and they have not found other scoring options without Connor Bedard. While familar face Eddie Olczyk asked fans not to judge the team without Bedard, how can we not judge them?

Yes, this team was built around Bedard and not having him is a huge blow, but can’t the team play more competitive hockey? With the franchise approaching Jeremy Colliton level of embarrassment, all eyes are focused on Jeff Blashill and Kyle Davidson.

Blashill tried to assure people this team is going to win, but he wasn’t clear if it would be this season. With Bedard hopefully returning soon, Blashill better hope they start winning this year, otherwise, he will join Colliton on the list of former Blackhawks head coaches.

The Blackhawks next game is Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. CDT.

The post RECAP: Kantserov scores first goal as Hawks lose to Hurricanes 5-2 appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The Islanders struck first late in the opening frame on the power play when Bo Horvat scored his third of the season. Off a faceoff win, Matthew Schaefer shot one from the point that Soderblom denied but Horvat pounced on the rebound at 19:01 to give the Isles a 1-0 lead after one.

Second period

At 6:44, Emil Heineman scored his second of the young season to give the Islanders a 2-0 lead. It was an unfortunate break (literally) for the Hawks, as Sam Rinzel broke his stick and Matias Maccelli on the half wall found Heineman trailing and he fired a wrist shot from the top of the left circle to extend the Islanders’ lead.

Former Blackhawk forward Anthony Duclair extended the Islanders’ lead to 3-0 with his first of the season. Duclair had a step on Artyom Levshunov driving to the net and drew a penalty. Jean-Gabriel Pageau retrieved the puck from the corner and fed Logan Stanley in the right circle and he made a diagonal pass to a wide-open Duclair, who buried it at 9:38. The home team would take a 3-0 into the locker room after two periods.

Third period

With 2:32 left and the Hawks’ net empty, Patrick Kane found Frank Nazar in the slot and he connected on a one-timer for his second of the season. The Hawks trailed 3-1.

BANG https://t.co/lwA2M7i4hu

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 9, 2026

Bo Horvat iced the game with an empty-net goal for his second of the game and fourth of the season. The Islanders would go on to win 4-1.

Analysis

The Hawks had a solid start offensively against a tough team on the road but could not put the puck in the net. Eventually, the Islanders broke through and the Hawks could not come back. Beyond the loss, the Hawks may be without Nazar for a game or two after being assessed a match penalty following a hit to the head of Horvat as he scored the Islanders’ fourth goal. While the Hawks were able to generate some offensive zone pressure at even strength, they continue to end possessions in turnovers and odd-man rushes the other way instead of goals.

The Blackhawks return home to face the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night at the United Center. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. CDT on CHSN with the radio call on 720 AM WGN.

The post Hawks lose fourth straight road game, fall 4-1 to the Islanders appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The Blues drew first blood when Mason MacTavish scored his second of the season at 15:38. Nick Lardis turned the puck over in the neutral zone and MacTavish led the rush and snapped a wrist shot from the slot past Knight to give the Blues a 1-0 lead. After one, the Blues maintained a one-goal advantage.

Second period

After a Blues goal was challenged and overturned for being offside, the Blackhawks tied the game on a power-play goal by Sam Rinzel. Frank Nazar skated in and took a shot from the side of the net but a pinching Rinzel pounced on the rebound for his first of the season at 5:40 to tie the game at 1-1.

first goal in the UC of the 2026/27 season https://t.co/n9RqNZbpAl

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 7, 2026

Exactly two minutes later, the Hawks took a 2-1 lead on Anton Frondell’s first of the season. Artyom Levshunov displayed some tremendous puck control as he faked a Blues player near the blue line then skated through three Blues players in the slot and made a blind backhand pass to Frondell, who buried the one-timer at 7:40.

FRONDEEEEEEZY https://t.co/lTS4lYiZhG

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 7, 2026

The Hawks would take a one-goal lead into the locker room after two frames.

Third period

With the Hawks clinging to a one-goal lead while shorthanded and the Blues’ net empty, Cole Smith skated after a loose puck in the offensive zone and fired it in for his first of the season at 18:51 to give the Hawks a 3-1 lead.

COLE SMITH EVERYONE!!! https://t.co/n1nVndPwlZ

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 7, 2026

With their net empty, the Blues battled back at Connor McMichael scored from the slot to cut the Hawks lead to 3-2.

Frank Nazar put it away with 3.4 seconds left as he outskated a Blues defender for his first of the season into the open net. Hawks won it 4-2.

a moment for Frank’s goal, pls https://t.co/Cj0CumS67e

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 7, 2026

Analysis

Hawks fans can exhale as the team put forth a solid effort on an emotional night highlighted by Kane’s return. While there were still moments of sloppy play including multiple defensive breakdowns that led to breakaways, Knight was there to shut the door. Knight made 25 saves and earned the game’s first star. The Hawks hit the road again for their next game against the New York Islanders on Thursday night at UBS Arena. Puck drop is at 6:30 p.m. CDT on CHSN with the radio call on WGN AM 720.

The post Hawks win first of the season 4-2 over the Blues in home opener appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald, Rink co-founder Jeff Osborn, prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq., and a late addition of Andrew Bard recap and review the miserable start to the 2026-27 Blackhawks season, and when, if ever, they will be able to dig themselves out of the mess they’re in.

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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 10 Episode 4 – What now? appeared first on The Rink.

By falling to the swords, the Hawks are now 0-3-0 for the first time since 2020-21.

First period

In the first period, Chicago jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal from Ryan Donato.

Less than five minutes later, veteran forward Tyler Bertuzzi made it 2-0 in favor the Hawks. The tape-to-tape passing led to the Bertuzzi goal.

GOAL: A great passing sequence leads to a Tyler Bertuzzi tap-in. 2-0. https://t.co/8aASnUruEj

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 3, 2026

This was the biggest lead of the game for either team. Before the end of the second period, Buffalo cut the lead in half. Jack Quinn netted the Sabres first goal of the game.

Second period

Early in the second, Tage Thompson potted the equalizer to tie the game at 2-2.

Chicago responded with a nifty give-and-go from Anton Frondell to Oliver Moore for the goal.

The period ended with the Hawks up 3-2.

Third period

In the final frame, the Sabres tied the game up with a goal from Rasmus Dahlin.

With the Hawks clinging to dear life, Buffalo broke through again with the game-winning goal from Jiri Kulich.

Buffalo defeated the Hawks 4-3.

Analysis

Despite the better efforts, the Hawks’ list of question marks continue to grow. The team still has issues clearing its own zone. The forward group still needs to do a better job of back checking.

On defense, Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro got their first starts of the season. Sam Rinzel earned his first healthy scratch and Bowen Byram was out due to a personal matter. Rinzel had struggled in his first two appearances this season.

Whether it’s Korchinski, Del Mastro or Rinzel, the Hawks need these young defenders to take the next steps their development.

Chicago needs to shore up some of its issues before their home opener on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. CDT.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks squander third-period lead, fall in Buffalo 4-3 appeared first on The Rink.

Although last season was disappointing, Rockford remained quiet during the offseason. Most of the new faces come from Chicago’s extensive prospect pool. These prospects swarmed the forward depth chart. Additions outside of the organization were used to fill roles left by departing skaters. The organizational philosophy regarding the IceHogs’ roster construction remains the same. Fill out the roster with prospects nearly ready for the NHL, and surround them with reliable veteran skaters who can be leaned on.

What’s new?

Sacha Boisvert will start the regular season with Rockford. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

The most significant change to the IceHogs this offseason came behind the bench. Despite retaining most of the coaching staff, assistant coach Rob Klinkhammer was let go following the 2025-26 season. Klinkhammer was an assistant for Rockford since 2022. His role has not been replaced, leaving Rockford with one assistant coach, Josh MacNevin.

For skaters, additions outside of the organization have been few. Most significantly, Rockford signed veteran defenseman Connor Mackey. Last season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Mackey recorded 18 points in 62 games. Mackey should fill in for the departing Dmitry Kuzmin, who left for the KHL in the offseason.

Within the organization, Rockford added multiple forward prospects looking to carve out a role at the professional level. The three prospect additions are Sacha Boisvert, A.J. Spellacy and Marek Vanacker.

Boisvert arrives to Rockford following a season split between Boston University and the Chicago Blackhawks. The former 18th overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft had an eye-opening offseason, bulking in size in preparation for his first full professional season. Boisvert split training camp between Chicago and Rockford, taking the 1C role in Rockford’s preseason game against the Milwaukee Admirals on Monday. Boisvert looks to make an impact with his size and skill this season.

If Boisvert’s size is impressive, Spellacy’s could be game-changing. Spellacy spent the previous two seasons with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. He caught many by surprise as a standout during the 2025 preseason, and has continued to play a literally large role on the ice. Although he did not play for Rockford during the preseason, the former third-round pick looks to produce for the Hogs.

Finally, Vanacker looks to bring his scoring touch to his professional debut. Vanacker, the former 27th overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, exploded last season with 47 goals with the Brandford Bulldogs of the OHL. Vanacker looks to be the scoring winger Rockford desperately missed last season.

The forwards

Paul Ludwinski looks to put his injury behind his this season. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

Along with the new prospects, Rockford looks to bring back important pieces from last season’s forward group. The most important being team captain and point leader, Brett Seney. With the IceHogs, Seney has recorded 207 points since joining the team in 2022.

Along with Seney, Rockford brought back two forwards who passed through waivers earlier this week. Landon Slaggert and Dominic Toninato look to add experience and skill to a forward group looking for it.

Joining the veterans are multiple young skaters looking to bounce back from injury plagued seasons. Paul Ludwinski, Gavin Hayes and Samuel Savoie appear poised to do so. Ludwinski played only three games last season before a left knee injury ended his season last October. Hayes looked to be breaking out late last season before an MCL injury cut his momentum short in March. Savoie missed a few weeks in February with a lower-body injury. If all three of these forwards can maintain health, the forward depth looks dangerous.

These forwards, along with others looking to improve in their first full AHL seasons, like Jiri Felcman and Chase Dafoe, creates a chance for head coach Jared Nightingale to roll out four productive forward lines. The depth chart may shape out as such:

Savoie-Seney-Hayes

Slaggert-Boisvert-Toninato

Spellacy-Felcman-Vanacker

Mylymok/Misiak-Ludwinski-Lombardi/Boucher

The defensemen

Cavan Fitzgerald looks to be the veteran cornerstone of the defense. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

Outside of Mackey, the defensive group looks mostly the same. Prospect Ashton Cumby is the new kid on the block for the defense. The 2025 sixth-round pick looks to make noise during his first professional season.

With few changes, the defensive core may look like this:

Harding-Fitzgerald

Mackey-Furlong

Cumby-Pouliot

The goaltenders

Drew Commesso starts the season in Rockford, but how long will he stay? (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

The goalie crew looks like it did to finish last season. Drew Commesso looks to be the starting goaltender going into the season. However, the question around Commesso appears to be when, not if, he gets a full-time gig in the NHL.

When that happens, returning goalie Stanislav Berezhnoy would see his role turn from primary backup, to primary starter. Berezhnoy missed some time last season due to a suspension, but appeared in 16 contests, recording five wins and a .886 save percentage.

In the wings is rookie goaltender Adam Gajan. A 2023 second-round pick, Gajan played one game for Rockford last season. In that game Gajan saved 36 of 39 shots in a loss against the Chicago Wolves. Gajan looks to build off his impressive debut.

Season outlook

Rockford IceHogs skaters acknowledge the crowd following their preseason game on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

“I’m extremely excited for this year’s group in Rockford,” said Rockford color commentator Dana Grey. “Of course, rosters can change quickly in the AHL, but the IceHogs have a great balance of exciting prospects, veteran depth and core pieces at every position.”

Have the IceHogs improved from last season? On paper, they are a more balanced roster. The 2025-26 season became defined by a lack of depth following the call-ups of Oliver Moore and Nick Lardis. This season, the forward depth looks deeper, the defense group looks reliable and the goalie room looks young and exciting.

The success of the 2026-27 IceHogs may hinge on if the new faces can make an impact, and if they stay in Rockford for the entire season. That is the constant struggle of AHL teams. Previous IceHogs skaters with strong starts to their seasons find themselves called up, leaving Rockford to rearrange the lineup on the fly. However, Rockford fully embraces seeing their young skaters rise up the ranks, an attitude reflected by Grey.

“It’s always fun to see who takes the next step in their careers and takes advantage of their opportunities.”

The opportunities begin tonight, as the IceHogs host the Admirals in the BMO Center at 7 p.m. CDT.

The post Rockin’ with Rockford: 2026-27 season preview appeared first on The Rink.

New Blackhawks lines in practice:

Bertuzzi-Frondell-Kane
Teravainen-Kantserov-Lardis
Donato-Nazar-Moore
Smith-Greene-Greenway

Vlasic-Byram
Kaiser-Levshunov
Cole-Rinzel
Korchinski-Del Mastro

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) September 30, 2026

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First period

After a few good stops by Soderblom, the Blackhawks were still tied through the first 15 minutes of the game. Artyom Levshunov took a penalty for holding at the 15:53 mark of the period. It was all downhill after that. On the ensuing power play, Dylan Guenther took a great feed into the zone. He used Alex Vlasic as a shield, firing the puck past Soderblom, 1-0 Utah.

Under a minute later, Michael Carcone took a feed out in front and put it past Soderblom as well, 2-0 Mammoth. Ryan Donato whiffed on a clearing attempt in behind the net to set them up for the goal. The Blackhawks only managed seven shots on goal in the first, with the Mammoth leading 2-0 going into the second period.

Second period

In the second, things went from bad to worse. Just under 10 minutes into the frame, Mikhail Sergachev put the puck toward the net. It was easily knocked out of the middle of the ice, right to Vincent Trochek. He fed former Blackhawk forward Nick Schmaltz, who was uncovered at the side of the net, 3-0 Utah. A few minutes later, Bowen Byram had a terrible miscue at the blue line and gave the puck up to Lawson Crouse. He got going on the breakaway, but was stopped by Soderblom to keep it a three-goal lead.

Then, Andrew Peeke put a shot right into traffic in front of the net. Anders Lee got his first as a Mammoth on the tip past Soderblom, 4-0 Utah. A minute and a half later, the Mammoth had a power play, after a 4-on-4 had expired. Clayton Keller had a beautiful pass right to Guenther, who potted his second of the game. The Mammoth would carry that 5-0 lead into the intermission.

Third period

The Blackhawks finally tried to go back to lines that had worked before in training camp in the third. It was, by far, their best period of the night.

The top line in the third period has been Kantserov-Nazar-Kane, which was the first line all of training camp. #Blackhawks

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 2, 2026

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The Mammoth got one more from Daniil But on a tip out in front for the 6-0 victory.

Analysis

Not much went right in this game from the Blackhawks’ perspective. The team played horrible defensively, did not get out of the defensive zone, could not get anything going on offense and seemed like they gave up trying at points. They could have iced the Rockford IceHogs’ roster and likely have gotten the same result. After a couple of years of not comprehending why Soderblom is still on the roster, I watch games like this and understand that he just gets hung out to dry a lot. He made some great stops, but when the entire team plays so bad in front of you, there is only so much that you are able to do.

“Arvid Soderblom is so bad, how does he have a job”

Average Arvid Soderblom start: #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/wp4Cf8j4Aw

— The Blackhawks Cowboy (@CowboyNHL) October 2, 2026

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The Blackhawks’ next game is on Saturday night in New York versus the Buffalo Sabres. That game will be at 6 p.m. CDT on CHSN.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks dominated by Utah 6-0 appeared first on The Rink.

Here is the different from last year lineup the Blackhawks rolled out on opening night:

#Blackhawks lineup ahead of Opening Night:
Moore-Kantserov-Kane
Bertuzzi-Frondell-Mangiapane
Donato-Nazar-Lardis
Smith-Greene-Greenway
Teravainen

Vlasic-Byram
Kaiser-Levshunov
Cole-Rinzel
Korchinski-Del Mastro

Knight
Soderblom

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 28, 2026

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First Period:

In the first period, the Blackhawks looked like a team that wasn’t really prepared for the firepower of the Golden Knights. After only a minute of play, Andrew Mangiapane took a tripping penalty behind the Vegas net, giving the home team their first powerplay of the game. They weren’t able to capitalize on the opportunity, but they received another for a big time miscue on the Blackhawks’ part. Lack of communication led to a too man men on the ice call, putting the Golden Knights on the man advantage halfway through the period.

This time, they would get a goal from Victor Olofsson on a wrister that got past Spencer Knight. It wasn’t a great goal to let up from Knight, as he got beat over the glove side on that shot. Almost five minutes later, the Knights would get another one past Knight. This one was due to no one clearing the front of the net at all. Rookie Trevor Connelly parked himself in front and cleaned up a rebound from a Brayden McNabb shot for the first of his career. Vegas would take this 2-0 lead into the intermission.

Second Period:

After the first eleven minutes of the period being more of a back and forth, with Vegas getting almost all the chances and Knight proving up to the task of stopping them, the Blackhawks finally broke through. After Wyatt Kaiser got his stick on a puck in the neutral zone, the puck found its way to Jordan Greenway. He skated into the zone with Ryan Greene and took the shot on goal, wristing it right past Carter Hart for his first as a Blackhawk.

Wyatt Kaiser jumpstarts the goal by getting his stick on puck in the neutral zone: pic.twitter.com/ZY9SSEcJmy

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) September 30, 2026

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Vegas got a goal back a couple of minutes later. With Jack Eichel parked in front of the net, Ivan Barbashev found him from behind the net. He put the puck over the pad and in the back of the net, 3-1 Vegas. Once again, we would head to the intermission with the Golden Knights up by 2.

Third Period:

Four minutes into the third, Showtime had arrived. Patrick Kane got rocking and rolling into the offensive zone. He took the puck from Parker Wotherspoon in the middle of the ice. He out-waited Hart and wristed the puck right over him, 3-2 Vegas.

Showtime: Patrick Kane scores in his first official game back with Chicago. Unreal. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/z8iViR5GCJ

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 30, 2026

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After some vintage Patrick Kane, Blackhawks fans were surely hopeful that the team could get some more offense going to get back into this game. That wouldn’t happen, however, as just thirty-nine seconds later, the Golden Knights would get a goal back. With some great passing, the puck found its way to Noah Hanifin. He put a wrister right under the blocker of Knight, making it 4-2 Vegas.

