Ben Pope

Before the surgery in March, Guttman’s separation speed, faceoff ability and productivity impressed the Hawks at the AHL and NHL levels. He’ll be particularly interesting to watch in camp starting Sept. 21.

As slap shots decline in prevalence around the NHL, Jones has yet again shifted to a whippier stick better suited for wrist shots. That’s one of several interesting storylines from his 2023 offseason.

Foligno’s foundation, The Heart’s Playbook, funds research and provides support and outreach for children — like his daughter Milana — born with congenital heart defects. Hawks GM Kyle Davidson, who was also born with a heart defect, is one of many excited to see the foundation bring its impacts to Chicago.

Toews suggested Thursday he won’t play in the NHL in 2023-24. The legendary Hawks forward — now a free agent — plans to give himself “the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again.”

Historical precedents set by other No. 1 overall picks suggest 63 to 72 points to be a reasonable over-under line for Bedard — but that’s assuming he stays healthy for the full season.

Brent Seabrook, Marian Hossa, Chris Chelios, Pat Foley, Darren Pang and others recounted stories Wednesday at the United Center to eulogize Wirtz, the late Hawks chairman.

Connor Bedard is an obvious choice for No. 1, although he won’t be a prospect for long. After him, Kevin Korchinski, Oliver Moore and Frank Nazar headline an increasingly talented list.

Wirtz spent 16 years as Hawks chairman before his abrupt death Tuesday, but the decisions he made within his first three years — which changed the Hawks from dysfunctional to dominant — stand out as his finest.

Wirtz, who died Tuesday in Evanston after a brief illness, made a dynasty out of the Hawks. His investment on and off the ice after taking over in 2007 led to three Stanley Cups and a tremendous surge in popularity. But the Hawks’ sexual assault scandal complicated his legacy.