The trade accomplishes multiple things for both sides. For Chicago, the Blackhawks land a quality top-six winger in Hall, who should be able to slot in nicely with Connor Bedard assuming he can stay healthy. Hall, a former first overall pick himself and former Hart Trophy winner, should also provide valuable leadership for Bedard, showing the phenom the ropes of being a first overall pick and how to handle the hype and expectations. Hall’s $6 million cap hit in each of the next two seasons will also help the team reach the salary cap floor. In Foligno, the Hawks acquire another respected veteran winger. Although past his prime, Foligno can still contribute in a bottom-six role while providing physicality and leadership. Foligno is currently an unrestricted free agent, but all signs point toward the Blackhawks intending to sign Foligno ahead of free agency opening on July 1.

For Boston, the Bruins “acquire” much-needed cap space, as something clearly needed to give in order for Boston to comfortably assemble a roster for next season. The Bruins also acquire a pair of underachieving blueliners ready for a fresh start who can provide organizational depth moving forward.

On the surface, although being a win-win deal for both sides, the Hawks would seem to be the bigger winners, as neither Mitchell nor Regula likely factored into the team’s long-term plans, as both players were unable to crack the Blackhawks’ lineup last season, while also adding a quality forward option in Hall and veteran depth in Foligno.

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks acquire Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno from Boston appeared first on The Rink.

First period

In the first period, the Flames struck early and often against a porous Blackhawks defense. The Flames notched their first goal of the game less than 30 seconds in the contest. After winning an offensive zone face-off, Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin took a shot from the point that was deflected in by Dillion Dube for the game first’s goal. Dube was able to score because of his positioning on Caleb Jones.

Shortly after, Johnny Gaudreau made the Blackhawks’ defense look silly, circling the wagons around the zone before causing a glaring miscommunication between two defenders for a clear lane to the net. Gaudreau made no mistake on the opportunity, sniping a wrister past Kevin Lankinen for a quick 2–0 Calgary lead. The tally was Gaudreau’s 600th career point.

The Hawks would answer back with a goal of their own. Forgotten forward Tyler Johnson netted his second goal as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. It was his first goal since Oct. 24 after his neck surgery.

Tyler Johnson SNIPES IT HOME! 1-2 GAME! pic.twitter.com/87INV5725a

— Blackhawks Nation (@HawksNationfb) April 19, 2022

The Flames added to their lead late in the period after another Blackhawks defensive lapse. Seth Jones fired a puck around the boards that was not recovered by Patrick Kane. Calgary’s Oliver Kylington won the puck along with the boards and fired a shot on the net that was deflected by Blake Coleman for the goal. It was the third Flames goal of the period, extending the gap to 3–1.

Despite being outshot 14–6 in the first period, the Blackhawks were lucky to be down two goals. Lankinen made two great saves on Gaudreau and Calle Jarnkrok during the period to keep the Blackhawks within two goals.

Second period

At the midway point in the second period, the Blackhawks had yet to crack 10 shots on goal. Despite being outshot 26–9, the Blackhawks cut the Flames’ lead to one goal on their 10th shot of the period. Alec Regula fired a pretty harmless-looking shot toward the net. The shot hit the post and bounced off Jakob Markstrom’s back for Regula’s first career NHL goal, trimming the margin to 3–2.

First career goal and first career point for Alec Regula #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/aFZp9Pxpaa

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) April 19, 2022

Despite “winning” the second period, the Blackhawks still trailed by one goal.

Third period

In the third period, the Blackhawks played their best period of the game, recording nine shots on goal while Calgary had six. Despite outshooting the Flames, the Blackhawks were not able to scratch across another goal.

The Flames tacked on two empty-net goals to seal the victory. The Flames got one goal from Gaudreau and one from Kylington. The final score was 5–2 Calgary.

Analysis

The positives from Monday’s game were the play of Regula and Alex Vlasic. Both young defensemen appear to be gaining confidence on the ice. Regula netted his first NHL goal and first point. Vlasic was able to use positioning and size to prevent some rushes from the Flames. Both defensemen are hopefully going to help anchor the Blackhawks’ blue line for years to come.

The Blackhawks have six games remaining this season, with the next coming on the road on Wednesday against the Arizona Coyotes. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. CDT.

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During the five-day event, the Blackhawks’ prospects were able to scrimmage the Wild prospects  twice and practiced three times.

Among the notable Blackhawks prospects participating were Nolan Allan, Evan Barratt, Colton Dach, Mike Hardman, Alec Regula and Lukas Reichel.

On Friday night, the Blackhawks fell to the Wild 3–2 in regulation. In game two on Sunday, the Blackhawks also fell to the Wild, losing 4–3 in a shootout. On Sunday, the Blackhawks got goals from Andrei Altybarmakyan, Barratt and Michel Teply. The Teply goal was assisted by Reichel.