Mark Stone would deposit an empty netter to seal this one, giving the Golden Knights the season opening victory.

Analysis:

As the periods went on, the Blackhawks got better. They started off from horrible, and then to bad, and then to decent, but have a ton to work on this season. We knew this wasn’t going to be right back to the playoffs for them, but some sloppy defensive play is not going to help cover up for any possibly miscues that will happen. This team does need to get better at covering the net and paying attention to where defenders are. The Eichel goal caught everyone watching the puck instead of watching their player they were supposed to defend, along with the Connelly goal in the first.

Hopefully, the physicality that showed up at times in this game comes to the fore more the rest of the season, as this hit by Sam Rinzel shows that they have the ability to push back against good offense with good defense if they use their size to their advantage.

What a hit by Sam Rinzel. Wow. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/hFJylM0kwK

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 30, 2026

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The Blackhawks’ next game is on Thursday night against the Utah Mammoth. That game will be at 8:30 pm central on ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks drop season opener 5-2 in Vegas appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq., recap the pre-season, discuss the Blackhawks recent transactions, the possible opening night line-up, and make bold predictions ahead of the 2026-27 season opener.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq., discuss in depth the Blackhawks’ first two pre-season games and analysis on early player performances vs the Minnesota Wild, and Bowen Byram’s big pre-season debut.

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Chicago Rinkcast host Andy Campbell, co-host Sean Fitzgerald and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq., are back for the TENTH season to talk about the upcoming 2026-27 Blackhawks Season. Late off-season moves, Bedard’s captaincy, the prospect showcase, the start of training camp, and much more will be covered.

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The 22-year-old was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the first round (7th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, after the pick was acquired, with two additional picks, from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Alex DeBrincat.

Last season, Korchinski spent most of the season in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, amassing 26 points (2G, 24A) in 53 games. He also appeared in 13 games with the Blackhawks, where he put up two assists.

Over his pro career, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound defenseman has totaled 19 points (6G, 13A) in 105 career NHL regular-season games. He also competed in 109 career regular-season AHL games with the IceHogs, scoring 53 points (5G, 48A). Korchinski also tallied four points (2G, 2A) in seven Calder Cup Playoff games with the IceHogs in 2025.

During the 2025 season, the defenseman represented Rockford at the 2025 AHL All-Star Challenge and was named the most valuable player of the event, scoring one goal and three assists, along with a shootout goal, in the championship game.

The post Blackhawks re-sign Kevin Korchinski to two-year deal appeared first on The Rink.

two more years of S H O W T I M E pic.twitter.com/ZTc6Xhi3ef

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 23, 2026

The 37-year-old forward spent the past three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and had 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games last season. Kane played the first 16 years of his career with the Blackhawks and won the Stanley Cup three times with the team in 2010, 2013 and 2015, amassing 1,357 points (498 goals, 859 assists).

Kane has 1,400 total points (508 goals, 892 assists) in 1,369 regular-season games for the Red Wings, New York Rangers and Blackhawks, scoring his 500th NHL goal on Jan. 8. He also broke Mike Modano’s record for points by a U.S.-born player when he scored his 1,375th on Jan. 29.

After being selected first overall by the Blackhawks in 2007, Kane also won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2007-08.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kane has 138 points (53 goals, 85 assists) in 143 games played. He won the Art Ross Trophy as scoring champion, the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP in 2013 and the Ted Lindsay Award as MVP chosen by the NHL Players’ Association in 2015-16.

After his contract expired with Detroit on July 1, it was reported that the Buffalo, New York, native was deciding between returning to Chicago and his hometown Buffalo Sabres. After signing his five-year extension earlier in the week, Connor Bedard was asked about a possible reunion with Kane and the Blackhawks and said:

“I don’t know what I can say to persuade his decision, but obviously we’d all be so excited to have player like that but also a guy like that. I can’t imagine his first game back at the (United Center with the Blackhawks), the reaction he’d get and how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans, as well. That would be incredible to play with him and learn from him.”

Analysis

The Blackhawks and the fanbase will definitely get an early-season boost from the return, but fans must understand that Kane is not the same player he was when he left for the Rangers at the trade deadline in 2023. He will help sell more jerseys and distract people from the Bedard absence.

On the ice, he has settled in as a power-play specialist and emotional leader. It is a popular practice by fans to compare his 57 points last season to the players on the Blackhawks, but it is important to note that he was playing on the power play with Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat. Other than Bedard, Kane will not have that level of teammate with him on the Blackhawks power play.

That said, he can step in and take some of the pressure off Bedard and the rest of the young players, so they can develop into the players that General Manager Kyle Davidson expects them to become. It will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks name Bedard team captain when he returns, or if they give the assistant captainship to both Bedard and Kane.

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks sign Patrick Kane to two-year deal appeared first on The Rink.

While the contact carries a cap hit of $15 million dollars per year, the details of the contract are as follows:

The #Blackhawks signed 21 y/o F Connor Bedard to a 5 year $15M cap hit contract

Yr 1: $7.2M Salary, $9.8M Signing Bonus
Yr 2: $6.2M/$9.8M
Yr 3: $5.2M/$9.8M
Yr 4: $4.2M/$9.8M
Yr 5: $3.2M/$9.8M

Full NMC in Yr 5, deal covers 1 UFA season

Rep’d by Greg Landry @TheHockeyAgency…

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 18, 2026

Bedard signs his contract after 203 points in his first 219 games. The only other player to do that in Chicago was Patrick Kane. Kane also signed a five-year contract after his entry-level deal expired.

Analysis

The Blackhawks signing Bedard to a contract extension was a no-brainer, but the devil was in the details. While Bedard’s camp could have looked at the Leo Carlsson contract as a template for his extension. The Bedard camp went with a more cap-friendly deal.

He gets good money up front and leaves the Hawks cap flexability for now and in the future. The Hawks still have plenty of cap space this offseason to add another forward to the mix.

In addition for this being a good deal for the Blackhawks, it is also a great deal for Bedard. Bedard can control his own destiny in the last year of his deal with a full no-movement clause. He also sets himself for an even bigger payday in 2031. With the salary cap expected to rise and salaries continuing to climb, Bedard will be in store for a massive contract in 2031.

The Blackhawks now have Bowem Byram, Frank Nazar and Bedard signed through 2031.

With Bedard now in the fold, the Blackhawks have $14,310,842 left in cap for 2026-27.

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Chicago Rinkcast co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley, Esq. are joined by Rockford IceHogs play-by-play voice Dana Grey to discuss the Blackhawks development camp, the Rockford IceHogs, and much more.

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Chicago Rinkcast co-host Sean Fitzgerald and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley discuss the recent injury news of Connor Bedard and what it may mean for the Blackhawks.

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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.

Chicago Rinkcast co-host Sean Fitzgerald, and prospect guru Jimmy O’Malley discuss Qualifying offers, the draft, pending free agency, and all else Blackhawks.

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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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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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This offseason is beyond important for Chicago, and, most importantly, for Kyle Davidson. Despite his re-signing, the pressure has never been higher to swing big. The Blackhawks appear ready to move on from bottom-feeder to playoff contender. With over $40 million in projected cap space, now is the time to do so, and here are a few of my predictions for the Blackhawks 2026 offseason.

Sign Connor Bedard long term

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

“Well duh,” you’re probably saying to yourself reading this. This is the obvious priority, and should be taken care of before July 1. The more time passes without an extension, the less time the front office has to address other offseason concerns.

Move on from Andre Burakovsky

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

An addition by subtraction. It is clear that Andre Burakovsky fell out of favor with fans and head coach Jeff Blashill at the end of the season. Four points in his final 35 games is unacceptable. With a desire to add, room has to be made.

Although trading the final year of his contract is preferable, the Blackhawks may have to bite the buyout bullet. If bought out, his $5.5 million cap hit would turn into $2.5 million of cap space next season, with $1.25 million being owed to Burakovsky in the 2027-28 season.

Sell high for Ilya Mikheyev’s signing rights

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

Ilya Mikheyev proved to be a trade steal for the Blackhawks. The 31-year-old forward brought speed and penalty killing to the bottom six.

The Blackhawks saw his value and decided against trading him at the deadline. Now, with reports that Mikheyev turned down a three-year contract extension, Chicago has begun shopping his signing rights. Mikheyev hopes to cash in long term with his next contract.

Despite his value, giving term to a 31-year-old forward with a skillset predicated on speed does not make sense. Recouping value on Mikheyev should be a priority before the draft.

Decide on the backup goaltender

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawk)

An interesting battle going into next season will be the backup goaltender spot. Will it be Arvid Soderblom or Drew Commesso?

To me, the answer is becoming obvious. It should be Commesso. Statistically, Soderblom has been one of the worst NHL goalies for three seasons. It is time to give Commesso the reigns.

With that, the Blackhawks would need to figure out what to do with Soderblom. With one more year on his contract paying him $2.75 million, it would be difficult to find a trade partner willing otherwise take that on. Edmonton? Detroit? Florida? The Rangers? I highly doubt it.

Because of this, waiving Soderblom may be the solution. If claimed, the cap hit is taken off the books. If not, the Rockford IceHogs reunite with a veteran goaltender with NHL experience.

Decide on Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

There are two NHL-level left-handed defensemen on the NHL roster: Alex Vlasic and Wyatt Kaiser. With Matt Grzelcyk unlikely to be re-signed, that leaves one possible lineup spot for two unproven lefties.

Will Chicago choose to go with the upside of Kevin Korchinski? The defensive game of Ethan Del Mastro? Or will they choose to bring back both defensemen and hope one of them emerges? Time will tell, but I doubt term would be offered to both.

A  “prove it” deal makes sense for both of them. Neither has proven enough to deserve term, and if keeping one of them is the right move, a maximum of a two-year contract should be offered. If it were up to me, I would go with the upside of Korchinski over Del Mastro.

Big-fish hunt for top-six winger(s)

This is the most obvious need for the Blackhawks. With recent reports stating that the Blackhawks want to maintain a center depth chart of Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell and Frank Nazar, the need to surround these young guys with talent is apparent. There are few free agents who could fill the role, but the trade market could prove fruitful.

Jason Robertson

(Photo courtesy of Jerome Miron / Imagn Images)

The crown jewel of the trade market, pending restricted free agent (RFA) Jason Robertson is the type of winger the Blackhawks desperately need. A three-time 40-goal scorer, including 45 goals this season, Robertson would immediately bolster the top line.

The problem becomes obvious. Robertson is still under control of the Dallas Stars. The asking price shoots up when dealing in division. However, with reports coming out that Robertson is looking for at least $14 million average annual value (AAV) on his next contract, the teams that can afford to trade for and sign Robertson are few. Chicago fits the requirements.

Matthew Knies

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

Significant cold water has been thrown on the Matthew Knies trade rumors since the draft lottery. With a new front office and the first overall pick in their grasps, the Toronto Maple Leafs may wish to pivot back into adding.

That being said, who knows? It has been reported by David Pagnotta that a trade nearly went down at the deadline that would have sent Knies to the Montreal Canadians for top prospect Alexander Zharovsky, two first round picks and another top prospect. Although Brad Treliving said no, maybe a similar offer, or even better one, could be presented to new Leafs general manager John Chayka.

At 23 years old and a contract that does not expire until 2031, Knies lines up perfectly with the rest of the young Blackhawk roster.

Alex Tuch

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

The only unrestricted free agent (UFA) in this section, Alex Tuch allows Chicago to add to their top six without giving up draft or prospect capital.

With the Buffalo Sabres and Tuch reportedly “far apart” in negotiations, the Blackhawks should strike on July 1.

The issue with Tuch is his age. At 30 years old, Tuch may begin to fade as the rest of the young roster grows. The hope is that he does not become an anchor contract if he were to be signed to a seven-year contract. However, with 66 points this season, Tuch continues to improve his scoring touch with time. His two-way game should age well, even if his offensive skill were to dwindle.

Pavel Dorofeyev

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

The Stanley Cup finalists found yet another diamond in their constant pursuit of success. The former third-round pick is coming off back-to-back regular seasons of 35+ goals. Dorofeyev has exploded onto the scene in these playoffs, greatly increasing his stock and his price.

Like with Robertson, Dorofeyev is an RFA this offseason. The constantly cap-strapped Vegas Golden Knights may need to move their prized youngster, with Chicago taking advantage. The added bonus of proven playoff success from the 25-year-old may increase the asking price, but that is nothing Chicago cannot handle.

Tomas Hertl

(Photo courtesy of David Becker / AP Photo)

More of an “if not A, then B” situation, the second Golden Knight in a row is likely a more realistic option. Vegas will do whatever it takes to retain Dorofeyev. If it becomes clear that obtaining Dorofeyev is an impossibility for Chicago, pivoting to Tomas Hertl makes some sense.

A three-time 30-goal scorer in his 13-year NHL career, Hertl remained healthy this season, playing all 82 regular season games, recording 58 points.

At 32 years old, Hertl may not be a long-term piece, but he is a top-six option. With his contract expiring after the 2029-30 season, Hertl may prove cheap to acquire. His cap hit of $6.75 million is significant, and there is plenty of risk, but the upside is there.

Jordan Kyrou

(Photo courtesy of Dennis Schneidler / Imagn Images)

Like with Robertson, acquiring Jordan Kyrou comes with the increase in asking price from the St. Louis Blues. Despite the down season, the 28-year-old winger will cost an arm and a leg.

If the returns for Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk are any indication, the Blackhawks must be ready to pay up for Kyrou’s services. The 70-point scorer’s contract runs until the 2030-31 season.

Alexis Lafreniere

(Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)

The much-maligned former first-overall draft pick may be a quiet target of the Blackhawks. At 24 years old, Lafreniere tied a career high in points this season with 57.

Like with Knies and Robertson, his age lines up very well with the young Chicago core, and could find the potential that made him the top pick in 2019.

At a cap hit of $7.45 million through the 2031-32 season, acquiring Lafreniere would require the Rangers to completely embrace a full teardown. With the trade of Artemi Panarin at the deadline and the rumored shopping of Vincent Trocheck, perhaps the Rangers could be convinced to provide the Blackhawks a young top-six winger.

Add to the left side of the blue line

Even if the Blackhawks were to bring back both Korchinski and Del Mastro, the same issue that plagued last years roster threatens again. The roster is young, way too young. Vlasic cannot be the elder statesman at 24 years old.

The priority should not be just to add experience, but experience with talent. A Grzelcyk-like signing would not cut it for this upcoming season. A left-handed defenseman who can at least play on the second pair should be prioritized. Here are a few options:

Mario Ferraro

(Photo courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Imagn Images)

The soon-to-be UFA Mario Ferraro is reportedly projected for a contract with an AAV around $5.1 million. At 27 years old, it is fair to say that the defenseman is entering his physical prime, and the Blackahwks make sense as a team looking to add Ferraro’s talents.

After a career high in points and goals, Ferraro should immediately slot in the second pair, becoming a reliable partner for young righties like Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel.

Morgan Rielly

(Photo courtesy of Dennis Schneidler / Imagn Images)

The leader of the Maple Leafs’ defense struggled this past season. With his lowest point total in a season when he has played at least 60 games since the 2016-17 season, Rielly’s large contract is one that Toronto would like to move.

At 32 years old, Rielly’s contract runs until the 2029-30 season at a $7.5 million cap hit. Despite his previous season woes, Rielly can move the puck to the tune of 50+ assists per season. His defensive metrics have slipped with age, but his value cannot be ignored.

With some retention, Chicago could add a valuable piece to their top four.

Jeremy Lauzon

(Photo courtesy of Eli Rehmer / NHLI via Getty Images)

The third Golden Knight in this article, Jeremy Lauzon can add a physical edge to the second pairing. Coming off a Stanley Cup appearance, the cost of retaining Lauzon could be going up, to the benefit of a buyer like Chicago. The 29-year-old defenseman would slot in immediately as a subtle game-changer to the blue line.

Darnell Nurse

(Photo courtesy of Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

One of the most maligned players in the league, Darnell Nurse is still a valuable defenseman. With recent reports that the Edmonton Oilers want to trade Nurse away, Chicago could take advantage by acquiring a top-four defenseman at the bottom of his value.

It would be a tough sell to purchase the entire contact of Nurse. Retention would be a necessity. Edmonton may be desperate to move Nurse and the four years remaining on his contract. Nurse at $9.25 million a year is rough, but Nurse at 33% retention, which comes out to roughly $6.19 million, is reasonable.

This all become a moot point if Nurse does not waive for the Blackhawks, but with recent reports that the pending divorce is mutual, it is not an impossibility.

Bowen Byram

(Photo courtesy of Marc DesRosiers / Imagn Images)

The former fourth-overall draft pick may be on the cutting block for Buffalo. With the impending free agency of Tuch, Buffalo may look to offload the final season of Byram’s contract. His $6.25 million cap hit could be easily absorbed by Chicago.

Byram brings Stanley Cup experience, and at 24 years old, there is room to improve. Byram may achieve his first-pairing potential with the Blackhawks.

Add speculative value to the bottom-six

A small priority, the Blackhawks should look to improve down the lineup. The market for players in this mold is extensive, which allows Chicago to see if they can bring someone in with low expectations but intriguing upside.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

(Photo courtesy of Marc DesRosiers / Imagn Images)

Now, before everyone freaks out, I will explain. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has been in Rod Brind’Amour’s doghouse while with the Carolina Hurricanes. With nine points in 42 regular season games, Kotkaniemi’s game has completely fallen off a cliff, remaining in the press box during Carolina’s run to the Stanley Cup.

Here is where Chicago swoops in. Kotkaniemi is a buyout candidate. The Blackhawks could see him as a bounce-back candidate.

At only 25 years old, the idea that he could return to form is not absurd. A low-risk buy who could become a 20/20 player if he can add a defensive game, what harm could a one-year contract do?

Brandon Duhaime

(Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro / Imagn Images)

Like Kotkaniemi, Brandon Duhaime lost his offensive touch this season. Despite playing all 82 regular season games for the Washington Capitals, Duhaime only managed nine points.

Never scoring more than 21 points in a season, Duhaime brings a physical, defensive game to the bottom six that would be vacated by a departing Mikheyev. A bounce back on the offensive side of the ice is reasonable. The 29-year-old still offers upside.

