Blackhawks
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.
A larger, public goodbye is planned for Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz on Wednesday at the United Center. But on Tuesday, it was a love fest of the city’s movers and shakers, remembering their friend with laughter and a few tears.
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.
Privately, Rocky’s world was a suburban network of close pals who meant the world to him.
As Blackhawks owner, Rocky Wirtz mingled with fans grateful for the three Stanley Cups the team brought home. He also built and ran a real estate and beverage empire.
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.
Kurashev’s deal will carry a $2.25 million salary-cap hit, representing a big raise over his $750,000 cap hit last season.
While bouncing from the Bruins to Wild to Sharks to Kraken, Donato has gained a versatility that appealed to the Hawks in free agency this summer. He has maintained steady offensive production, too.
The Hawks would be wise to take advantage of Bedard’s mere $950,000 base salary-cap hit for the next three years. Performance bonuses, however, could net Bedard up to $4.5 million.
Kyle Davidson has argued that Kane and Toews’ presences were so enormous that they inadvertently prevented any young Hawks players from growing into leaders themselves.
Moore, whom the Hawks picked 19th in the draft, is already building a culture of competitiveness and maturity alongside top pick Connor Bedard.
Hawks coach Luke Richardson has seen firsthand the impact Perry, at age 38, can have on players half his age. He’ll have to smooth things over with the Hawks’ fan base first, however.
Dach’s shoulder injury, Nazar’s hip surgery and Ludwinski’s ankle injury disrupted their 2022-23 seasons. As they return to full health for 2023-24, they’re hoping for better injury luck.
The Hawks are “very close” to being done, with defensive depth being the only box left to check — and they might wait until training camp to add it. RFA Philipp Kurashev filed for salary arbitration Wednesday, but that was expected.
Bedard jerseys are replacing Kane and Toews jerseys as the standard uniform of any Hawks fan — in Chicago and around the world. But behind that jersey is a down-to-earth 17-year-old kid who just happens to excel at hockey.
Korchinski, the Hawks’ best defensive prospect, has accomplished everything one can at the junior level. If he can hold up physically against NHL competition, he has a real chance to make the Hawks’ roster.
The Hawks used their fifth-round draft pick on Marcel, who is 6-4 and 243 pounds, a surprisingly decent skater and a hilarious personality. And, yes, there’s a story behind his name.
Gajan, whom the Hawks drafted 35th last week, was the goaltender victimized by Bedard in his famous world-juniors highlight. But Gajan’s overall performance for Slovakia still caught the Hawks’ eye in a good way.
As Connor Bedard’s most likely linemate, Hall will receive lots of playing time and offensive chances in Chicago, in contrast to last season in Boston. That expanded opportunity excites him.
Donato signed a two-year contract Saturday with a $2 million salary-cap hit after producing 27 points in 71 games for the Kraken last season.
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