Lukas Reichel sets up Michal Teplý for a goal to put the Blackhawks ahead 3-2. pic.twitter.com/1NAj52n5Fn

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 19, 2021

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Winners of the showcase

Lukas Reichel

Despite not winning either of the two games, it appears Reichel was the overall winner. Despite being drafted as winger, Reichel looked comfortable at the center position having played there in Germany. His skill and playmaking stood out among the prospects featured in the scrimmages. Despite being a relative long shot to make the NHL club—though he could at least earn a brief look—Reichel has entered the conversation of a possible NHL debut this season.

Rockford IceHogs coach Derek King on Lukas Reichel: “He’s a player. It was fun to watch him. … This kid, just his skill level is just that much higher than a lot of our draft picks or a lot of free agents or a lot of kids I’ve seen around the organization.”

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 20, 2021

Alec Regula

Regula, a defenseman, acquired in the Brendan Perlini trade with Detroit, spent the majority of last season in Rockford. After a short three-game stint with the Blackhawks, it appears Regula worked hard in the offseason to smooth out some of his rough edges. Current IceHogs head coach Derek King had glowing remarks for how Regula played over the weekend.

King on Alec Regula: “Probably one of the best players on the ice every game, the two games he played. He controlled the play. His skating has improved. His thought process is a lot quicker. His shot has improved. He just looked really good.”

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 20, 2021

Regula figures to be in the mix for a bottom-pairing defensive spot when the NHL season opens.

Other notables

Barratt had a solid two-game showing with his physical play and some scoring touch. It will be interesting to see if his game continues to develop this season, very likely in Rockford.

Arvid Soderblom was the goalie in net on Friday. He appears to be a development prospect after signing a two-year contract with the Blackhawks following a productive career in Sweden. The 6-foot-3 goalie figures to be in mix between Rockford and the Indy Fuel for ice time.

With training camp starting on Thursday, stay tuned to The Rink for all your Blackhawks news.

The post Blackhawks’ prospects square off against Minnesota in Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase appeared first on The Rink.

The news on Toews is scary. It is, and from his statement on Tuesday, there is so much unknown as to his condition. This does not seem like your typical NHL “undisclosed” situation, either. The truth is not being hidden; neither Toews nor the organization know what is contributing to his ailment, and they are actively trying to figure it out. Many have been critical of Toews’ play in recent years, and that is fine, but this has been the Hawks’ best 200-foot player over the last 13 seasons, period. He is their leader, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, Conn Smythe winner and his name and number will be stitched on a banner and hung from the rafters of the United Center. His contributions to what has been the best era in Chicago Blackhawks hockey are immeasurable, and whether you had high hopes for the Hawks this season or if you were hoping for failure and a rebuild, it is really hard to envision the team without Captain Serious. Let’s just hope that they can pinpoint his ailment and he can successfully recover.

Without captain Jonathan Toews, the Hawks begin the season with more questions than answers. (Photograph courtesy of the NHL)

As for the 2020–21 season; now what? Circumstances have changed, the team is weaker and picturing the Hawks jumping into the playoff mix come springtime is unrealistic. In fact, this could get ugly. The defensive unit is a weak spot, they are unproven between the pipes and without Nylander, Dach and Toews, the offense is significantly affected. General Manager Stan Bowman’s half-hearted “rebuild” has just been put into overdrive. Regardless of the message to fans or the organization’s intentions for the 2020–21 season, the Hawks will not be very good. There is a real possibility that without so many key ingredients, that they will finish towards the bottom of the barrel in the league and will have a lottery pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Whether or not Bowman and company elect to re-sign Dylan Strome will not change this team for the better, and if they can move him for futures or picks, they are wise to do so.

New/old acquisition Brandon Pirri will play more than many expected early on. Centers Carl Soderberg and Mattias Janmark, originally thought to be third- and fourth-line fixtures, may now be ticketed for first- and second-line duties. While the Hawks may not win many games with those two players in those roles, all fans should be rooting for them. On one-year deals, if either Soderberg, or the one-time 19-goal scorer, Janmark, are productive, come the April 12 trade deadline, either or both could see a decent return for the Hawks’ future. Newly acquired center Lucas Wallmark may also fall into that category.

Newly acquired forward Mattias Janmark could now have a more pivotal role entering the season. (Photograph courtesy of the NHL)

Before the injuries, there are some fans that unwisely may have thought the Hawks’ were contenders heading into this season, while others were beating the “play the kids” drum as loudly as possible. Well, the latter is here. The kids will play. You will not see a complete youth movement, as the Hawks will mettle with their more experienced depth early on, but as the season chugs along, be ready to see a revolving door between Chicago and Rockford.