Victor Olofsson

(Photo courtesy of Dennis Schneidler / Imagn Images)

The well-traveled veteran Victor Olofsson is quietly a solid target for Chicago. After an underwhelming stint with the Calgary Flames after a deadline trade, questions remain as to whether he will be re-signed.

Coming off back-to-back one-year contracts, the soon-to-be-31-year-old winger has seen a dip in offensive production since his time in Buffalo, but that should not scare off Chicago in their quest for skilled depth.

Analysis

It is time to swing for the fences. Although I would argue missing the playoffs would not cause Davidson to lose his job, another season of not even sniffing them would put Davidson on the hot seat. The contract extension is a reflection that ownership trusts Davidson; it is now time to reward that trust.

Bigger expectations may lead to bigger heartbreak and frustration, but that is why teams go for it. Davidson should willingly put his feet to the fire. Risks must be taken. The prospect pool is loaded, but that will mean nothing if talent cannot be added elsewhere.

The post ANALYSIS: A few predictions of the Blackhawks’ 2026 offseason appeared first on The Rink.

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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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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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 37 – Draft Prospect Analysis / Part 3 – Lefty Defensemen appeared first on The Rink.

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 staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley are joined by Goalie guru Jeff Osborn to discuss the goalie grades from Jimmy’s recent article featuring Blackhawk player season letter grades, as well as those who played with both Rockford and Chicago in 2025-26. They will also touch base on draft prospects, trade potentials, and unrestricted free agents that the Hawks may target in the off-season.

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How did this happen? What led to an ineffective season for the IceHogs? More importantly, can the team recover to make the playoffs next season?

The autopsy

No stranger to fights, Dillon Boucher dropped mitts with Iowa Wild defenseman Roman Schmidt on March 14. (Photo courtesy of August Marturano / Rockford IceHogs)

When assessing the IceHogs’ 2025-26 season, the most glaring flaw was their constant trips to the penalty box. Rockford led the AHL in penalty minutes with 1,239. This includes four skaters with over 100 penalty minutes. Taige Harding (105), Dillon Boucher (114), Andrew Perrott (117) and Connor Mylymok (204) paraded the penalty box with fighting majors and minor infractions.

The constant penalties led to constant penalty killing. Rockford led the league in times shorthanded at 277 times. Despite killing 79.8% of penalties, being down a skater led to 56 power-play goals against, tied for third most against in the league. It became a numbers game that the penalty killers could not overcome.

On the other side of the coin, Rockford’s power play was abysmal. Converting on only 13.1% of their power-play chances. They were second to last on the power play, only outscoring fellow Central Division foe, the Manitoba Moose (11.0%).

More times shorthanded and a less effective power play led to an obvious decline in scoring and an increase in goals against from last season. The IceHogs scored 196 goals this season, compared to 201 last season. They also gave up far more goals this season compared to last, with 245 goals against compared to 220. Going from a -19 goal differential to a -49 led to a frustrating season with no playoffs.

Looking ahead

Joey Anderson scores against the Iowa Wild on April 10. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

There are plenty of things to work on next season for head coach Jared Nightingale. His first season in the AHL was poor, but not impossible to overcome. There is little good to take from this season into next, so the best thing to do is to toss it from memory and move forward. Nightingale, a former captain of the very team he now coaches, knows how to lead young players through a professional season.

Next season’s roster will have some returning faces. Here are the players currently under contract for next season:

Forwards

• Brett Seney
• Dominic Toninato
• Paul Ludwinski
• Martin Misiak
• Gavin Hayes
• Samuel Savoie
• Jiri Felcman
• Chase Dafoe
• Jamie Engelbert
• Kevin Lombardi
• Connor Mylymok

Defense

• Taige Harding
• Jake Furlong
• Derrick Pouliot
• Cavan Fitzgerald

Goaltenders

• Stanislav Berezhnoy
• Adam Gajan

Additional talent could be on its way very soon. Sacha Boisvert, who played seven games with the Blackhawks following his season at Boston University, could bolster this roster. Like with Oliver Moore, Nick Lardis and Frank Nazar, the Blackhawks may start Boisvert in Rockford next season to allow him valuable development time.

Along with Boisvert, forwards like Marek Vanacker and AJ Spellacy are signed to their entry-level contracts. The addition of these young forwards could prove valuable to Rockford returning to the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The rest of the roster is still to be filled out. Will Rockford look to re-sign contributors like Rem Pitlick, Joey Anderson or Dmitri Kuzmin? Is team MVP Drew Commesso coming back? Will Rockford take on other unsigned Blackhawks prospects like Jack Pridham, Julius Sumpf or Ashton Cumby? Will Rockford explore the free agent market? This offseason could be one of interest and intrigue. Time will tell if the Hogs can right the ship for next season.

Final thoughts

I would like to thank the IceHogs organization for any and all contributions this season in covering the team. I would especially like to thank Dana Grey for his insight, and the team photographers for their incredible work. Their photography helped litter these articles with key moments of the Rockford IceHogs’ season. I look forward to another season of IceHogs hockey.

The post Rockin’ with Rockford: On to next season appeared first on The Rink.

The Quebec native began his junior career with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL. He played with Chicoutimi for three seasons and the Québec Remparts for one season, where former NHL goaltender and Hockey Hall of Famer Patrick Roy was his head coach. In total, he played 216 games, where he collected 89 points (31 goals, 58 assists).

Even though he had size and impressive scoring totals, he was left undrafted in his first year of NHL draft eligibility and was ranked the 188th skater in his overage year. Then-Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman drafted him with the second pick of the seventh round, 188th overall.

If you scour the internet for people prognosticating Crevier playing top-pair minutes for any NHL team, you will be hard-pressed to find anyone mentioning his name. Most puck watchers had him predicted for most of his season in Rockford. Yet, this season, Crevier played all but four games with the Blackhawks this season and led all of the defensemen in scoring with 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists), beating Artyom Levshunov by one point.

With the arrival of new Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill, the French-Canadian’s 6-foot-8, 227-pound frame and long reach clearly caught his eye. Crevier played a team-low 8:22 in game two, his first of the season, but scored his first goal and gained his coach’s confidence more every game.

By the season’s end, the most common defensive pair for the Blackhawks was Crevier and Alex Vlasic. Their combined height of 13 feet, 2 inches has them tied with Zdeno Chara (6-foot-9)/Brandon Carlo (6-foot-5) in Boston and Tyler Myers (6-foot-8)/Nikita Zadorov (6-foot-6) in Vancouver. Blashill counted on them to play some of the toughest minutes against opponents’ best players night in and night out, a tough situation for a young team trying to shelter inexperienced defenders. Against all odds, Crevier held his own.

Despite his propensity to start shifts in his own end, he earned a reputation for his cannon of a slapshot, no doubt due to the torque he generated from his tall frame and long stick. According to NHL.com, Crevier had the most shots over 100 piles per hours (six) and had the fourth-hardest shot in a game this season at 102.83 mph. These are pretty impressive and scary statistics, especially for opposing goalies.

Table courtesy of NHL.com

Back to his performance in the Blackhawks’ end of the rink, his advanced numbers are not as bad as one might think from the team’s final record. According to Natural Stat Trick and Moneypuck, Crevier is ranked in the top third of the league for expected goals and blocked shots, top half of the league in defensive giveaways and top 30% for goals above expected of defensemen with more than 500 minutes played. On the other hand, he is more where you would expect (bottom 25%) in terms of goals and shots against per 60 minutes. So, no one is clamouring for a Norris Trophy campaign, but there is hope and some potential that he could be a solid shutdown defender for an organization that has a logjam of puck-moving defenders.

The Rink analysis

No one is under any illusion that all the defenders on this team rank well league-wide. Crevier was thrust into a no-win situation and stayed above water.  He became a reliable and relatively consistent top shutdown guy for the Blackhawks, potentially surpassing his partner, Vlasic. His shot and physical prowess are things that cannot be taught or learned, which gives him a huge leg up on other young blueliners, especially for much less physical players. The fact that a veteran coach like Blashill gave him this level of responsibility tells fans that he sees potential.

The fact that Crevier led all the Blackhawks’ defensemen in scoring also gives some promise that he could develop into a solid two-way guy and potentially get some power-play time as a second-unit triggerman next season.

In a season of lows, Crevier was a ray of light peeking through the clouds. He has plenty of work to do and is older than most of the defensemen around him, but a focused summer of film work and strength building could earn him a sizable raise and multi-year extension next season. At the very least, he can be a useful fifth or sixth defender who teams are always looking to acquire at the trade deadline — a rare draft win for Bowman, and a useful asset for the Blackhawks.

The post ANALYSIS: Louis Crevier, the Blackhawks’ diamond in the rough appeared first on The Rink.

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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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 31 – Blackhawks ’25-26 Player-Letter Grades Part 1 appeared first on The Rink.

Once again, free to object to any of my assessments. These grades are mine alone. They are not a reflection of any other member of The Rink and their assessments, nor the organization as a whole.

For further insight into my grades, please listen to the upcoming Rinkcast.

Grading criteria

Like last year, grades are based on two factors: Objective output and subjective assessment.

• • Objective output: Advanced and counting stats
  • Subjective assessment: Objective output when assessed with previous seasons outputs and preseason expectations, along with unquantifiable value to the team and teammates

Blackhawks roster grades

Criteria

• Must currently be on the Blackhawks’ roster
  • This excludes players traded away
• Must have played at least 25 games with the Blackhawks
  • This excludes players acquired at the trade deadline, or rookies who made their debuts late in the season (Anton Frondell, Sacha Boisvert)

The players are presented in point total order, with the highest-scoring Blackhawk listed first.

Connor Bedard

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: A
• Midterm grade: A
• Season stats: 69 games played, 30 goals, 45 assists, 75 points

Positives

• Career high in goals, assists and points
• Significant improvement at the dot (47.1%)

Negatives

• Scoring regressed to end the season
• Defensive woes

Assessment

What is to say about Bedard that has not been said already? A career season for the 20-year-old in the final year of his entry-level contract, Bedard looks ready for the “C” on his chest.

Of course, there are still areas to grow. His defensive metrics leave a lot to be desired. However, he was not drafted to be a Marian Hossa. Bedard is offensively skilled, and is poised for 100+ point seasons sooner rather than later.

Tyler Bertuzzi

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: A+
• Midterm grade: A+
• Season stats: 79 games played, 32 goals, 26 assists, 58 points

Positives

• Career high in goals (32)
• Led the team in power play goals (11)

Negatives

• Unsustainable shooting percentage (19.5%)

Assessment

Perhaps a surprise, but I am allowing Bertuzzi to keep his A+ grade. One of the few Blackhawks that did not disappear to end the season, Bertuzzi tallied 22 points in his final 37 games.

His shooting percentage dipped from 23.2% to 19.5% to end the season, both marks not easily replicated. Regression in shooting could be in Bertuzzi’s future. However, his consistency in the face of team-wide struggles allows him to keep his grade.

Frank Nazar

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• FInal grade: B
• Midterm grade: B-
• Season stats: 66 games played, 15 goals, 26 assists, 41 points

Positives

• Scoring touch returned near the end of the season
• Efficient center skillset

Negatives

• Extremely streaky scorer
• Jaw is a magnet for pucks

Assessment

Is it too unrealistic to ask Nazar to wear a full face mask for the remainder of his career? Despite the number of injuries, Nazar has proven himself to be an effective middle-six center at worst going forward, finding points in bunches down the stretch.

The problem, however, was his injuries. From his shoulder to his jaw being constantly bombarded with pucks, the young center could not catch a break. It affected his play. There were times where he played without snarl to avoid contact, and it prevented him from being the scoring center we have seen. A full season of health is what the doctor ordered for this upcoming season.

Ilya Mikheyev

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: B+
• Midterm grade: C+
• Season stats: 77 games played, 18 goals, 18 assists, 36 points

Positives

• The only Blackhawk with a positive plus/minus (+2)
• Strong scoring to end the season
• Career high in points (36)

Negatives

• Contract year bump in production?

Assessment

Like Bertuzzi, Mikheyev was one of the few Blackhawks to show up after the trade deadline. With 22 points in his final 37 games, Mikheyev brought the scoring, speed and defensive play from the bottom six.

The question becomes to pay or not to pay? At 31 years old, do the Blackhawks risk giving term to a veteran in his early 30s?

Teuvo Teravainen

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C-
• Midterm grade: C
• Season stats: 75 games played, 14 goals, 21 assists, 35 points

Positives

• Aggressively fine

Negatives

• Scoring dried up
• Stuck on the fourth line at times

Assessment

I described Teravainen as “aggressively fine” in my midterm grades. Now, he is bordering on aggressively mediocre. With 14 points in his final 31 games, his offensively output is essentially gone. He can still distribute the puck and play a sound defensive game, but he may find himself marooned on the bottom six, or even the fourth line, for the rest of his Blackhawks tenure.

Andre Burakovsky

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: F
• Midterm grade: A-
• Season stats: 75 games played, 11 goals, 22 assists, 33 points

Positives

• Good until the new year

Negatives

• Everything in 2026

Assessment

Harsh? Perhaps. Incorrect? Absolutely not! Burakovsky recorded four points in his last 35 games of the season. Starting the season on the first line with Bedard, he quickly dropped to the bottom six and continued his lack of production.

My strongest opinion for this offseason is that Burakovsky should not be a Blackhawk next season. A buyout seems imminent for him, and I fully agree with that move.

Ryan Donato

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C
• Midterm grade: C
• Season stats: 82 games played, 15 goals, 15 assists, 30 points

Positives

• Clean bill of health
• Still an effective two-way forward

Negatives

• Dramatic scoring drop from last season

Assessment

Another “aggressively fine” forward. Donato is who he is, a bottom-six two-way forward who shows flashes of offense, but is mostly there to make sure bad things don’t happen when he is on the ice.

The question is, was this what the Blackhawks expected when they signed him to a four-year extension in the offseason? Time will tell how his contract will age.

Ryan Greene

Ryan Greene celebrates his 12th goal of the season as the Chicago Blackhawks lost 5-1 to the Buffalo Sabres at the United Center on Monday night. (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: A
• Midterm grade: B+
• Season stats: 81 games played, 12 goals, 17 assists, 29 points

Positives

• Efficient bottom-six center
• Can move up and down the lineup

Negatives

• Scoring output does not match his effectiveness

Assessment

I will admit it, I have a soft spot for Greene. His counting stats don’t jump off the screen, but he sure passes the eye test. Whether playing wing on the first line with Bedard, or centering the third line, Greene does his job.

Louis Crevier

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Season grade:  A
• Midterm grade: B+
• Season stats: 78 games played, seven goals, 18 assists, 25 points

Positives

• Best plus/minus of any Blackhawks defensemen (-2)
• Wicked shot
• Two-way game
• Pairs with anyone

Negatives

• Made me look stupid

Assessment

I must come clean. I was dead wrong about Crevier in my midterm grades. Something possessed me to say that he looked no better than a third-pairing guy. He responded by being Chicago’s best defenseman of the season. There is no denying what he did this season.

Artyom Levshunov

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C+
• Midterm grade: B+
• Season stats: 68 games played, two goals, 22 assists, 24 points

Positives

• Dynamic offensive defenseman when on his game
• Most power-play assists by a Blackhawks defenseman

Negatives

• Extremely inconsistent
• Defensive game
• Health issues

Assessment

I still believe in Arty, and will defend him from all attackers. That being said, he had a poor end to his season. With inconsistencies and an injury cutting his season short, it was not the strongest start for the former second overall pick.

Criticism will be thrown his way, but the skill is there. Time is Arty’s best ally, and next season will be another chance for him to show what he can do at the NHL level.

Alex Vlasic

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C+
• Midterm grade: B-
• Season stats: 81 games played, two goals, 19 assists, 21 points

Positives

• Solid in the defensive zone

Negatives

• Lack of offensive production
• Lapses in play

Assessment

Vlasic went from a steal of a contract to a genuine concern at times. Not known for his offensive spark, Vlasic may have been asked to do too much this season. Technically the elder statesman of the defense, Vlasic was expected to play first-pairing minutes at 24 years old. Once Connor Murphy was traded, his role expanded again.

It proved too much at times. The hope is that other defensemen will take the load off of his shoulders next season. If not, a second-pairing defenseman will once again be asked to put a mediocre defense unit on his shoulders.

Oliver Moore

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: B-
• Midterm grade: B+
• Season stats: 51 games played, five goals, 14 assists, 19 points

Positives

• Strong skater
• Effective at the dot (48.3%)

Negatives

• Lack of scoring at the NHL level
• Ended the season injured

Assessment

Moore only played nine games with the Rockford IceHogs to start the season before making his way to Chicago. His speed and faceoff ability translated well to the NHL. However, his scoring touch did not show up. With five points in his final 22 games of the season, more should be expected from Moore.

Wyatt Kaiser

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: B
• Midterm grade: B
• Season stats: 77 games played, six goals, 11 assists, 17 points

Positives

• Solid defensive play
• Secondary puck distributor

Negatives

• Defensive lapses
• Noticeably bad performances

Assessment

Not much to say about Kaiser. How he was at the midway point of the season was essentially what he was a the end. Consistent, with a few ugly games here and there.

Nick Lardis

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: A
• Midterm grade: A
• Blackhawks season stats: 41 games played, 10 goals, five assists, 15 points
• IceHogs season stats: 35 games played, 18 goals, 14 assists, 32 points

Positives

• Late-season scoring spark
• Growing consistency

Negatives

• Defensive game
• Inconsistent spot in the lineup

Assessment

A season split nearly evenly between Chicago and Rockford, Lardis scored 28 goals in his first professional season. The worries that his scoring touch in Brantford would not translate have been erased.

Now it is to be determined where in the lineup Lardis settles into, if a long-term spot is meant for him.

Sam Rinzel

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C+
• Midterm grade: C-
• Blackhawks season stats: 60 games played, four goals, 10 assists, 14 points
• IceHogs season stats: 23 games played, two goals, 12 assists, 14 points

Positives

• Strong end to the season
• Workhorse between the NHL and AHL

Negatives

• Early inconsistencies
• Defensive lapses

Assessment

After spending some more time in Rockford to hone his game, Rinzel finished the season with the Blackhawks with more success. Playing 83 professional games this season, Rinzel showed the endurance needed of an NHL defenseman.

