Blackhawks
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.
Hall’s $6 million salary-cap hit brings the Hawks closer to the cap floor, but GM Kyle Davidson can easily take on more contracts to acquire more assets in trades this week if such opportunities arise.
In addition to Hall, who remains a strong playmaker at age 31, the Hawks also acquired the rights to veteran forward Nick Foligno. Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula’s rights were traded to Boston.
A rough guess on how things might — but inevitably won’t exactly — play out with all 32 first-round picks (as well as the Hawks’ four second-round picks).
After drafting Connor Bedard next Wednesday — the easiest decision possible — the Hawks will still have 10 additional picks to make, plus trades to consider and free agents to sign. Here’s a guide to what this summer will bring
Cubs are up, White Sox are down and, hey, Connor Bedard is coming!
The league’s Board of Governors agreed with Commissioner Gary Bettman’s view that the refusals overshadowed teams’ efforts in hosting Pride nights.
Anderson’s forechecking ability impressed the Hawks after a February trade from the Maple Leafs. He’ll carry a salary-cap hit of $800,000 for 2023-24.
Tom Barrasso, Mike Vernon, Pierre Turgeon, Caroline Oullette, Ken Hitchcock and Pierre Lacroix were also elected to the Hall.
Drafts shouldn’t exist. That’s true even in a year in which they’ve been kinder to Chicago than any of the five major sports franchises have been.
Davidson’s daughter, Willa, was born Dec. 27 — in the very middle of his first full season as an NHL general manager. He has since figured out how to juggle the responsibilities of two very important jobs.
Cristall is a talented forward in his own right and a potential Blackhawks target with the 19th or 35th pick. But he’s also notable as the longtime best friend of Bedard, the Hawks’ guaranteed first pick.
General manager Kyle Davidson said he’s “not chasing” additional goaltending depth, even though Mrazek is the only Hawks goalie under contract who touts more than 20 games of NHL experience.
The Hawks will unquestionably make Bedard the No. 1 overall pick later this month — something Bedard said he will consider a “huge honor.” But in the meantime, the no-ego, no-frills star prospect is focusing on staying grounded.
The Hawks have interviewed 65 to 75 prospects this week in Buffalo and have a “good sense” who they like for the 19th overall pick (with the first overall pick being an obvious choice). But general manager Kyle Davidson will also consider moving up or down if it makes sense.
The former Hawks goalie will join play-by-play voice Chris Vosters for the 2023-24 season. He began his broadcast career hosting the Hawks’ postgame radio show in 1990.
Athanasiou will carry a $4.25 million salary-cap hit, helping the Hawks creep closer to the cap floor and providing offensive support for expected No. 1 pick Connor Bedard.
One oddsmaking website gives the former Blackhawks goalie just a 22% chance of being enshrined.
Pang was a Hawks goalie for parts of three seasons in the 1980s. His contract with Bally Sports Midwest, which carries the Blues, expired. Also, Colby Cohen will not return to the Hawks’ broadcast team.
Vegas is the talk of the town after earning its second Cup Final berth in the franchise’s brief history.
Strathmann — a defenseman from Beach Park — headlines this year’s list of draft prospects with Chicago connections, but River Forest-raised defenseman Paul Fischer isn’t far behind. From the Chicago Steel junior program, meanwhile, forward Jayden Perron headlines the list.
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.
Being arguably the most anticipated NHL rookie of all time won’t be an easy situation to manage. But people close to Bedard are resoundingly, uniformly confident that he will overcome the challenge.
One or two small moves are possible — such as to address the right-side defensive depth — but Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson won’t be too busy.
The Hawks completed their 11-man 2023 class by selecting goaltender Gajan, defenseman Janne Peltonen and seven forwards — Roman Kantserov, Martin Misiak, Nick Lardis, Jiri Felcman, Alex Pharand, Marcel Marcel and Milton Oscarson — on Thursday.
The Hawks traded a 2024 seventh-round pick in exchange. Perry is currently set to become a UFA on Saturday, but the Hawks are confident they’ll sign the 38-year-old forward best known for his Ducks tenure.
The Hawks received a 2026 second-round pick for taking on Bailey’s contract Thursday, which they promptly bought out.
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