Some prospects may now be locks out of mini camp. Barring disappointment, it is possible or likely, that Pius Suter may be in a top-six role right away, and fans should be excited because of the tools he brings to the table. Winger Brandon Hagel had a decent 19-goal run in Rockford last season and at some point will see some NHL action. Hagel has been on loan to Thurgau in the second-tier Swiss League (SL) this season and has tallied 15 points in 14 games. Prospect MacKenzie Entwistle brings his 6-foot-3 size, speed and energy to the table. Entwistle is starting to figure out a professional game and with 26 points in Rockford in 2019–20, he is another to keep an eye on. Responsible center prospect Philipp Kurashev, fresh off a loan to Lugano in the Swiss-A league, could use more time in Rockford, but if the Hawks wisely shed some center depth at the trade deadline, he could get his first taste of the NHL in mid-April. Evan Barratt may have a longer road to being a true NHL impact player, but his skillset and hockey sense are there. He will most likely be in Rockford for the bulk of the season and rightly so, but injuries and/or trades could see him in Chicago for some games. Lastly, considering he is currently in North America playing in the World Junior Championship, inviting Czech prospect Michael Teply to camp should be something to consider.

The blue line, though not one to brag about, has a little more stability than it did a year ago—for now.  It is expected that Ian Mitchell will get his shot, and it will be interesting to see if he is as good as advertised. Nikita Zadorov, acquired in the Brandon Saad trade, will be a regular, as will Calvin de Haan, Connor Murphy, Adam Boqvist, Duncan Keith and yes, Brent Seabrook; remember him? Will the Hawks be able to unload the hefty contracts of Seabrook, Keith, de Haan or Murphy come the trade deadline? Seabrook, never, and the others, probably not in this economic climate unless the Hawks eat a big chunk of salary and cap hit.

Considering how much this unit will be playing in their own end of the ice though, injuries will happen and the combination of that and what may be inconsistent play from some will result in call ups and some younger kids getting a crack in the lineup. Wyatt Kalynuk, Lucas Carlsson and Nicolas Beaudin could all factor into that. Alec Regula is an intriguing prospect with high upside, but he is likely to see the entire season in Rockford. Another rearguard worth noting is Anton Lindholm. The lesser name in the Saad trade has played NHL minutes in Colorado and has been coveted by Bowman for some time. At 26, Lindholm knows a pro game and, should younger prospects be better served with time in Rockford, Lindholm could provide support in the back.

Coming back from injury, Brent Seabrook and others will be busier than ever in their own zone. (Photograph courtesy of NBC Sports)

A season of change is ahead, that is for sure. The number of different players and combinations that will be in and out of the lineup is impossible to predict, but if you are betting, take the over. At this point, anything is in play. Limit your expectations in the win column, as some games will not be much fun to watch. That said, keep an eye on the lineup as pieces of the Blackhawks’ future may be on the ice, and earlier than expected.

The post ANALYSIS: The Blackhawks’ kids will play appeared first on The Rink.

Regula has helped carry the load on the backend this season in for the London Knights. His 26 goals lead London in goals by a defenseman and are third on the team overall, while registering 31 assists for 57 points. For the season, Regula is a plus-34 and second on the team in power play goals with 14 tallies.

With the playoffs looming, London currently leads the OHL’s Western Conference with 84 points, holding a short lead over three other teams within four points. With Regula’s defensive awareness, offensive skills and leadership qualities, the Knights are in good hands moving forward into the post season.

Tape to tape @jasonwillms88 in OT
@AlecRegula finds the #OHL vet to lock down the @LondonKnights overtime victory pic.twitter.com/iTNeEpWkEC

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 27, 2020

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The 6’4″, 205 lbs Regula was drafted the third round of the 2018 NHL entry draft by the Red Wings. He joined the London Knights that next season and is in his third season with the club. Last season, he played the entire year with current Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist. In 14 games with the Knights this season, he has 15 points (seven goals, eight assists). Regula will be eligible to join either the Blackhawks or Rockford IceHogs when his season with the OHL London Knights is complete.

The Blackhawks will be back on the road Wednesday to face the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 pm CST.

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks sign Alec Regula to entry level deal appeared first on The Rink.

TRADE ALERT: The #Blackhawks have acquired defenseman Alec Regula from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Brendan Perlini.

Regula will remain with the London Knights of the OHL. pic.twitter.com/hctyz1M1QZ

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 28, 2019

The 23-year-old Perlini was acquired by the Blackhawks last November with Dylan Strome from the Arizona Coyotes for former first-round pick Nick Schmaltz. Perlini was a very hot-and-cold player with the Coyotes and then with the Blackhawks, scoring three of his 12 goals with Chicago on March 11, 2019, against his former team.

Despite his scoring prowess, he could never win head coach Jeremy Colliton‘s favor. In a strange twist, Perlini and the Blackhawks had a long, drawn-out contract negotiation which led to a one-year, $874,125 deal getting signed on Sept. 6. He only played in one game this regular season and did not register a point.

Regula is a 6-foot-4, 205-pound right-handed defenseman and native of West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. The 19-year-old was drafted by the Red Wings in the third round (67th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Chicago Steel fans may remember Regula as a member of the team that captured the 2017 Clark Cup, registering five points (one goal, four assists) in 53 regular season games and one assist in five playoff games.

Regula will be remaining in the OHL with the London Knights, where he is a co-captain and has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 10 games this season. He was also teammates with Blackhawks 2018 first-round pick Adam Boqvist for the 2018–19 season in London.

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