Like with Arty, improvements are expected come next season.

Matt Grzelcyk

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C-
• Midterm grade: C+
• Season stats: 69 games, zero goals, 12 assists, 12 points

Positives

• Fine bottom-pairing guy
• Puck mover

Negatives

• No offense
• Undersized
• Ended the season injured

Assessment

The hardest part about grading Grzelcyk was finding a photograph of him. He was invisible both in a positive and a negative way. You never had to worry about Grzelcyk, but neither did the opponent. He is going to be one of those players that makes fans go, “oh yeah, he played for the Blackhawks, forgot about that.”

Landon Slaggert

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C+
• Midterm grade: C-
• Season stats: 53 games played, three goals, four assists, seven points

Positives

• Came into his own as a fourth liner as the season went on
• Decent physical game

Negatives

• Limited skillset
• Scoring output

Assessment

A player who improved as the season went on, Slaggert subtly impressed with his two-way game fortifying the fourth line. Not flashy, but not asked to be, he took off following the departure of Colton Dach. Perhaps knowing he didn’t have to fight Dach for fourth-line minutes upped his confidence and solidified his game.

Sam Lafferty

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: B
• Midterm grade: N/A
• Season stats: 29 games played, one goal, one assist, two points

Positives

• Simply did what was asked
• Positive locker room presence

Negatives

• Just a 13th forward

Assessment

An obligatory “thank you for your service” grade. Lafferty did what was asked of him, which was mostly to practice hard and sit in the press box. When asked to play, he mostly spent time on the fourth line, with the occasional cameo as a defenseman when the lineup thinned.

Finishing his career with the Blackhawks, Lafferty had a thankless job. He should be commended for it. Not many could go through a final season like his and keep his chin up.

Spencer Knight

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: A
• Midterm grade: A
• Season stats: 55 games played, 19 wins, 25 losses, 11 overtime losses, .902 save percentage, 2.82 goals against average

Positives

• Consistency
• Franchise goaltender

Negatives

• Dip in production to end the season

Assessment

It would be difficult to not give Spencer Knight an A for his season. He held the fort behind a horrid defensive unit. The 11 overtime losses is proof that he kept this team in games that they had no business being in.

Perhaps a bold take, but once this defense gets to be at least average, Vezina votes will start going Knight’s way.

Arvid Soderblom

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawk)

• Final grade: D+
• Midterm grade: D+
• Season stats: 24 games played, eight wins, 13 losses, three overtime losses, .880 save percentage, 3.80 goals against average

Positives

• Better end to the season

Negatives

• Just about everything else

Assessment

I struggle with Soderblom. I do not want to be harsh with how bad the defense is, but his play has not helped his case. When a goalie has a sub-.890 save percentage and gives up nearly four goals per game, there’s not a lot that context can do to help.

Realistically, he could find himself going through waivers in the offseason to allow Drew Commesso to take his spot behind Knight as primary backup goaltender. His days in Chicago may be numbered.

Blackhawks/IceHogs roster grades

Criteria

• At least 10 (three for goalies) games with both the Blackhawks and the IceHogs
• Grading is a cumulative grade based on performance in the NHL and AHL

Kevin Korchinski

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C+
• Midterm grade: B
• Blackhawks Season stats: 13 games played, zero goals, two assists, two points
• IceHogs Season stats: 53 games played, two goals, 24 assists, 26 points

Positives

• AHL All-Star
• Maintained output from last season

Negatives

• Still doesn’t stand out in the NHL
• Undersized
• No “big step” in production

Assessment

Korchinski is an enigma. I get the feeling that the Blackhawks don’t want to get rid of him, fearing a Gustav Forsling situation. I also get the feeling that the Blackhawks don’t know what to do with him. If re-signed, he will have to stay on the NHL roster. He will not be waiver exempt next season. If he gets a bridge contract, what will it look like?

Ethan Del Mastro

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: C
• Midterm grade: C-
• Blackhawks season stats: 10 games played, zero goals, one assist, one point
• IceHogs season stats: 45 games played, two goals, 16 assists, 18 points

Positives

• Physical game
• IceHogs’ defenseman of the year

Negatives

• Struggles at the NHL level
• Speed and acceleration

Assessment

Like with Korchinski, Del Mastro becomes a restricted free agent this offseason. Being named the IceHogs’ defenseman of the year, perhaps there is something there. However, like with Korchinski, I get the feeling the Blackhawks are unsure of what to do with him. If re-signed, he will no longer be waiver exempt. The dilemma of whether to sign Del Mastro, Korchinksi, both or neither will be an interesting saga to track this offseason.

Drew Commesso

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: A
• Midterm grade: A
• Blackhawks season stats: three games played, two wins, one loss, zero overtime losses, .918 save percentage, 2.31 goals against average
• IceHogs season stats: 36 games played, 13 wins, 19 losses, two overtime losses, one shootout loss, .903 save percentage, 3.00 goals against average

Positives

• Looked confident in his NHL appearances
• Strong AHL season

Negatives

• Stats in Rockford affected by team in front of him

Assessment

Bold prediction: Commesso starts next season as Knight’s backup. He has my seal of approval. He is ready for the NHL, and his three games with the Blackhawks this season proved it. He’s played 113 games with Rockford over three seasons, looking above average, if not great.

IceHogs roster grades

Criteria

• Player must have played less than 10 games with the Chicago Blackhawks
• Must have played at least 48 games with the Rockford IceHogs.
• Grade is based on performance with the IceHogs, along with limited showcase with the Blackhawks
  • Performance with the Blackhawks holds less weight

Brett Seney

(Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: A
• 2024-25 grade: B
• Season stats: 64 games played, 16 goals, 34 assists, 50 points

Positives

• Rockford’s leading scorer
• Effective captain
• AHL All-Star

Negatives

• Second on the team in penalty minutes

Assessment

I get accused of being too much of a fan of Seney by my colleagues here at The Rink. Perhaps they are right, but Seney deserves the praise. He started this season on a line with Moore and Lardis, and as the season continued, he led this team through a tough season that will end without a playoff berth.

Dominic Toninato

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Final grade: B
• Midterm grade: C-
• Blackhawks season stats: eight games played, zero goals, one assist, one point
• IceHogs season stats: 52 games played, 16 goals, 27 assists, 43 points

Assessment

His performance with the Blackhawks, while bad, should not be overvalued. He signed a two-way contract with the clear intent of mostly playing with Rockford, only finding himself up with Chicago when injuries thinned the Blackhawks’ lineup.

In Rockford, he scored at will. With another year on his contract, he should give Rockford’s top six a boost in production.

Joey Anderson

(Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: B-
• 2024-25 grade: C-
• Season stats: 50 games played, 17 goals, 15 assists, 32 points

Positives

• Consistent middle-six production

Negatives

• Series of injuries limiting play

Assessment

After appearing in 18 NHL games last season, Anderson remained in the AHL the entire season. He performed well, with multiple injuries limiting his playing time. He provides stability when he plays, the concern is whether to bring him back following a knee injury earlier this month.

Jamie Engelbert

(Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: B-
• Season stats: 68 games played, nine goals, 19 assists, 28 points

Positives

• Defensive efficiency

Negatives

• Offensive output

Assessment

In his first full AHL season, Engelbert provided some defensive spark to the bottom six. Like the entrire roster, he struggled offensively.

Engelbert was extended in March, bringing him back to Rockford for the 2026-27 season.

Gavin Hayes

(Photo courtesy of Jimmy Doles / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: B+
• 2024-25 grade: C
• Season stats: 57 games played, 13 goals, 13 assists, 26 points

Positives

• Late-season scoring streak
• Improved play across the board compared to last season

Negatives

• Season-ending injury halted progress

Assessment

Once the lineup opened up following Lardis’ and Moore’s promotion, Hayes took advantage the most. His scoring after the new year gave reason to believe he could get a cup of coffee with the Blackhawks late in the season.

However, an unfortunate injury cut his season short. Without his scoring, Rockford struggled in the offensive zone, leading to a season without playoff hockey.

Samuel Savoie

(Photo courtesy of August Marturano / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: A-
• 2024-25 grade: B+
• Season stats: 60 games played, 11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points

Positives

• Improved production from last season
• Effective pest

Negatives

• Increased penalty minutes from last season

Assessment

A fan favorite in Rockford, Savoie is doing everything he can to make his NHL debut. His season production proves he has the skill to complement his pesky play.

This season, like with many IceHogs players, Savoie found himself in the penalty box more than last season. The hope is that he, like the team, can reign it in next season.

Martin Misiak

(Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: C+
• Season stats: 61 games played, four goals, 11 assists, 15 points

Positives

• Bottom-six output

Negatives

• Usual rookie growing pains

Assessment

Misiak’s first professional season was not much to write home about. He played well, avoided the penalty box and produced like a bottom-six forward in the AHL should. A clearer picture of who Misiak could be will be made next season.

Connor Mylymok

(Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: C-
• Season stats: 51 games played, three goals, seven assists, 10 points

Positives

• Loves to fight
• Willing to throw the body around

Negatives

• 202 penalty minutes
• Multiple suspensions
• Little offensive output

Assessment

Mylymok sure likes the fight. When coach Jared Nightingale needs a team protector, Mylymok makes it into the lineup. This has led to an absurd 202 penalty minutes and multiple suspensions due to passing the league’s limit on fighting majors.

Other than that, Mylymok is an old-school fourth liner with little offensive skill.

Taige Harding

(Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: B
• Season stats: 46 games played, three goals, six assists, nine points

Positives

• Physical presence
• Effective defensive play

Negatives

• 105 penalty minutes

Assessment

I realize Harding does not technically make the cut based on my criteria, however, the IceHogs still have two remaining regular season games on Friday and Saturday. It can be assumed that Harding will play the remaining two games, therefore becoming eligible.

Harding, like Mylymok, found himself in the penalty box a lot. Willing to drop the gloves often, Harding, at 6-foot-6, is willing to use his natural size and strength to overpower opponents. That willingness sometimes gets him in penalty trouble, but if he can control it next season, he should anchor Rockford’s defense.

Dillon Boucher

(Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

• Final grade: C
• Season stats: 51 games played, three goals, five assists

Positives

• Physical presence

Negatives

• 112 penalty minutes

Assessment

Once again, another IceHog with over 100 penalty minutes. Boucher’s first season in the AHL was defined by fights, penalties and fights.

The post ANALYSIS: Blackhawks and IceHogs player season grades appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The game started off a little slow, with the first goal coming eight minutes into the period. In a harmless looking play, Mario Ferraro threw the puck on net. It deflected off of Ethan Del Mastro in front and found its way past Knight, making it 1-0 San Jose. With three and a half minutes to go, the Blackhawks got their best chance of the period. Ilya Mikheyev got a penalty shot after being taken down by Dmitry Orlov. He tried to go five-hole on Yaroslav Askarov, but was stopped by the Sharks goaltender. The first period would end 1-0 Sharks.

Second period

The Sharks looked like they added to the lead early on the power play. Tyler Toffoli scored on a beautiful goal that he slipped past the pad of Knight. The play was called back for an offsides though, so the game stayed 1-0. A little bit later, though, on another power play chance, the Sharks would convert. With the puck going off of Del Mastro once again, Michael Misa potted the goal to make it 2-0 San Jose. Looking to get back into the game, the Blackhawks managed to get one back before the period would end. In another harmless looking play, Sam Rinzel threw the puck at the net from a terrible angle. It somehow snuck through the pads of Askarov, making it 2-1 Sharks.

ending the second in style pic.twitter.com/Ft1uaBypY8

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 16, 2026

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On it would go to the third period, with San Jose leading 2-1 after two periods.

Third period 

With just under four minutes gone in the period, the Blackhawks would knot this one up. Connor Bedard came up the ice in a 2-on-3 chance. He found Louis Crevier on the far side, who tipped the goal top corner to tie things up at 2-2.

CONNOR FOUND LOUIS pic.twitter.com/bwWXOvWEdw

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 16, 2026

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Three and a half minutes later, the Blackhawks would strike again. Del Mastro found Ryan Greene with a beautiful pass for his third in three games, making it 3-2 Blackhawks.

GREENER GOALS IN BACKTOBACKTOBACK GAMES pic.twitter.com/SpNT24Hwg4

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 16, 2026

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Two minutes later, it was Crevier again, this time from the point. Tyler Bertuzzi passed the puck back, and Crevier hammered home a slap shot, 4-2 Chicago.

CREV WITH 2 GOALS IN THE THIRD pic.twitter.com/UidlwYvLY4

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 16, 2026

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The Blackhawks would get one more four minutes later on a Nick Lardis goal to make it 5-2.

hey we’re up 5-2 https://t.co/vTX5RGri82 pic.twitter.com/7m7iaMgWOu

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 16, 2026

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This one would end the season on a high note, with the Blackhawks hanging on for the victory, 5-2 final.

Analysis

This was a good all-around game from this team. Both Sharks goals came on unfortunate bounces, which there is not much that you can do most times. With both the young guys and the veterans playing well, the Blackhawks managed to put together a win to end the season in comeback fashion. With contributions from all over the lineup, this was the most cohesive game that the Blackhawks have played in quite a while.

From all of us at The Rink, thanks for following along with us this year. We are glad to be along for the ride, and hope to see you back with us next season!

The post RECAP: Blackhawks come back in third, win finale 5-2 appeared first on The Rink.

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.

First period

With the Hawks shorthanded, Buffalo won the draw and Rasmus Dahlin’s pass attempt deflected to Ilya Mikheyev, who skated down the ice into the Sabres’ zone. Mikheyev made a perfect lead pass to Ryan Greene, who had a step on the Sabres’ defender and not much room to operate but it was enough to score his 11th top shelf to give Chicago a 1-0 lead at 3:58.

goals in back-to-back games for Greener pic.twitter.com/AFm1BVHJ4Q

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 14, 2026

Late in the first, the Sabres tied it at 1-1 on a goal by Joshua Norris at 19:02. Josh Doan picked off a pass from Andre Burakovsky then fed Norris for his 12th of the season. The game was tied after one.

Second period

Buffalo took a 2-1 lead when Tage Thompson scored his 39th of the season. Louis Crevier fumbled the puck in the corner. Thompson retrieved it and skated in front and shot left for the unassisted goal at the 13:00 mark. The Sabres would take a one-goal lead into the locker room after two periods.

Third period

Buffalo took a 3-1 lead on Alex Tuch’s 32nd of the season. Shortly after the Hawks failed to convert on a 5-on-3 power play for over a minute, Dahlin found Tuch open at the blue line and he skated in alone and fired a wrist shot off Knight’s glove and into the net at 5:38.

Thompson notched his 40th of the season to give the Sabres a 4-1 lead. Jason Zucker quickly entered the zone and fed Dahlin, who found a wide-open Thompson, who fired a one-timer past Knight at 11:13.

With 1:25 left, the Sabres executed another highlight-reel passing play that was finished by Ryan McLeod, who scored his 14th of the season. Buffalo won it 5-1, and combined with Detroit’s 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay in overtime, the Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division crown.

Analysis

The trend continued for the Hawks as they played a solid first period followed by a subpar final 40 minutes. The second period saw the Hawks get dominated both physically and in offensive zone time but the Sabres only had a one-goal lead after two frames. The wheels came off in the third thanks to a terrible power play that did not shoot enough and failed to take advantage of a few opportunities while only trailing by a goal including a two-man advantage for 1:13. That failed opportunity seemingly deflated an already sagging Hawks team as the Sabres followed up with the next three tallies and came away with the win.

The Hawks will play their season finale on Wednesday night when they host the San Jose Sharks. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. CDT on CHSN with the radio call on WGN AM 720.

The post RECAP: Sabres defeat Blackhawks 5-1, clinch Atlantic Division title appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The Blackhawks started off this game rough already. Nineteen seconds into the game, Sean Walker circled around twice to get two shots off, and got the second past Spencer Knight, 1-0 Carolina. The defense did nothing to stop him from doing exactly what he wanted in staying exactly where he wanted to in the offensive zone. It would take a few minutes, but the Blackhawks would answer that first Carolina goal. Louis Crevier took the puck hard to the net. He was stopped, but the rebound laid right in front for Anton Frondell to put it home, 1-1.

what a sweet Swede goal pic.twitter.com/tkuMu9E7d4

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 10, 2026

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Just a couple of minutes later, the Blackhawks got another huge chance. Andrew Mangiapane took a beautiful pass from Ilya Mikheyev. He put the puck right on goal, but Frederik Andersen stuck the skate out and managed to keep it out. With just a couple of minutes left in the period, Logan Stankoven stole the puck along the boards. He skated right in and tucked the puck over the shoulder of Knight, 2-1 Carolina.

Second period

Four minutes into the second, the Hurricanes kept coming. Stankoven got his second goal of the game on a rebound after old friend Taylor Hall was stopped. Ten minutes later, Carolina would get another one. Alexander Nikishin put a shot on net from the point that was tipped by Mark Jankowski out in front to make the score 4-1. That is where things would stay going into the third period.

Third period

This period was more of the same. K’Andre Miller got called for a trip of Connor Bedard a few minutes into the period. As the power play expired, William Carrier got the puck in the Blackhawks’ defensive zone. He found Miller as he came up ice and he buried a wrister, 5-1 Hurricanes. Twenty-two seconds later, the Blackhawks got one back. Frondell got the redirection in front off of a Crevier shot toward the net, 5-2 Carolina.

first career multi-goal game for Anton pic.twitter.com/An8Mb2DwDZ

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 10, 2026

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Two minutes later, the Hurricanes would keep pouring it on. Shayne Gostisbehere made a beautiful pass through Frank Nazar to Hall, who whipped around and fired a goal past Knight, 6-1. A few minutes later, right off of the faceoff, Ethan Del Mastro got the puck. As he went to make a pass, his stick snapped. The Hurricanes came back the other way, with Jankowski getting his second of the game, 7-2. That would mercifully be the end of this game, with the Hurricanes finishing off the beat-down.

Analysis

Plenty of defensive miscues along with some poor effort led to this blowout. In addition to the exhaustion of the young guys, not getting back on defense is unacceptable, and should not be the reason that another team scores easily. Burakovsky, Connor Bedard, Nick Lardis and Teuvo Teravainen being -4 is horrendous and cannot be the case if this team is to win games. Being on the ice for that many opposing goals shows that something had to be off in your game that night, whether that be lack of effort or otherwise.

