Blackhawks Wrap Up Before Olympic Break with Eyes on Future, History, and Health
As the NHL heads into its Olympic break, the Chicago Blackhawks are in Columbus to close out their season series with the Blue Jackets. It’s the final game before a much-needed pause, and while the standings may not show it, there’s plenty brewing beneath the surface for this young Blackhawks squad.
Looking Ahead: Pettersson on the Radar?
One name floating around the league right now is Elias Pettersson. The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly open to moving the dynamic forward, and if that’s truly the case-whether by the trade deadline or in the offseason-the Blackhawks should absolutely be in the conversation.
Pettersson is the kind of high-end offensive talent who could accelerate Chicago’s rebuild in a big way. He’s still young, he’s proven, and he fits the timeline of a team looking to build around cornerstone pieces like Connor Bedard. The price won’t be cheap, but this is the type of swing worth considering if the opportunity arises.
Levshunov’s Reset Continues
Defenseman Artyom Levshunov will sit out his third straight game tonight, as the team continues what they’re calling a “reset” for the promising young blueliner. He’s been working closely with the coaching staff and will use the Olympic break to fine-tune his game and refocus.
It’s worth noting that the organization appears to be taking a more measured approach with Levshunov compared to someone like Kevin Korchinski, who’s been given a longer leash. Development isn’t one-size-fits-all, and this seems to be about giving Levshunov the space to reset mentally and physically without the pressure of nightly matchups.
All-Star Buzz in Rockford
The BMO Center in Rockford is ready to take center stage next week as it hosts the AHL All-Star Classic. It’s a big moment for the IceHogs and a great showcase for the organization’s depth. Expect a strong turnout and plenty of eyes on some of the Blackhawks’ top prospects.
On This Day in Blackhawks History
The Blackhawks have had some memorable moments on February 4th over the years:
- 1956: Hall of Famer Pierre Pilote scored his first NHL goal in a 4-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. That goal was the beginning of a remarkable career for one of the franchise’s all-time greats on the blue line.
- 1985: After firing Orval Tessier, GM Bob Pulford stepped behind the bench as interim head coach.
The Hawks responded with a 16-7-4 finish and a run to the Western Conference Finals before running into Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers. Pulford’s third coaching stint would last two more seasons before Bob Murdoch took over in 1987.
- 1996: Brent Sutter notched his 350th career goal, while Gary Suter hit the 500-assist milestone in a 4-1 win over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Two veterans hitting major milestones in the same game-classic '90s hockey.
Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call - Feb. 4
Celebrating today: Adam Brown, Gary Smith, Denis Savard, Denis Cyr, and Andrew Campbell. Special shoutout to Savard, one of the most electrifying players to ever wear the Indian Head sweater.
Around the League: Olympic Shakeups and Trade Freeze Drama
Goaltending Shuffle for Team Finland
Buffalo Sabres netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is officially out for the Olympics with a lower-body injury. Stepping in for Team Finland is Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, who gets the nod just days before the tournament kicks off.
Team Canada Makes a Change
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett will replace Anthony Cirelli on Team Canada’s roster. Cirelli, who was injured during the Stadium Series game against Boston, is out, while Bennett-despite leaving Monday’s game with an upper-body tweak-is apparently good to go.
As for Brayden Point, he won’t suit up for Tampa Bay before the break, and his Olympic status remains uncertain. If he can’t go, names like Connor Bedard and Seth Jarvis are reportedly under consideration to fill the void.
Trade Freeze Looming
The NHL’s trade freeze hits this afternoon, and all eyes are on potential last-minute moves. One of the bigger rumors?
The Washington Capitals are reportedly making a serious push for New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin. Word is they’re willing to offer him a hefty extension in the $40-50 million range.
The big question isn’t about the money-it’s whether Panarin wants to make the move.
NHL Birthday Roll Call - Feb. 4
Around the league, today marks the birthdays of several current and former NHLers: Dave Pichette, Steve Patrick, Joe Sacco, Dallas Drake, Manny Legace, Jerred Smithson, Lee Stempniak, Brad Richardson, Mark Letestu, Sam Carrick, Darnell Nurse, Andrei Kuzmenko, Beck Malenstyn, Liam Foudy, Ivan Miroshnichenko, and Dmitriy Shimashev.
As the Blackhawks take the ice one last time before the Olympic break, there’s a sense of transition in the air. From trade rumors to prospect development to Olympic roster shakeups, the next few weeks could set the tone for the rest of the season-and beyond.