The Chicago Blackhawks are back on the ice this morning, and there's no shortage of work ahead. From recalibrating line combinations to tightening up details in all three zones, the team is in the thick of a learning curve-one that’s only steepened by a recent string of games against some of the NHL’s top-tier talent.
Reality Check in the Sunshine State
Their most recent outing-a tough loss to the Florida Panthers-served as another reminder of where this young team stands. For two periods, the Blackhawks held their own.
But in the third, the wheels came off. Florida’s depth and execution overwhelmed Chicago late, exposing the kind of inconsistencies that tend to plague rebuilding squads.
But here’s the silver lining: this stretch, filled with matchups against contenders, is exactly the kind of trial by fire that helps a young core grow. You don’t become a playoff-caliber team overnight, and facing off against the NHL’s elite offers a clear blueprint for what it takes to get there.
Trade Winds Blowing Through Chicago
With the trade deadline on the horizon, the Blackhawks are expected to be active sellers. NHL insider Frank Seravalli didn’t mince words-Chicago knows where it stands in the standings and won’t hesitate to move pending unrestricted free agents in exchange for future assets.
Names like Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy are already being floated, but perhaps the most intriguing possibility is captain Nick Foligno. According to Seravalli, Foligno could be on the move-if he’s interested in chasing a Stanley Cup. That’s a big “if,” considering his leadership role in a locker room that’s clearly in the midst of a culture build.
As for additions? Don’t expect a splash. Seravalli hinted that Anton Frondell may be the only reinforcement coming in, and even then, he’s more of a depth piece than a game-changer.
Prospect Watch: Vanacker on Fire
While the big club continues to grind, one of the Blackhawks’ top prospects is putting on a show in the OHL. Marek Vanacker scored the game-winner and added an assist in the Brantford Bulldogs’ 7-1 rout of the Barrie Colts.
That goal? His league-leading 34th of the season.
He’s now three ahead of fellow Chicago prospect Jack Pridham.
Vanacker is red-hot-riding a six-game point streak that includes five straight multi-point performances. In his last 11 games, he's tallied eight goals and 16 points. If he keeps this up, it won’t be long before his name starts popping up in Chicago’s long-term roster projections.
On This Day in Blackhawks History
January 26 has seen its fair share of memorable moments in Blackhawks lore:
- In 1963, Glenn Hall notched his 50th career shutout in a 3-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the 13th goalie in NHL history to hit that milestone.
- Four years later, Stan Mikita scored his 200th career goal-also against Detroit-in a 4-3 win.
- Fast-forward to 1978, when just 527 fans braved a brutal blizzard to watch the Blackhawks blank the Cleveland Barons 5-0. Those who showed up were rewarded with Tony Esposito’s 62nd career shutout.
- In 1991, Doug Wilson became just the second defenseman in franchise history to record a hat trick, leading the way in a 5-1 win over the Maple Leafs.
- And in 2001, Steve Sullivan etched his name in the record books by scoring two shorthanded goals just 51 seconds apart.
That game is also remembered for a bit of poetic justice-after being heckled by a fan following a stick to the face, Sullivan watched that same fan get hit in the head by a puck later in the game. Sometimes, hockey writes its own punchlines.
Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call - Jan. 26
A tip of the cap to Vic Lynn, Glen Skov, and Blake Hillman.
Around the NHL
Former Blackhawk Philipp Kurashev is nearing a return to the San Jose Sharks’ lineup after missing six weeks with an upper-body injury. Before going down, he had six goals and 15 points in 31 games and should be back before the Olympic break.
In Toronto, William Nylander found himself in hot water after flipping the bird to a TSN camera during the Maple Leafs’ 4-1 loss to Colorado. The moment was caught on live TV, and while Nylander has since apologized, the league is reportedly reviewing the incident.
He’s missed 11 of the last 15 games with a groin injury but has resumed skating. His status for Team Sweden remains uncertain.
Hollywood Meets Hockey
The Netflix hit Heated Rivalry is doing more than drawing eyeballs-it’s now part of the Olympic story. Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie took part in the Olympic torch relay through Italy as it makes its way to Milan for the 2026 Winter Games. It’s a crossover moment that speaks to the growing pop culture footprint of the sport.
NHL Birthday Roll Call - Jan. 26
Celebrating legends and current stars alike: Frank Nighbor, Fred Barrett, Dale McCourt, Wayne Gretzky, Mitchell Chaffee, and Peyton Krebs.
The Blackhawks may be in the middle of a rebuild, but the storylines-both on the ice and off-are anything but dull. From trade rumors to prospect surges, and a healthy dose of hockey history, this franchise continues to offer fans a compelling look at what’s next.