The Blackhawks’ next game is on Saturday at 4 p.m. CDT on CHSN against the St. Louis Blues.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks beat down by Hurricanes 7-2 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.

Blackhawks lines in warmups at Kraken:

Teravainen-Bedard-Lardis
Bertuzzi-Frondell-Mikheyev
Donato-Nazar-Greene
Slaggert-Boisvert-Burakovsky

Kaiser-Crevier
Vlasic-Rinzel
Korchinski-Del Mastro

Soderblom

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 5, 2026

The Hawks did make some changes to their lineup, moving Teuvo Teravainen to the top line and Ryan Greene down to the third line. Nick Lardis was also in the lineup after taking a puck off his hand in the last outing against Edmonton.

First period

Bedard was on his game in the first period, setting up mutiple scoring chances. Despite the great chances from Bedard, Lardis and others could not score. The first period ended scoreless but it was clear the Blackhawks carried the play.

Second period

Chicago got the scoring started by cashing a power-play opportunity for the game’s first goal.

Teuvo Teravainen takes it to the hoop and scores on the power play to snap a 15-game goal drought. His 14th of the season. He needed that. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/yF4Rnlac9s

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 5, 2026

After the Teravainen goal, the Hawks continued to pile on with a goal from Tyler Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi got to the net late in the second period and scored his 32rd goal of the season.

Tyler Bertuzzi scores with 22.2 seconds left in the period for his 32th goal of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/74Kci8wQEr

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 5, 2026

After the second Hawks goal, the period ended 2-0 in favor of Chicago.

Third period

Midway through the third period, the Kraken cut the lead in half. Jaden Schwartz got his 11th goal of the season. The Hawks answered right back with a goal from rookie Sacha Boisvert for the first of his career.

Sacha Boisvert first career NHL goal alert. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/sjlX8QiiZm

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 5, 2026

Boisvert was set up by defenseman Kevin Korchinski. Korchinski was playing in his 100th NHL game.

Following the Boisvert goal, Seattle came back with a goal of its own. Kaapo Kakko scored his 13th goal of the seasont to cut the lead to one again.

Ilya Mikheyev sealed the Chicago victory with an empty-net goal late in the third period.

Analysis

Despite not meaning much in the standings, this game was important. It helped show what could be for next season and areas that still need improvement.

What could be

The Hawks can run out a team of mainly younger players. The defense is composed of players under the age of 25. Despite their rescent struggles, analytically, Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro had good games. Korchinski drew praise from his coach postgame.

Jeff Blashill had this to say about Korchinski:

Blashill said Wyatt Kaiser has been the Blackhawks’ best D lately and he wants him taking the hardest matchups moving forward.

He also praised Korchinski: “He’s not over-complicating it. He’s using his feet to beat pressure, then he’s moving the puck to the open people. When he…

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 5, 2026

In addition to praising Korchinski, Blashill heaped high praise on Wyatt Kaiser. Kaiser has been having a great season for the Hawks and will continue to be challenged.

Needs improvement

While the defense was good last night, the offense still needs to get better. Despite scoring four goals, the offense left several grade-A chances set up by Bedard on the ice. If the Hawks want to get significantly better, they have to find more goal scorers, whether that is internally or externally. 

The post RECAP: Boisvert scores first goal as Blackhawks defeat Kraken 4-2 appeared first on The Rink.

First period

There was not a whole lot of action in the first period of this game, as the Oilers outshot the Blackhawks 12-5, but neither team solved the goaltenders, keeping it tied at 0-0 through one.

Second period

Five and a half minutes into the second, the Blackhawks got caught flat-footed. Adam Henrique found a seam and exploited it, getting behind the defense for a breakaway. His first shot was stopped by Arvid Soderblom, but he put the rebound home, 1-0 Edmonton. Just under seven minutes later, the Oilers would have another chance on the power play. Louis Crevier got called for a hold and put Edmonton on the man advantage. They capitalized on that opportunity, with Matthew Savoie putting the puck off Alex Vlasic and in, 2-0 Oilers.

With just a couple of minutes left, it looked like Savoie got his second of the game, but it was called back for an offside, as Connor McDavid went into the zone before the puck did. That kept things at 2-0 going into the intermission.

Third period

Five minutes into the third, the Blackhawks snuck their first goal past Tristan Jarry. Nick Lardis got the puck in front after some passing down low. He put the puck just past the reach of Jarry, putting the Blackhawks on the board 2-1.

we Nick Lardis goals! pic.twitter.com/apQdTWuGRJ

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 3, 2026

The visitors could not manage to get another to get back in it, however, with Vasily Podkolzin potting an empty-netter to put the game out of reach and give the Oilers a 3-1 victory.

Analysis

The Blackhawks did not have much to give in this game. They looked like a team that accepted defeat from the opening puck drop. They could not keep up with Edmonton’s firepower, and could not come back from a second period with two power plays that they had to kill off back to back. Overall, this simply looked like a team that is ready for their season to end without anything left to play for.

The Blackhawks’ next game is on Saturday night at the Seattle Kraken. That game will be on CHSN at 9 p.m. CDT.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks drop another, lose to Oilers 3-1 appeared first on The Rink.

hi Adam!

︎ https://t.co/6qNFYIYHJS pic.twitter.com/F8XcmvLP5j

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 1, 2026

Chicago announced that Gajan has agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract with a $1.05 million annual salary cap hit through the 2027-28 season following a very successful season with the University of Minnesota Duluth (NCHC). Following that announcement, the Rockford IceHogs released an announcement of their own that they had signed Gajan to an amateur tryout agreement (ATO).

The 6-foot-3, 189-pound Poprad, Slovakia, native compiled a 26-25-2 record, a .899 SV%, a 2.65 goals against average and three shutouts in 54 career games with UMD. Prior to playing in the NCAA, Gajan appeared in 54 games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, amassing a 30-15-5 record and one shutout.

During his international career, Gajan represented Slovakia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. He also played for Team Slovakia at the 2023 and 2024 IIHF World Junior Championships, compiling a 5-3-0 record and earning two shutouts, which earned him Best Goaltender honors at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The Rockford ATO means that he can join the team for their final eight games with current goaltenders Drew Commesso and Olivier Rodrigue. Stanislav Berezhnoy is also part of the IceHogs’ roster, but was suspended 20 games on Feb. 17 for violating the terms of the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program. Berezhnoy is eligible to return on April 11.

We have signed goaltender Adam Gajan to an ATO contract. Welcome to the organization, Adam!!https://t.co/qpUO87Nj3w

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) April 1, 2026

Analysis

This move comes as a slight surprise, as it would not hurt Gajan’s development to play another year with the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Blackhawks have a nice list of young goaltenders already, but Commesso is a restricted free agent and Rodrigue is an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Arvid Soderblom and Berezhnoy will be unrestricted and restricted free agents, respectively, on July 1, 2027.

Having too many young, promising goaltenders is not a bad position to be in; just ask the Edmonton Oilers.

The #Blackhawks have quite a Goaltending stockpile.

Spencer Knight
Arvid Soderblom
Drew Commesso
Stanislav Berezhnoy
Adam Gajan
Ilya Kanarsky

I could honestly see them package Soderblom if someone wants him. @TheRinkCHI @TheRinkOfficial

— Old goalie guy (@PuckinHostile) April 1, 2026

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks sign goaltender Adam Gajan to entry-level deal 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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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 28 – The Need for Blue Line Help appeared first on The Rink.

In addition to Korchinski being added to the lineup, head coach Jeff Blashill announced that Anton Frondell would be moving to center for this game. Frondell had been on the wing since joining the Hawks. Frondell moved down to the second line while Nick Lardis got bumped up to the top line with Connor Bedard.

Blackhawks lines in warmups at Devils:

Greene-Bedard-Lardis
Bertuzzi-Frondell-Mikheyev
Donato-Nazar-Burakovsky
Teravainen-Boisvert-Slaggert

Vlasic-Crevier
Kaiser-Rinzel
Korchinski-Del Mastro

Knight

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 29, 2026

Rockford IceHogs play-by-play man Dana Grey pointed out that every defenseman playing spent time in Rockford.

First period

The second line for the Hawks was all over New Jersey earlier in the period. Frondell capitalized on a Jake Allen miscue and fed Ilya Mikheyev to give Chicago the lead.

Anton Frondell picks up his 3rd career NHL assist and Ilya Mikheyev scores his 15th goal of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/kgCh49gQqm

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 29, 2026

The Devils answered right back with a power-play goal from Connor Brown.

Frank Nazar put the Blackhawks back on top with his 13 goal of season.

What a pass by Ryan Donato to Frank Nazar, who scores his 13th goal of the season.

Nazar now has 13 points in his last 14 games. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/NcAlS1l4Nq

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 29, 2026

Nazar recorded a team-high five shots on goal in the first period and was very noticeable in the offensive zone.

The Hawks’ lead was 2-1 after one.

Second period

Spencer Knight was not on his A game against Philadelphia the other night, but in the second period, Knight was really good. He stopped an A+ chance from Timo Meier.

Simon Nemec scored to tie the game later in the period. On the Nemec goal, Wyatt Kaiser screened his own goalie.

Third period

Momentum was in favor of the Blackhawks early in the third period. Nazar scored his second goal of the game just past the midway point on a two-man advantage.

Frank Nazar rips one home on the 5-on-3 power play for his 2nd goal of the game and 14th of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/wE7Piiub3F

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 30, 2026

Nazar’s goal was set up by a slick pass from Bedard. After the Nazar goal, the game shifted on a dime, as the Devils scored three unanswered goals. Dougie Hamilton beat Knight glove side for his 11th goal of the year. Jack Hughes blew past Alex Vlasic for another goal and capped off the game with an empty-netter.

The final score was 5-3 in favor of the Devils.

Analysis

Despite the implosion in the third period, there were positives to this game. Nazar recorded the first multi-goal game of his career. Frondell recorded the first multi-point game of his career with two assists. Lastly, Bedard set his new career high in points with 68. Lardis, despite not showing up on the stat sheet, also had a good game.

While the offense garnered its fair share of positives, the defense was atrocious. The Hawks’ inexperience and lack of gap control was on full display. In addition to the lack of gap control, this team still gives up way too many shots, as Knight faced 39 shots. That was the second lowest amount of shots faced on this road trip. The Hawks have to do a better job of preventing and blocking shots.

If Chicago wants to run out the baby defense next season, this team has to be better at blocking shots and gap control. If these issues are not worked on all offseason, the Hawks are poised for another non-playoff season.

The Blackhawks’ next game is Tuesday against Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks implode against Devils appeared first on The Rink.

Lardis gave the Blackhawks (27-33-13) the early lead at the 17:34 mark of the first period. Defenseman Alex Vlasic made a nice play and found forward Tyler Bertuzzi at the side of the net, who shoveled a pass over to Lardis, who beat Garand for the only exciting play for the Blackhawks all night.

J.T. Miller would tie the game at the 18:32 mark beating Chicago goaltender Arvid Soderblom to tie the score at 1-1.

In the second period, Matthew Robertson gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead beating Soderblom over his shoulder off a rebound from a Miller shot. New York would score two more times before the middle period ended when Adam Sykora scored the first NHL goal of his career at the 8:20 mark and Jonny Brodzinksi extended the Rangers’ lead to 4-1 at the 16:07 mark.

After being outshot 31-15 in the first two periods, Chicago did not muster much sustained pressure besides almost doubling their shot total with 13 shots on goal in the third period. New York would find the back of the net on the power paly when Alexis Lafreniere scored at the 13:17 mark and Brodzinski would score his second of the game, and sixth of the season, to finish off the Blackhawks 6-1.

Analysis

Chicago played like a bottom team in the NHL most of the night and fans found out very quickly that this has always been a bottom-five defense in the league.

Tee times are close for this young team that has fizzled as of late, having lost six of their last eight games.

Sacha Boisvert got into his first tussle in the NHL with Will Borgen. It was great to see the young kid step up and try and show his worth to the organization, but this team is far from having the “fight” it needs.

The post RECAP: Rangers embarrass Blackhawks 6-1 appeared first on The Rink.

With 11 games left in the regular season, Rockford would need to win out to possibly make the playoffs. Hope is dwindling for the Hogs, and the organization seems to know it. Recent roster moves by Rockford reflects the teams desire to solidify next season’s roster.

Transactions

Chase Dafoe was one of many players signed and re-signed to the IceHogs in recent weeks. (Photo courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs)

The first transaction made that will affect next season was the trading for Derrick Pouliot, already covered in a previous article.

On March 13, the IceHogs made two transactions that have already made an impact. First, they signed college free agent Chase Dafoe. The former captain of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, Dafoe has played four games with the Hogs, recording two goals. Dafoe is signed through the 2026-27 season.

On the same day, the IceHogs acquired forward Ryland Mosley from the Cleveland Monsters in exchange for future considerations. Mosley, 26 years old, has recorded one assist in two games with Rockford.

On March 16, Sacha Boisvert signed an entry-level contract with the Blackhawks. Making his debut on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Boisvert will remain with the NHL club for the remainder of the regular season. Like with Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore, it is reasonable to believe Boisvert could begin next season in Rockford to hone his craft.

A week later, on March 23, the IceHogs re-signed forward Jamie Engelbert to an extension. With 25 points in 60 games with Rockford, Engelbert remains with his ECHL coach for one more season.

Two days later, Jiri Felcman, a 2023 third-round pick, signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the IceHogs. With 52 games with the SC Langnau Tigers of the National League, Feldman recorded three goals and 17 assists this season. Felcman then signed his entry-level contract today, bringing him to North America for the next three seasons.

Finally, Rockford re-signed forward Kevin Lombardi through the 2026-27 season on Thursday. The 26-year-old forward has split time this season between Rockford and the Indy Fuel. In 35 games with the Hogs this season, Lombardi recorded 21 points.

Final thoughts

Rockford’s playoff chances slim, but the roster still pushes forward. (Photo courtesy of August Marturano / Rockford IceHogs)

This season may end with the IceHogs missing the playoffs. Rockford missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 seasons would be a let down. However, a lot of talent remains. Key contributors like Taige Harding, Samuel Savoie and Gavin Hayes remain under contract next season. Prospects like Marek Vanacker and AJ Spellacy, signed to their entry-level contracts, will add talent next season.

The 2025-26 season rolls on. Rockford will host the Iowa Wild on Saturday at 7 p.m. CDT.

The post Rockin’ with Rockford: Playoffs out of sight, next season on the mind appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The Flyers jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 48 seconds into the game. A miscommunication between Knight and Artyom Levshunov left the puck on the stick of Christian Dvorak, who fed Alex Bump for his third of the season on a wide-open net.

The mistakes by the Hawks continued as Andre Burakovsky made a blind pass that was stolen by Luke Glendening near the half boards, and he fired it toward the net and it was tipped in by Sean Couturier to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead. For Couturier, it was his ninth of the season at 2:33 and it would stay that way through 20 minutes.

Second period

The Flyers took a 3-0 lead when Trevor Zegras skated in and his shot was stopped by Knight but Denver Barkey was there to pounce on the rebound for his fourth of the season at 5:14.

The Hawks finally got on the board as Connor Bedard scored his 30th of the season to cut the deficit to 3-1. In what can be seen as a glimpse into the future, Frondell made a backhand pass across the goal line to Bedard who fired a one-timer past Ersson at 11:11. For Frondell, it was his second point in as many games.

from Frondell, for 𝟵𝟴 pic.twitter.com/16SHxahtae

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 27, 2026

Noah Cates stretched the Flyers’ lead to 4-1 with his 16th of the season at 12:41. Matvei Michkov won a board battle in the offensive zone and found Cates, who got behind the Hawks defense and skated in alone and beat Knight for the goal.

With 25 seconds left in the second, Dvorak scored his 15th of the season to give the Flyers a 5-1 lead. Levshunov’s nightmare game continued as Owen Tippett forced a turnover and fed Dvorak on the doorstep. The Flyers led by four after two periods.

Third period

There was no scoring in the period as the Flyers won it 5-1.

Analysis

It was a sloppy game for the young Hawks, who were generous with the puck with several giveaways and were unable to climb out of an early 2-0 deficit that seemed to have snowballed into a nightmare. The defense, led by Levshunov, was extremely careless with the puck and the Hawks spent most of the night chasing the puck and generating very little offense. Boisvert made little impact in his debut as he centered the fourth line and received just over nine minutes of ice time. It will be a quick turnaround for the Hawks as they head back up I-95 to New York City for a Friday night contest against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. CDT on CHSN with the radio call on 720 AM WGN.

The post RECAP: Flyers dominate Hawks in Boisvert’s debut appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The Islanders got on the board at the 0:49 mark of the opening period when Anders Lee tipped in Matthew Schaefer’s shot from the point as he made his way to the front of the net untouched. Bo Horvat also assisted on the early tally.

Anders Lee – New York Islanders (16) pic.twitter.com/T4sYEwEbX1

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 25, 2026

Chicago would then fire off three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead into the first intermission. Lardis scored his seventh of the season assisted by Frank Nazar and Tyler Bertuzzi. Lardis’ snap shot beat starting goaltender David Rittich, who would be replaced by Ilya Sorokin after the period.

Nick Lardis – Chicago Blackhawks (7) pic.twitter.com/9mOC1S0WeU

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 25, 2026

The Blackhawks would take the 2-1 lead after forward Ilya Mikheyev fired a shot behind Rittich, which gave former No. 3 overall draft pick Frondell his first NHL point in his first NHL game.

Nick Lardis – Chicago Blackhawks (7) pic.twitter.com/9mOC1S0WeU

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 25, 2026

Bertuzzi scored at the 19:31 mark to get the Blackhawks’ the aforementioned 3-1 lead. The goal, Bertuzzi’s 29th of the season, was assisted by Alex Vlasic and Lardis.

Tyler Bertuzzi – Chicago Blackhawks (29) pic.twitter.com/4DRWr0X8dq

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 25, 2026

Second period

Chicago would score the only goal of the middle frame when Nazar fired home his 12th of the season, notching Lardis’ second assist of the game.

Frank Nazar – Chicago Blackhawks (12) pic.twitter.com/YNY5CntEWw

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 25, 2026

Third period

The Islanders would cut the lead to 4-2 when Simon Holmstrom beat Soderblom for this 19th goal of the season. The goal was assisted by Scott Mayfield.

Chicago would continue to weather the storm of pressure from the home team until the 16:37 mark of the period when Callum Ritchie scored to make the score 4-3. The goal, Ritchie’s 10th of the season, was assisted by Carson Soucy and Mathew Barzal.

Chicago would be outshot 23-5 in the final period but the young team would hang onto the 4-3 victory.

The Blackhawks are back in action on Thursday for a 6 p.m. CDT puck drop against the Philadelphia Flyers at the XFinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Analysis

Soderblom was excellent in the victory, stopping 44 of the 47 shots faced. Chicago was also outshot 35-12 in the final two periods of action and the 26-year-old goaltender stood on his head to earn the victory.

Chicago fans were excited to see Frondell in action after selecting the 18-year-old Swedish forward third overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Frondell played 15:43 and earned his first NHL point. The forward help that Bedard surely needs has arrived early and Blackhawk fans should be excited about this one-two punch moving forward.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks beat Islanders 4-3, Frondell registers assist in debut appeared first on The Rink.

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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Lardis would start the scoring with a wrist shot behind Predators goaltender Juuse Saros at the 4:34 mark of the second period. The goal, Lardis’ sixth goal of the season, was assisted by forward Tyler Bertuzzi and defenseman Alex Vlasic.

Nick Lardis – Chicago Blackhawks (6) pic.twitter.com/yXpbLtOxLM

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 22, 2026

Forsberg would tie the game at 1-1 at the 6:31 mark of the middle frame scoring his 31st goal of the season assisted by Jonathan Marchessault.

Bedard would give the Blackhawks the lead beating Saros at the 13:57 mark for his team leading 29th goal of the season. The goal gave forward Ryan Greene his 17th assist.

Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks (29) pic.twitter.com/Y2rFCxkatI

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 22, 2026

Halfway through the third period of action, forward Steven Stamkos scored his 34th goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2 and force the game into overtime. Forsberg and defenseman Roman Josi both assisted on the goal.

In overtime, Forsberg scored an unassisted goal after stealing a puck away from Blackhawks forward Andre Burakovsky and fired one top shelf to beat Knight for the game winner.

Filip Forsberg – Nashville Predators (32)
OT Winner pic.twitter.com/9kpCymXlCB

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 22, 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks return to action on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CDT to take on the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena. The game will be televised on CHSN and MSGSN.

Analysis

Bedard continues to just be elite every time he touches the ice. The third-year forward is a must-watch and must know where he’s at for all other teams that are facing the Blackhawks.

Chicago managed a point in what was a sleep walk of a game most of the night. The youngsters are learning how to play at this level, CONSISTENTLY, and will show signs of struggles and success sometimes on consecutive shifts. The growing pains are worth it.

The post RECAP: Forsberg scores twice as Predators beat Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime appeared first on The Rink.

First period

Ilya Mikheyev opened the scoring with his 13th of the season to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. Andrew Mangiapane stickhandled to the right faceoff circle and fired a pass to Mikheyev on the doorstep for the tap-in goal at 16:22. The Hawks took a one-goal lead after 20 minutes.

“here come the Hawks” pic.twitter.com/cLe0b8iXWG

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 20, 2026

Second period

Chicago took a 2-0 lead on Connor Bedard’s 28th goal of the season. Bedard stole the puck from Marcus Johansson in the defensive zone, skated the other way and with Johansson a half step behind, Bedard lifted a backhand past Wallstedt at 11:47.

a Bedsy beautyyyyyy pic.twitter.com/SbTb8nf4Zc

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 20, 2026

The Wild cut it to 2-1 on Nico Sturm’s fifth of the season. The Wild rushed up the ice and Hunter Haight found Sturm, who fired a shot from the right-wing boards past Knight at 15:47. The Hawks would take a one-goal lead into the room after two periods.

Third period

There was no scoring in the final frame, as the Blackhawks hung on for a 2-1 win over their Central Division rivals.

Analysis

It was a solid, scrappy and gutsy road win for the Blackhawks, who beat the Wild in regulation for the first time since 2019 and their first win in Minnesota since 2017. The Wild clearly tried to be the more physical team but the young Hawks stood toe to toe and pushed back, especially during a few scrums after the whistle. It will be a quick turnaround for the Hawks, who return home to face the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night at United Center, which may feature the debut of newly signed former first-round draft choice Sacha Boisvert. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. CDT on CHSN with the radio call on 720 AM WGN.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks earn 2-1 win in Minnesota appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast co-hosts Sean Fitzgerald and Jimmy O’Malley are back in The Rinkcast studio to discuss Sasha Boisvert visa issues, Matthew Knies rumors, Nick Lardis on the fourth line, and much more.

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First period

The Wild struck first in this game. Six minutes in, they won a draw in the offensive zone. Kirill Kaprizov from behind the net got it to Ryan Hartman in front, who buried his chance to make it 1-0 Minnesota. Just 1:41 later, the Wild would strike again. The puck ping-ponged around on a shot from Jonas Brodin at the point. It found a wide-open Marcus Johansson, who could not miss the gaping cage to make it 2-0. Under three minutes later, the Blackhawks would get one back. Louis Crevier skated the puck into the zone and put a slapshot on net. It beat Filip Gustavsson to make it 2-1 Wild.

slapshot
102 mph
Big Lou pic.twitter.com/mtBGeUaxjU

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 18, 2026

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Unfortunately, the Wild would not be done yet. They got a power play with 3:29 remaining on an Andrew Mangiapane cross-check. On that power play opportunity, they would convert, with Vladimir Tarasenko getting the goal, 3-1 Minnesota. The period would end with the Wild on top big.

Second period

It took a while in the second for either team to get something going. The Blackhawks would be the ones to get a goal, with Crevier being involved again. He put a shot on net that could not be handled by Gustavsson. On the rebound, the puck found its way to Ryan Greene, who put the puck home to make it 3-2 Minnesota.

things that just make sense: a Greener goal on March 17th pic.twitter.com/d69fZgg3zL

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 18, 2026

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The second period would end with the Blackhawks down by just one goal.

Third period

The third period had the Blackhawks dominating play for much of it. There were minutes where they kept the puck in the offensive zone and the Wild could do nothing about it. They kept up the relentless pressure until a couple of minutes remaining in the game. The Wild had a bad turnover, with Artyom Levshunov taking the puck at the Blackhawks’ blue line. He got the puck up to Connor Bedard, who went flying into the Wild zone in a 2-on-1. He found Frank Nazar in front, who buried his chance to knot things up at 3-3.

Frank called OT pic.twitter.com/ZQnC9EGnHt

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 18, 2026

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

That would send this game to overtime, a result that did not look like it would happen after the first period.

Overtime

After making the Wild completely gassed throughout the third period, they returned the favor in overtime. After keeping the Blackhawks on the ice for an incredibly long shift, Mats Zuccarello found himself wide open just above the circles. He buried the feed from Johansson, giving the Wild the 4-3 victory.

Analysis

This game showcased the Blackhawks’ ability to fight back in games. Coming back from two down to force overtime late is not something every team can do, and not something the Blackhawks of the last couple of years would have done either. Continuing to put pressure on like they were able to do in the third is great to see, too, as it shows that they are not backing down in close games without a fight. The fact that it is all the young guys contributing shows that this team should very much have a bright future ahead. It just takes patience and grit to get there.

The Blackhawks will be back up against these same Wild on Thursday night. That game will be at 6:30 p.m. CDT on ESPN+ and Hulu.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks force OT, but drop at home to Wild 4-3 appeared first on The Rink.

First of all, it is unquestionable that Kantserov is having a great season, especially for a 21-year-old, but that does not mean fans can expect him to step into the NHL and become the next Artemi Panarin or Nikita Kucherov. Moving into the final week of what looks like his final KHL season, Kantserov has the following numbers:

Source: Roman Kantserov @ Elite Prospects

Before breaking him down, let us look into the positives. Kantserov was drafted by Kyle Davidson as the 17th-ranked European skater. The Elite Prospects draft guide had the following to say about Kantserov following a 54-point season (27 goals, 27 assists) in 45 games with Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk in the MHL.

Kantserov can make plays on first touch, by first identifying pressure and then immediately beating it with a stickhandling move, and he can involve teammates in plays with purposeful movements. Good posture in his rush offence. He can combine crossovers, fakes, and handling moves to carry the puck, and he’s a very quick passer.

This is all high praise, and it is very understandable why Blackhawks fans would be excited for him to don the Indianhead sweater at the United Center. It is a dangerous game to compare current or future NHL players to past players because there are so many intangibles and the human aspect. It is also important to temper expectations so as not to set the less studied, or even the studied, fans up for unnecessary disappointment.

The two players who have been most commonly compared to Kantserov are Kucherov and Panarin, for good reason. Both players have had long, successful NHL careers, and if a 44th overall draft pick could approach the productivity of either, that would be a huge piece added to the Blackhawks’ rebuild. Imagine if Davidson was able to pull an Ivan Demidov-ish level player a full round and a half after Connor Bedard.

Back to player comparisons, the most common standard to level-set is their production in the MHL because they all played relatively similar lengths of time at similar ages. When put side by side, their Russian minor league numbers look like this:

As you can see, Kantserov had an impressive time in the MHL, but not quite up to what the others had produced. Some will cite the KHL production, but Panarin played considerably more and Kucherov considerably less in the Russian top professional league:

As a result, there is no accurate one-to-one-to-one comparison. There are other factors left to take into account as well. KHL ice is bigger than the NHL ice, which allows smaller skill players more room to work. In North America, with the smaller ice and bigger, faster players, his time and space will close in much faster. The level of play in the KHL is also much closer to the AHL than the NHL. If you take into account some of the highest-producing players in the KHL, there is a large number of former NHL/AHL tweeners on the list and zero former high-producing NHLers.

All of these factors make it hard to be certain of what Kantserov can do in the NHL. All things considered, he is likely a second-line or middle-six responsible scorer. Projecting him as a top-line superstar is rushing to judgment, though, and probably irresponsible. The Blackhawks would be lucky to have a reliable player who can chip in some secondary depth and potentially add 40-50 points.

The video below does a great job of breaking down Kantserov’s play. Some points that should not be lost are “There’s also the issue of his skill set overlapping with many other players and prospects in the Hawk system,” and “In some ways, he looks a bit like Oliver Moore and Frank Nazar, Nick Lardis, and others.” I want to emphasize that none of this is necessarily bad, but he is going to need to set himself up in the top third of that group to cement himself in the NHL lineup.

The post ANALYSIS: What to expect from Roman Kantserov appeared first on The Rink.

First period

In the first period, Vegas jumped on the Blackhawks early. Pavel Dorofeyev scored a power-play goal to give the Knights an early lead.

Three minutes later, Rasmus Andersson scored his 12th goal of the year and his second with Vegas. Under 30 seconds later, Keegan Kolesar scored the Golden Knights’ third goal of the period.

Very late in the first, Bedard got into a shoving match with Kaedan Korczak.

Connor Bedard still isn’t taking any you-know-what from anyone. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/aAyR8YqEGl

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 15, 2026

Second period

In the second period, Vegas tacked on another power-play goal from Dorofeyev. The Knights’ lead was 4-0 after two periods.

Third period

As the period began, it appeared that Artyom Levshunov had gotten the Blackhawks on the board. The scoring play was reviewed. Ultimately the goal was waived off because of a hand pass committed by the Blackhawks.

Midway through the period, Vegas continued to harass Bedard. Jeremy Lauzon delivered a big hit on Bedard, which drew the ire of teammates.

Bertuzzi and Del Mastro jump in after Bedard took a big hit: pic.twitter.com/dMnQafguQB

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) March 15, 2026

Tyler Bertuzzi and Ethan Del Mastro rushed to Bedard’s aid. Del Mastro drew two penalties on the play including  a game misconduct.

Bedard continued to stay fiesty despite the score. Bedard got into a verbal altercation with Mitch Marner in the period. Sadly, Bedard’s feistiness was not enough for the Hawks in this one.

Analysis

The Hawks were not ready for the start of this game. Did the young Hawks have too much fun in Vegas the night before? Either way, this was not an acceptable effort from the Blackhawks. The Hawks have to learn you need a consistent effort in the NHL to win game on a nightly basis.

Scoring goals is still an issue for the Hawks. While Nazar has gotten hot as of late, the team appears to be one goal scorer short on offense. The Hawks need to get more scoring from secondary players to finish out this year.

Reinforcements coming

With the end of Boston University season, it is expected that 2024 draft pick Sacha Boisvert will sign his entry-level contract soon. Once the contract is signed, the expectation is that he will join the Hawks for the duration of the NHL season.

The Hawks’ next game is on St. Patrick Day against the Minnesota Wild on TNT. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. CDT.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks embarrassed by Vegas 4-0 appeared first on The Rink.

First period

The first period was relatively uneventful. Neither team took any penalties, and Connor Bedard had the best chance of the frame with a backhander on net off an Andre Burakovsky pass in front of the net. The Mammoth out-shot the Blackhawks 6-4, but the score remained 0-0 after one.

Second period

The second period had more action than the first. The Blackhawks out-shot Utah this time around 8-7, which has not happened many times this year. The Mammoth would get the first goal of the game, however. With six minutes gone by in the period, Andre Burakovsky had a bad turnover in the offensive end. That led to a 2-on-1 break the other way for Utah. Logan Cooley found Dylan Guenther, who put home his 31st of the season, giving the Mammoth the 1-0 lead. They would take that lead into the intermission, 1-0 Utah.

Third period

Just a couple of minutes into the third period, the Blackhawks found themselves in a 4-on-3 power play. With Ilya Mikheyev and Jack McBain both getting called for roughing, Clayton Keller got called for a high stick to put one more Mammoth player in the penalty box. The Blackhawks would use the whole time, but would get a conversion. Bedard found Tyler Bertuzzi in his office in front of the net. He put home his 28th goal of the season to knot things up at 1-1.

Tyler Bertuzzi notches his 1⃣1⃣th power play goal of the season for a new career high! pic.twitter.com/WHkHN7FqzP

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 13, 2026

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Seven minutes later, the Blackhawks would get another. Bertuzzi got a shot on goal that produced a good rebound. Teuvo Teravainen could not get his stick on it, but he kicked it toward the open side of the net. Frank Nazar got there in time to poke it in the net, 2-1 Blackhawks.

“LET’S GOOOOO” -Frank, probably pic.twitter.com/jnaSX38jD2

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 13, 2026

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Three and a half minutes later, Utah would tie things up again. Alex Vlasic got his pocket picked by Michael Carcone trying to get out of the defensive zone. He found JJ Peterka, who buried a shot through the five hole of Knight, knotting things up at 2-2. This game would go to overtime to decide the winner.

Overtime

The Mammoth would get the first couple of good chances of overtime. The first chance came just 35 seconds in, with Mikhail Sergachev skating all the way into the offensive zone. He got the shot on net, but was stopped by Knight. Old friend Nick Schmaltz got a chance in front, but could not get a great shot off as he got in tight on goal. That stop by Knight sent the Blackhawks down the ice in a 3-on-2 break. Vlasic wrang a shot off the post that was picked up by Bedard. He buried the rebound, giving the Blackhawks the 3-2 overtime win.

an instant classic pic.twitter.com/7PWsCPiBUc

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 13, 2026

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Analysis 

The Blackhawks played an iffy game. With two bad turnovers leading to Mammoth goals, the puck possession in this one left a lot to be desired. They made the most of the opportunities they had, but really struggled in the faceoff dot. They were lucky to will this game to overtime with the last few minutes of the third being dominated by the Mammoth, with the Blackhawks unable to clear the puck from their own end at times. Bedard and Bertuzzi connecting on two goals is not a huge surprise, as those two have been great this season when paired together and seem to be on the same wavelength in reading what the other is going to do. Knight looked solid in his return after illness, which is good to see that there is not much rust that needs shaking off.

The Blackhawks next game is on Saturday night in Las Vegas against the Vegas Golden Knights. That game is a late one, being at 9 p.m. CDT on CHSN.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks come back to beat Mammoth 3-2 appeared first on The Rink.

First period

Halfway through the first, we would get our first goal of the game. After a faceoff win, the Blackhawks attempted to clear the puck, but were unable to get it past the point. It found its way to Nick DeSimon, who put a shot towards the net that was deflected in by Barrett Hayton, 1-0 Utah. Four minutes later, the Blackhawks would get one back. Ryan Donato put a tough-angle shot toward the net. The puck went off of Andrew Mangiapane in front, who pocketed his first goal as a Blackhawk, knotting things up 1-1.

pic.twitter.com/QUOWa1AYzx

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 10, 2026

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Unfortunately, the Mammoth would retake the lead just under three minutes after that. On another bad clearing attempt, the Blackhawks would not be able to get the puck out of their defensive zone. Clayton Keller found Dylan Guenther, who tucked the puck under the pads of Commesso, giving Utah the lead at 2-1. They would take that lead into the first intermission with the Blackhawks having work to do to get that goal back.

Second period

The second period had a lot of penalties early on. Trading off, Utah took the first, with Logan Cooley getting called for holding the stick. Then, Connor Bedard took one for hooking. The Blackhawks then got a huge chance on net. Ilya Mikheyev, who has been so good at getting pucks to the net, had a prime chance that was stopped by a great save by Vitek Vanecek, but he did draw a penalty that put the Blackhawks back on the power play. They were unable to convert on that opportunity, however, and Utah kept their 2-1 lead.

With 4:25 left in the second, Bedard put a shot toward the net that went wide. Andre Burakovsky found it at the side of the net, and tucked it past Vanecek beautifully, knotting things up at 2-2.

screaming, crying, Burakovsky pic.twitter.com/Yap6HDfx3m

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 10, 2026

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That score would stay moving to the third, with things tied up at 2-2.

Third period

Both teams had a few good chances in the third period. Bedard came so close to scoring, but could not poke the puck through the legs of Vanecek on his best chance of the game. The Mammoth would get one more great chance, with Guenther on the doorstep again. Commesso proved up to the task, though, and kept the puck out, sending this game to overtime.

Overtime

Halfway through overtime, the Blackhawks got another power play. Old friend Nick Schmaltz got called for trip, giving the Blackhawks the man advantage. On the 4-on-3 power play, the puck found its way to Frank Nazar. With Tyler Bertuzzi screening the goalie, he would bury the wrister, giving the Blackhawks the 3-2 win.

got franked pic.twitter.com/B6WVZrbNB6

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 10, 2026

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Analysis

This game was one of the Blackhawks’ better games of the year on the whole. They led every statistical category, converting on the power play, winning more faceoffs and returning physicality for physicality better than many other games this year. All around, this game had a lot to like. The young guys played well and the veterans chipped in with a couple from guys who needed to get the monkey off their backs. Seeing Burakovsky and Mangiapane get goals was huge, as these are the guys this team needs to step up the rest of the way this season.

The Blackhawks’ next game is in Utah on Thursday night. That game will be at 8 p.m. CDT on CHSN.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks take down Mammoth at home 3-2 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 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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The post Blackhawks Rinkcast – Season 9 Episode 25 – The Long Weeks Before the Offseason appeared first on The Rink.

Prior to the game, the Blackhawks made some roster moves, recalling Nick Lardis and Drew Commesso from Rockford. Commesso was recalled because an illness to Spencer Knight.

Arvid Soderblom started his second game in a row.

First period

In the first period, the Hawks jumped on the Stars early. Artyom Levshunov fired a shot from the back end that was deflected in by Tyler Bertuzzi.

Tyler Bertuzzi redirects Artyom Levshunov’s shot for his 27th goal of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/IiGdHEbu0W

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 8, 2026

Later in the period, Sam Rinzel put the Hawks 2-0 with his third goal of the year.

Sam Rinzel fires home his 3rd goal of the season, and Oliver Moore heads to the locker room after being injured on the play. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/UfNwGJxh3p

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 8, 2026

Oliver Moore was injured on the Rinzel goal and would not return to the game.

The Stars cut the lead to one with a goal from Nathan Bastian. Chicago led 2-1 after the first.

Second period

The Stars came out shooting in the second. Despite the furious attack, Soderblom stopped all the shots in the second.

Excellent save by Arvid Soderblom. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/fQ6B9tgRzz

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 8, 2026

The scored remained 2-1 in favor of the Hawks.

Third period

Dallas battled their way to the lead in the third period. Mavrik Bourque tied the game less than a minute into the third period. Later, Justin Hryckowian scored a power-play goal to give Dallas the lead.

Chicago pulled Soderblom for the extra attacker late in the game. With the extra attacker, Connor Bedard found the back of the net for his 26th goal.

Connor Bedard scores the game-tying goal for his 26th of the season, and that’s the first 6-on-5 goal Chicago has scored all season long. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/2wPbBEQSxS

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 9, 2026

Overtime

Miro Heiskanen scored the game-winner 22 seconds in overtime. The Hawks lost 4-3.

Analysis

The Hawks got a sold effort from Soderblom and goals from Bedard, Rinzel and Bedard in the loss. The Hawks continue to lose close games this season. If the Hawks want to take the next step in their development, they must start winning close games.

The Hawks have a quick turnaround as they take on the Utah Mammoth tomorrow at 7 p.m. CDT at the United Center.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks fall to Stars 4-3 in overtime appeared first on The Rink.

Ryan Donato gave the Blackhawks the 1-0 lead at the 1:08 mark of the first period. Donato retrieved his own dump-in and fired a backhand into the net behind Canuck goaltender Nikita Tolopilo.

Chicago’s lead would not last long, as a minute later Canuck winger Drew O’Connor tied the score at 1-1 beating Arvid Soderblom.

Forward Jake DeBrusk would give the Canucks the lead at 2-1 a few seconds later, tipping home a Zeev Buium’s shot from the point.

Vancouver extended the lead to 3-1 at the 6:32 mark of the opening period Teddy Blueger slid a puck behind Soderblom to give Vancouver three goals on seven shots.

The Blackhawks would answer back at 12:00 with pretty tic-tac-toe play finished by Ilya Mikheyev. The goal, Mikheyev’s 12th of the season, was assisted by Oliver Moore and Tyler Bertuzzi.

With the score 3-2 after one period of action, Nazar tipped a shot from Alex Vlasic from the point that beat Tolopilo to tie the game at 3-3 at the 19:17 mark of the second period.

Boeser scored his first goal of the night early in the third period, on the power play, to give the visitors the one-goal lead. The lead appeared to disappear when Landon Slaggert scored at the 15:00 mark only to have the goal disallowed for a kicking motion to direct the puck into the goal.

Vancouver would take advantage of the disallowed goal and take a two-goal lead at the 18:34 mark of the third period before Boeser scored his second goal of the night into an empty net to give the Canucks a 6-3 victory.

The Blackhawks travel to Texas to take on the Dallas Stars for a 5 p.m. CDT puck drop on Sunday at the American Airline Center.

Analysis

Nazar finding the back of the net and assisting on another is exactly what the slumping sophomore needed. Nazar has been a little snake-bitten this season, shooting at 8.2% for the year and only has eight goals and 19 assists in 46 games played. The 22-year-old has been tasked with more ice time this season at 18:27 and has shown some struggles defensively, which in turn, looks to have spilled over into his offense.

The trade deadline decimated some of the Blackhawks’ older players and it is strictly the youth movement from here on out this season. Bedard is clearly the next player in line and this is his franchise for the foreseeable future. The Hockey News rated Anton Frondell the best prospect in hockey not yet in the NHL. The future is bright and General Manager Kyle Davidson spoke to the media and said they are sticking to their plan. As fans, all we can do is wait…two more seasons before they compete for the playoffs.

The post RECAP: Canucks defeat Blackhawks 6-3 as Boeser scores twice appeared first on The Rink.

Analysis

Thompson, a former 2022 third-round pick, scored 15 points in 40 games this season with the Rockford IceHogs. His entry-level contract expires after the 2026-27 season.

Pouliot, the eighth overall pick of the 2012 NHL Draft, has scored 28 points in 52 games this season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the Rangers. His contract expires after the 2026-27 season.

A minor trade in the grand scheme of things, the justification for the trade is straightforward. According to Ben Pope, bringing in Pouliot provides Rockford with desperately needed defensive depth. With the recent trade of Connor Murphy, along with the expiring contract of Matt Grzelcyk, young defensemen like Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro may see permanent graduations to the NHL. Along with this, the contracts of Ryan Mast and Dmitri Kuzmin expire this offseason. Adding a defenseman going into next season fixes a problem before it can start.

On the other side of this deal, dealing Thompson made sense for the organization. Already at 24 years old, Thompson left little room to develop. Scoring only 15 points this season, Thompson fell short of expectations. With multiple high-end forward prospects possibly joining the organization this spring and in the fall, Thompson became expendable.

Final thoughts

Easy to overlook, minor moves like these can make the difference for AHL teams. Pouliot is a veteran with over 200 games in the NHL and a Stanley Cup championship. Pairing Pouliot with a young defenseman like Korchinski, Taige Harding or Jake Furlong for the remainder of this season could prove valuable.

For Thompson, there is hope that he can find consistency in a new environment. It became clear it would not work out with this organization, so the hope is that he could find opportunities with another rebuilding organization.

The post ANALYSIS: Blackhawks trade Thompson to New York for Pouliot appeared first on The Rink.

On trade deadline day, the Chicago Blackhawks traded captain Nick Foligno to the Minnesota Wild. The Blackhawks received future considerations. No salary was retained.

Analysis

Doing right by your players. A concept some fans may not think about, but it is very important to consider. Sometimes lost in the grand scheme, but these are human beings doing a job. Fans may see assets or tools meant to bring a championship to their favorite team. The reality for these players is complicated, and difficult to maintain.

Kyle Davidson, in another player-friendly move, did right by his captain. In trading Foligno to the Wild, he gives the 38-year-old forward two opportunities. First, Foligno gets the chance to chase a Stanley Cup in his twilight. Second, Foligno gets the chance to play with his brother, Marcus Foligno.

“It feels like my mom is looking down on us and smiling today,” Foligno said on TSN following the trade.

It is not as though Foligno sprinted out of Chicago with a smile on his face. When speaking about leaving the Blackhawks, Foligno said, “I feel like I was saying goodbye to my kids.”

The trade has already affected those in the locker room. When asked about the trade, Connor Bedard said, “[Foligno] was someone that meant a lot to the group and I grew super close with. It’s sad when you lose guys and it motivates you to not be in this spot.”

Blackhawks deadline dealings

The Blackhawks made four trades this week, moving out veterans for draft capital and players under contract next season. Here is how things shaped out:

In:

• Andrew Mangiapane
• Derrick Pouliot
• 2027 first-round pick (Edmonton) (Top-12 protected)
• 2028 second-round pick (Edmonton)

Out:

• Nick Foligno
• Connor Murphy
• Jason Dickinson
• Colton Dach
• Aidan Thompson

The Blackhawks chose to retain a few expiring contracts. Notably, the Blackhawks did not trade forward Ilya Mikheyev. After reports emerged that an extension was not reached with Mikheyev, rumors swirled that Chicago would be looking to move him. Davidson addressed not trading Mikheyev in a press conference on Friday.

“I want to keep [Mikheyev] around,” Davidson said. “I really like what he brings to the team. If someone was going to approach us, they had to make it worth our while, and that certainly didn’t happen. And frankly, I’m glad I didn’t have to make a tough decision there.”

Final thoughts

With the Foligno trade, along with the Blackhawks’ other trades, Chicago achieved multiple important goals. First, they did right by their veteran players. Foligno, Murphy and Dickinson were all veteran leaders on this roster. Giving them a chance to compete for a Cup while going through the deadline was key for Davidson.

Second, the Blackhawks got incredible value for expiring contracts. A first- and second-round pick for Murphy, Dickinson and Dach was jaw-dropping. Taking advantage of the Edmonton Oilers’ desperation was to Chicago’s gain.

Last, and possibly most important, the Blackhawks opened the NHL roster wide open for their prospects. Leaving no room for debate as to who they hope to fill those spots, clearing out the roster emphasizes that goal.

Davidson strikes again. Now, it is time for the talented youth to bring this team to light.

The post ANALYSIS: Blackhawks trade captain Nick Foligno to Minnesota appeared first on The Rink.

Davidson acquired 29-year-old forward Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. Chicago will retain 50% of Dickinson’s salary cap hit as part of the trade. As part of the conditions of the trade, the Oilers’ first-round pick is top-12 protected. The trade gives Chicago nine picks in the first two rounds of the next two drafts to go along with their plentiful prospect pipeline.

Mangiapane has had a notoriously contentious stay in Edmonton since signing a two-year, $7.2 million contract with a cap hit of $3.6 million per season on July 1, 2025. He was expected to provide some secondary scoring support, but has only put up 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 52 games. Edmonton put him on waivers and sent him to their AHL affiliate, Bakersfield, on Sunday. Mangiapane is under contract through 2026-27.

Chicago will definitely miss Dickinson’s defensive prowess and leadership, as he was one of their alternate captains, and Dach’s youthful physical exuberance, but this is the cost of doing business in the NHL.

Acquiring assets that can be used to either move up in the draft in June or acquire players to help improve their scoring for next season is a necessary evil. Players like AJ Spellacy can step in soon to replace Dach’s physical energy and younger long-term options to replace Dickinson will be available. If Mangiapane can rediscover his scoring touch with a change of scenery, he could be a decent secondary contributor.

Chicago receives Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round draft pick in exchange for forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach

for every memory these last 4 years pic.twitter.com/E6N7FIfeVL

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 5, 2026

from draft night to his first career goal as a Hawk and every moment in between, thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/vWSlfpaI4K

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 5, 2026

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks acquire first-round pick and Mangiapane from Edmonton for Dickinson and Dach appeared first on The Rink.

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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First period

It only took four minutes for the Blackhawks to go down in the first. On a 4-on-4, Mark Scheifele knifed through the Blackhawks’ defense, finding Dylan Samberg. He buried a wrister for his first goal of the season, giving the Winnipeg Jets the 1-0 lead. Then, in the last five minutes of the period, Gabe Vilardi got called for a double-minor, giving the Blackhawks a four-minute man advantage. The Blackhawks went to work, with Teravainen getting another goal to add to his streak and tie things up at 1-1.

take a look at the goal from 8⃣6⃣ pic.twitter.com/nCBpEGHMu1

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 4, 2026

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For a period with as little shots as there were, it was action-packed. The teams would go into the intermission tied up at 1-1.

Second period

This period was also full of action for a period without any scoring. A few minutes in, Scheifele rang a shot off the post, beating Knight, but not getting it in the net. Nine minutes in, Ilya Mikheyev got a breakaway chance, but was not able to beat Connor Hellebuyck, who kept that out. All in all, it was a good period for the Blackhawks, who led in shots for the first time in quite a while. That would keep things tied up 1-1 heading into the third.

Third period

The Blackhawks got their first lead of the game quickly in the third. Just 32 seconds in, on a quick feed from the boards by Connor Bedard, Ryan Greene snuck a shot over the shoulder of Hellebuyck, 2-1 Blackhawks.

light. it. pic.twitter.com/HxRmLSzSdJ

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 4, 2026

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It was all downhill from there. Winnipeg dominated play the entire rest of the third period, outshooting the Blackhawks 17-5 the rest of the way. Just as the Blackhawks looked like they might escape with the win though, Winnipeg found a way. With the extra man, Scheifele found Cole Perfetti, who put a wrister past the glove of Knight with 39 seconds left to tie things up 2-2. This game was heading to overtime.

Overtime 

This overtime was all Winnipeg. The Jets got multiple chances early in overtime, with Scheifele involved every time. The last chance that Winnipeg had was on his stick, with him streaking onto the ice after a bad turnover and putting a wrister past Knight to give the Jets the 3-2 win.

Analysis

The Blackhawks have an issue with finishing games. As a young team, it really is not a huge surprise, but is a clear deficiency for this roster. Getting outshot by such a margin in the third shows that they simply ran out of gas, but still almost got it done despite letting up the crazy number of shots that they did.

Jeff Blashill: “We played really good for lots of the game. We just stopped getting out of our zone clean. Because of that, we were in our end for the last 10-12 minutes. It’s just a hard way to play. We didn’t get out clean, and when we had it, I thought we had opportunities to…

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 4, 2026

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The Blackhawks are back in action on Friday night at home versus the Vancouver Canucks. That game will be at 7:30 p.m. CST on good old CHSN.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks downed in overtime, lose 3-2 in Winnipeg appeared first on The Rink.

Ryan Greene — Connor Bedard — Andre Burakovsky

Anton Frondell — Frank Nazar — Roman Kantserov

Tyler Bertuzzi — Oliver Moore — Nick Lardis

Ryan Donato — ???????? — Teuvo Teravainen

Alex Vlasic — Artyom Levshunov

Wyatt Kaiser — Louis Crevier

Ethan Del Mastro — Sam Rinzel

The “challengers”

Samuel Savoie, Landon Slaggert, Colton Dach, Kevin Korchinski

“When you start to see all this come together … the calvary’s not coming in terms of who’s going to bail this group out,” Seravalli said. “They’re going to need to figure out how to create offense and win as they’re currently constituted.”

When addressing the forward challengers and possibly adding where he left question marks on the fourth line, Seravailli said, “I don’t know that they want to get tangled up in long-term commitments, but someone like a Michael McCarron … his archetype … they need more bite.”

Addressing the defense, Seravalli explained keeping the group young.

“They’ve all kind of come together pretty quickly … the key is gonna be getting Artyom Levshunov to take the next step forward in terms of consistency.”

Reactions

Reactions to the lines on social media have been all over the place. Some have shown displeasure at the idea of Burakovsky remaining on the first line. Others have lamented about not adding significant skill, especially to the top six. Still, Seravalli’s lines may show how the Blackhawks will handle the offseason.

Analysis

It is clear by the lines that the Blackhawks may be going all in on a youth movement at the NHL. With prospects like Frondell, Kantserov and Lardis projected to start next season in with Chicago, the era of stopgap players littering the Blackhawks’ roster is over. No more will Chicago bring in players like Pat Maroon, Craig Smith and TJ Brodie. With expiring contracts possibly moved by the deadline, the youth movement may begin as soon as Friday.

With the only open spot being the fourth-line center role, and three challengers already with the organization, key roster spots are left open for young skaters. It would not be a surprise if Burakovsky is also moved this offseason to give even more space for prospects.

Along with the youth movement, it would be useless to project big-name free agent signings and trades. Some believe the Blackhawks should be looking to swing big for Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. As intriguing as Robertson is, what use is it to project trading for Robertson? Even if Dallas were trading him this offseason, and the Blackhawks were interested in trading for him, it is of no use to assume Robertson, or any first-line winger, is going to be acquired this offseason.

Don’t stop in Chicago

Seravalli’s lines brings up an interesting idea. The youth movement should not be limited to the NHL. With how many prospects aging out of juniors, and with Sacha Boisvert coming over to the organization after Boston University’s season is over, the IceHogs could practically drown in prospects. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM feature, I attempted to predict the IceHogs’ 2026-27 opening lineup with this idea in mind.

Flooding Rockford with prospects like Marek Vanacker, AJ Spellacy and Jack Pridham reflects what Seravalli projected for Chicago. Letting expiring contracts leave and replacing them internally creates runway for key Blackhawk prospects. In back-to-back seasons, the Blackhawks started key prospects in the AHL, only for them to force their way up. Giving multiple highly-touted prospects that same opportunity next season should be a priority for this organization.

Final thoughts

It is easy to criticize projections. Honestly, I cringed seeing Burakovsky still projected on the first line next season. Still, there is logic in Seravalli’s projections. Last season, the criticism was that Chicago was one of the oldest rosters in the NHL. Now, with the chance to embrace the youth, criticism still remains. Creating internal competition and avoiding commitment to marginally skilled skaters makes sense for where the Blackhawks’ organization currently is.

The post ANALYSIS: Frank Seravalli is right about the 2026-27 Blackhawks appeared first on The Rink.

Murphy, who turns 33 years old on March 26, carries a $4.4 million AAV. Chicago is retaining half of Murphy’s contract, which expires after this season.

Analysis

(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

One of the rare good trades of the Stan Bowman era with Chicago, there is a bit of irony being traded to the Oilers. Murphy is once again traded to a Bowman team.

In his time with Chicago, Murphy provided a strong defensive game. In nine seasons with the Blackhawks, Murphy skated in 547 games, recording 34 goals and 90 assists.

With Edmonton, Murphy should provide a physical game with an ability to kill penalties.

For Chicago, getting value for a skater on the wrong side of 30 years old is wise, especially with his contract expiring this offseason. A second-round pick is more than sufficient.

Final thoughts

Though many will not associate Murphy with a great era in Blackhawks hockey, he provided stability. A leader on and off the ice, the “A” on his jersey was proof of his value to this organization.

Murphy now has a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in his NHL career.

The post ANALYSIS: Connor Murphy traded to Edmonton appeared first on The Rink.

In addition to getting secondary scoring, Arvid Soderblom recorded his first career shutout.

First period

In the first period, Chicago’s power play continued to produce. After winning a puck off the board, Tyler Bertuzzi found Teravainen for the goal.

Tyler Bertuzzi with the trip and Teuvo Teravainen with the goal on the power play for his 11th of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/X8GZdJDJn5

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 1, 2026

Second period

In the second period, the Hawks poured in two more goals against the Mammoth. Foligno got the scoring started with a nice move and finish.

GOAL: Nick Foligno shows off the hands in tight for his 3rd goal of the season pic.twitter.com/mknip2Ywcy

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) March 1, 2026

The goal was the 250th goal of Foligno’s career.

Less than two minutes later, Foligno’s linemate, Slaggert, notched his third goal of the season.

Landon Slaggert with a floating wrist shot from 40 feet out finds its way in for his 3rd goal of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/JG3RifEE9S

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 1, 2026

The period ended with the Hawks up 3-0.

Third period

In the third, Teravainen scored a shorthanded goal to seal the game.

Teuvo Teravainen scores a shorthanded goal for his 2nd of the game and 12th of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/N9nyJ52J8R

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 1, 2026

Analysis

The Hawks finally got their first post-Olympic break win in impressive fashion. Soderblom, who has not played in a month, looked great in net. The Hawks also got offense from players not named Bertuzzi or Connor Bedard. The Hawks need to continue to find ways to get scoring output from other players the rest of the season.

Prior to the game, Frank Seravalli revealed his predictions for next year’s lineup. Much to the chagrin of many Blackhawks fans, the Hawks will not be adding many players in free agency. While people are upset, they need to realize that free agency is currently dead.

While free agency might be dead, trades will be the way new talent is acquired. The Blackhawks figure to active this week, possibly trading veterans such as Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, Sam Lafferty and Ilya Mikheyev. These moves figure to bring back draft picks and open spots for Anton Frondell, Nick Lardis and others.

The Blackhawks’ next game is Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets.

The post RECAP: Blackhawks get back on track with dominant 4-0 win in Utah appeared first on The Rink.

First period

Connor Bedard scored his 25th goal of the season on the power play to give the Blackhawks the 1-0 lead at the 6:31 mark of the opening frame. The goal, assisted by forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen, would be the only excitement for Chicago fans in Colorado.

Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks (25) pic.twitter.com/zX7mEFVWFb

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 1, 2026

Second period

Colorado would finally answer back to the Bedard goal at the 19:51 mark of the middle period. The back-breaking late goal, the first of the Makar goals, beat Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight, who had stood on his head for most of the first two periods as Chicago was outshot 24-9 in the first 40 minutes of action. The goal gave Nathan MacKinnon his 56th assist of the year and Martin Necas his 42nd assist.

MacKinnon’s feed to Makar for the goal shows their continued chemistry. Opponents will need to double team both to shut down that lethal combo. pic.twitter.com/KJmvq7SLFP

— Wire Report (@WireReportOrg) March 1, 2026

Third period

Gavin Brindley beat Knight at the 7:31 mark of the third period to give the home team the 2-1 lead at the 7:31 mark. The goal, Brindley’s sixth of the season, was assisted by defensemen Sam Malinski and Devon Toews.

The Avalanche finished off the Blackhawks with the aforementioned Makar empty-net goal.

Analysis

Chicago continues to be a one-man offense, as Bedard is clearly the only offense the slowly dying Blackhawks are getting on most nights. Bedard, left off Canada’s silver-winning Olympic team, is really the only hope fans have on most nights when it comes to any consistency. Frank Nazar has scored two goals in the last 33 games and is struggling mightily on most nights to even be noticed on the ice.

Knight was outstanding again, stopping 32 shots, but if you told fans it was 47 saves, it would have seemed correct. Knight was fighting through screens and busy covering up pucks his defensemen could not seem to clear in front of him.

The Blackhawks return to action today at 3 p.m. Central against the Utah Mammoth.

The post RECAP: Bedard scores 25th, Colorado wins 3-1 behind Makar two-goal effort 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 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.

First period

Despite six minutes of early power play time, the Hawks found themselves trailing 1-0 after 20 minutes. Artyom Levshanov turned the puck over along the boards and Filip Forsberg picked it up in the slot and fired a wrist shot top shelf for his 25th of the season at 13:50.

Second period

Connor Bedard tied the game at 1-1 with his career-high 24th of the season at the 4:13 mark. Ryan Greene snuck a pass from the half boards to Bedard in the slot, who snapped one past Annunen. The game would remain tied through two frames.

Connor Bedard for a career-high 24 goals pic.twitter.com/TLz6vyNy7G

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 27, 2026

Third period

The Blackhawks finally cashed in on their fourth power play of the game when Tyler Bertuzzi scored his 26th of the season at 3:16. Teuvo Teravainen lobbed a puck on net with Bertuzzi setting a screen. A rebound came right to Bertuzzi, who scored on the rebound to give Chicago a 2-1 lead.

Bertuzzi on the power play pic.twitter.com/5sbJQbRKJu

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 27, 2026

The Preds responded with a power-play goal of their own when Matthew Wood scored his 10th of the season at 7:12. Erik Haula retrieved the puck behind the net and found Wood open in the right circle and he snapped a shot past Knight to tie the game at 2-2.

With 3:15 left in regulatjon, Ryan O’Reilly broke the tie with his 21st of the season. Roman Josi led the rush and from the right circle, he threaded the needle and found O’Reilly, who tipped it past Knight to give the Preds a 3-2 lead.

With the Hawks’ net empty and the extra attacker on, Steven Stamkos forced a turnover on Frank Nazar at the Hawks’ blue line and fired the puck into the empty net for his 29th of the season at 19:12 to give the Preds a 4-2 lead, which was the final.

Analysis

Collectively, the Hawks looked rusty, as their puck management was awful throughout the game. The Hawks committed multiple turnovers, including two that led directly to Nashville goals. On the plus side, Knight had a strong game and Bedard was arguably the best player on the ice, as he looked refreshed and showed a ton of speed entering the zone.

The Rink would also like to congratulate Dana Grey, manager of communications and broadcasting for the Rockford IceHogs, who made his NHL debut calling the game on 720 WGN.

The Hawks will play the second game of this four-game road trip on Saturday in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche. Puck drop is at 5 p.m. CST on CHSN with the radio call on 720 WGN.

The post RECAP: Hawks fall 4-2 in Nashville following Olympic break appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Rinkcast staff members Sean Fitzgerald, and Jimmy O’Malley jump on to talk about the AHL All-Star festivities, the Olympic games, and the Blackhawks ramping up for the trade deadline as well as the final stretch run.

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Skills Competition

All AHL all-stars paused to take a photo before the Skills Competition. (Photo courtesy of Brad Repplinger / AHL)

On Feb. 10, the festivities began with the Skills Competition.

Before the competition took place, IceHog all-stars took time to take answers from the media.

“Should be fun … compete … meet new guys … fun to do it with Lardis and Seens (Seney),” Korchinski said. “It’s going to be a blast playing for the home crowd.”

“I’m happy to be here,” Lardis said. “To be an all-star and to be in Rockford, pretty lucky to have it here.”

“Easy decision to join,” Seney said. “Seeing all the effort … gives people from other teams an inside look at how professional and how well-run Rockford is.”

Following player introductions and the national anthems, with the United States anthem being performed by legendary Chicago Blackhawks anthem singer Wayne Messmer, the festivities began with the puck control relay.

Two Hogs participated in this event in Seney and Lardis. In his attempt, Seney had unfortunately (and hilariously) ran into a camera man, causing him to lose his race. The hometown crowd let the cameraman know their displeasure with his interference with a chorus of boos.

However, Lardis did win his race, with some cheating. Lardis did acknowledge his cheating, but stated confidently after the Skills Competition, “if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.”

Although Lardis won his race, the Eastern Conference won three out of four races, giving them the early lead.

Korchinski and Seney later participated in the rapid fire challenge, being stonewalled by their opponent goaltenders.

Nick Lardis participating in the accuracy shooting challenge. (Photo courtesy of the AHL)

After the rapid fire challenge, Lardis participated in the accuracy shooting challenge, falling one shot short of a perfect round.

In the final competition, all three Hog all-stars competed in the breakaway relay challenge, going 0 for 3.

IceHogs all-stars Nick Lardis, Brett Seney and Kevin Korchinski at the Skills Competition. (Photo courtesy of the AHL)

Skills Competition results

Puck control relay: East wins 3-1

Fastest skater: Konsta Helenius (ROC) 13.770 seconds

Rapid fire: East

Hardest shot: Arthur Kaliyev (BEL) 104.0 miles per hour

Accuracy shooting: Jagger Firkus (CV)

Pass and score: West 6, East 5

Breakaway relay: West 6, East 5

Final results: East Wins 18-15

All-Star Challenge

Nick Lardis opened up the All-Star Challenge with a highlight-reel goal. (Photo courtesy of the AHL)

After a full day of events, including community outreach, a hall-of-fame ceremony and a press conference with the President and CEO of the AHL, Scott Howson, the All-Star Challenge somehow eclipsed the previous night’s competition.

The challenge began with player introductions, with the hometown Hogs receiving loud ovations. The loudest ovation was reserved for the anthem singer, Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison. The roar made its way to the BMO Center, with the Rockford crowd cheering throughout the entire anthem.

Following the anthems, the round robin competition began between the Central Division and the Atlantic Division. Each game consisted of two four-minute periods of 3-on-3 hockey. The Central Division decided to start the game with an opening line of Seney-Lardis-Korchinski, which received another roar from the home crowd.

The first game ended in an overtime loss for the Central, however, Lardis scored the first goal of the entire challenge, and scored in the shootout. Both goals fired up a very partisan crowd.

With the round robin standings based on games won, and goal differential, it came down to the final game of the round robin between the Central Division and the Pacific Division. Needing to win by four goals to advance to the championship, the Central pulled their goaltender twice while up 2-0 in an attempt to secure their spot. By some miracle, and a little encouragement from the hometown crowd, the Central scored twice. Winning 4-0, the championship would be determined in a final game between the Central and the Pacific.

The rematch would go in the Pacific’s favor, winning 3-1. Colorado Eagles all-star Jayson Megna won the BMO Most Valuable Player of the All-Star Challenge, preventing Korchinski from going back-to-back.

Game results

Game 1 — Central Division 1, Atlantic Division 1 (SO)
Game 2 — Pacific Division 4, North Division 1
Game 3 — Pacific Division 3, Atlantic Division 2
Game 4 — North Division 3, Central Division 2
Game 5 — Atlantic Division 4, North Division 0
Game 6 — Central Division 4, Pacific Division 0
Championship — Pacific Division 3, Central Division 1

Final thoughts

Brett Seney and Nick Lardis celebrate on the ice with their Central Division teammates following a goal. (Photo courtesy of Kirsten Stickney / AHL)

The success of the All-Star Classic could be felt from everyone. From the Rockford crowd chanting “ref you suck” twice on Wednesday night, to AHL President and CEO Howson heaping immense praise on the organization and city during his press conference, the Classic put the spotlight on Rockford, and they delivered.

“I loved the crowd, I love it here,” Korchinski said when asked about the crowd. “It’s very cool having it here.”

“Honestly, expected from these fans,” Lardis stated about Rockford’s faithful. “The support they’ve given us … it has been a lot of fun, the whole week, the whole year, it’s been unbelievable.”

If these festivities have proven anything, it is that the IceHogs organization, in every aspect, is first-class. The question is not “if” the All-Star Classic will return to the Screw City, but how soon can it return.

Season resumption

Despite the fun times the All-Star Classic presents, there is still a regular season to finish.

“Have fun tonight and right back in tomorrow,” Lardis said when asked postgame about the season. “Try to make a playoff push here; our team’s been struggling a little bit, there’s no excuse right now, it’s kinda go-time for our team to get as many points as we can.”

Go time for the IceHogs resumes on Saturday at home against the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m CST.

The post Rockin’ with Rockford: All-Star Classic a resounding success appeared first on The Rink.

Much like in November, the reasons are equally right in front of their faces, but seemingly just out of reach. Addressing these problems during the season may prove to be too difficult a task, but not impossible.

Scoring inconsistency

Gavin Hayes, like many IceHogs, has struggled to score. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

In the 18 games since my previous article, how many times have the IceHogs scored three or more goals in a game? The answer is seven. A scoring drought is affecting many members of the team.

Brett Seney has scored only one goal since the calendar flipped to 2026, that goal being on Jan. 3. When the captain and team-leading scorer records only five points in 18 games, the concerns mount.

Scoring seems to only be coming from two forwards: Rem Pitlick and Dominic Toninato. Pitlick has scored a respectable 10 points since the new year, with seven of those points being goals. Toninato, since returning from a stint with the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 3, has recorded 13 points, netting six goals.

The problem is everyone else. Kevin Korchinski has recorded five points with no goals since the beginning of January. Gavin Hayes has recorded only seven points in that span, and Samuel Savoie has struggled with merely four points, going scoreless in his previous five games.

When the majority of team scoring comes from two skaters, something has to give. If not, teams can focus in on Pitlick and Toninanto and completely clamp the floundering Hogs.

Defensive woes

Stanislav Berezhnoy leaves the ice after a 5-2 loss to the Iowa Wild on Feb. 6. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Holliday / Rockford IceHogs)

On the other end of the scoring spectrum, in the 18 games since my previous article, Rockford has given up three or more goals a staggering 14 times.

Is it goaltending? Is it the defensive game plan? It is hard to not say both.

Korchinski, as impressive he is as a skater and as a point-scoring defenseman, has struggled in his No. 1 defenseman role on the defensive end. Although plus/minus is an imperfect stat, a rating of -18 since the previous article is a massive concern. Mixed in with his scoring drought, being on the ice a lot when scored against should be a concern for the team.

On the goaltending side, things have not been smooth for Stanislav Berezhnoy and Drew Commesso. In seven starts since the Christmas break, Berezhnoy has recording a save percentage above .900 in two starts. For Commesso, he has recorded a sub-.870 save percentage in half of his starts in that same stretch.

The IceHogs’ defense has not done their goalies any favors, and the goalies have not found consistency — a bad combination for a young roster.

Special teams troubles

The Hogs fell 5-0 against the Texas Stars on Jan. 23, which included two power-play goals and a shorthanded goal for the Stars. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)

The offensive and defensive struggles stand out most during special teams.

A power-play percentage of 13.5% is second-lowest in the division, ahead of only the Manitoba Moose at 13.2%. Like mentioned earlier, when scoring comes from only a couple of forwards, teams can hem in a power play.

On the penalty kill, a 82.6% kill rate looks impressive at first, sitting at fourth in the division. Looking closer, the realization that Rockford has allowed 31 power-play goals against should raise alarm bells. Tied for most in the division with the Chicago Wolves, the problem becomes apparent. The Hogs shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, constantly putting unnecessary pressure on themselves.

It’s not all doom and gloom

Sam Rinzel scored his first AHL goal on Jan. 13 against the Manitoba Moose. (Photo courtesy of Jordan Menard / Rockford IceHogs)

With all of this, it is hard to see a bright side to things. There still are diamonds in the rough.

The biggest diamond appears to be the development of Sam Rinzel. After being sent down to Rockford, Rinzel has recorded 13 points in 21 games. He played well enough to be brought back up to Chicago for three games in late January and early February, where he recorded one goal in three games.

Another bright spot is the three all-stars on this roster. On Jan. 15, Korchinski and Nick Lardis were named to the All-Star Classic. On Feb. 8, Seney was named an all-star. Having three members of the club make it to the All-Star Classic, which will be held in Rockford on Feb. 10 and 11, is commendable.

Final thoughts

Nick Lardis is one of three IceHogs representing Rockford at the All-Star Classic, hosted in Rockford. (Photo courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs)

With 38 points in 47 games played, the Hogs sit four points behind the Milwaukee Admirals for fifth in the division. With five games in hand, Milwaukee holds the clear advantage, but with a victory over the Ads on Feb. 7, the Hogs have kept the door open.

It is too early to say it would take a miracle to make the playoffs, but the Hogs are in serious danger of needing one. The All-Star break gives the roster time to regroup, refresh and look to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

Rockford’s season resumes on Feb. 14 at home against Milwaukee 7 p.m. CST.

The post Rockin’ with Rockford: The no-good, very-bad stretch 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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The only lineup change of note would be Colton Dach checking back in for Sam Lafferty, who barely played in their loss to Columbus on Friday night.

First period

The Blackhawks got three out of four power plays in an eventful first period. On their second attempt on the power play, they made the Sharks pay. With some brilliant puck movement from all five players on the ice, they moved the puck from up high to down low without the Sharks being able to do anything about it. Tyler Bertuzzi found a wide-open Teuvo Teravainen in the middle of the ice. He then found Connor Bedard, who buried the one-timer to put the Blackhawks up 1-0.

make that 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 with a goal for Bedsy pic.twitter.com/SUnfMjldl0

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 3, 2026

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That would be all the action for the first, as the Blackhawks would head into the intermission with a 1-0 lead.

Second period

This period would get started earlier than the first with the scoring. Just 2:14 in, what looked like a routine shot on net snuck in. Connor Murphy teed up a shot from the right circle that snuck past defenders in front and under the pad of Yaroslav Askarov, making it 2-0 Chicago.

#𝟱 was right on time pic.twitter.com/RkllDP2Jz8

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 3, 2026

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Then, over seven minutes later, the Blackhawks would strike again. This time it was Ryan Donato who got a beautiful pass, and made a beautiful move to get a shot past Askarov, making it 3-0 Blackhawks.

signed, sealed, 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 pic.twitter.com/CN8IQ5wVM9

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 3, 2026