Here’s your hockey rundown for February 9, and there’s no shortage of storylines-from the Blackhawks’ draft outlook to Olympic shakeups and big-name NHL moves. Let’s break it all down.
BLACKHAWKS: TRENDS, TRADES & THE ROAD AHEAD
The Blackhawks’ season has been a rollercoaster, and as we hit the Olympic break, it’s a good time to take stock of where things stand. There are encouraging signs-young players showing flashes, a few promising performances-but also plenty of areas that still need serious work.
One of the more intriguing developments is the uncertainty surrounding the Panthers’ first-round pick. A previously unknown condition tied to that deal could mean the Blackhawks don’t end up receiving the pick after all. That’s a potential blow for a team banking on draft capital to fuel its rebuild.
Still, Chicago could walk away with two top-16 picks in the 2026 NHL Draft if the chips fall right. That’s a big “if,” but it’s the kind of scenario that could accelerate the rebuild if managed well. The front office will need to be sharp, especially with trade season heating up.
Speaking of trades, the Blackhawks’ board is starting to take shape. Several pending UFAs could draw interest, and while no names are confirmed, expect the usual suspects-veterans on expiring deals-to be in the mix. The question is whether Chicago will sell for future assets or try to retain some pieces to stabilize the room.
As for the on-ice product, the power play continues to be a sore spot. More practice time hasn’t translated into results, and at this point, it’s less about reps and more about systemic adjustments. The talent’s raw, the execution inconsistent, and the confidence clearly fragile.
The recent 6-3 win over the Sharks offered a glimpse of what’s possible when things click. But that came on the heels of a 4-0 loss to the Blue Jackets-a stark reminder of the team’s volatility. The rebuilds in Chicago and San Jose were once parallel tracks, but the Sharks are starting to find their stride while the Hawks remain in a holding pattern.
On the development front, Sam Rinzel is learning how to use his hockey IQ to make up for a still-developing physical game. That’s the kind of growth you want to see from a young defenseman. Meanwhile, the "Levshunov Problem" looms-likely referring to the challenge of maximizing his elite potential while managing expectations.
Bottom line: the Blackhawks are still in the thick of a rebuild. The pieces are coming together slowly, but there’s no shortcut here.
As one columnist put it, “they haven’t earned the right to not care.” That’s a fair assessment for a team still trying to reestablish its identity.
OLYMPIC HOCKEY: NHL STARS SET TO SHINE
With NHL players back in the Olympics, the men’s hockey tournament in Milano Cortina is shaping up to be a must-watch. There’s buzz around who might surprise, and even NHL players are chiming in with their dark horse picks to medal.
Connor Bedard’s name isn’t on the roster, but Macklin Celebrini is making waves. He’s been practicing on a line with Connor McDavid and is expected to play a major role for Team Canada. That’s a massive opportunity for a young player with elite upside.
Jack Hughes is also ready to roll for Team USA after getting in a full practice. His presence gives the Americans a dynamic offensive weapon, and he’ll be a key piece if they’re going to make a deep run.
The Olympic schedule is set, and the top 10 storylines are already generating buzz. Among them: how would a full-strength Russian team have fared? NHL players were polled, and opinions vary, but it’s a reminder of what’s missing from the tournament.
NHL HEADLINES: TRADES, INJURIES & MILESTONES
Big moves are happening across the league. Artemi Panarin was traded to the Kings and wasted no time signing a two-year deal. He called the timing “perfect,” and it’s hard to argue-he adds immediate firepower to a Kings team looking to make a postseason push.
The Flames took a hit with Jonathan Huberdeau undergoing season-ending surgery. That’s a tough blow for Calgary, who’ve struggled to find consistency this season.
In other Olympic news, David Pastrnak and Leon Draisaitl have been named flag-bearers for their respective countries-a fitting honor for two of the game’s best.
The Devils made a move ahead of the roster freeze, acquiring Nick Bjugstad from the Blues. It’s a depth move, but one that could pay off if he finds chemistry in New Jersey’s bottom six.
Not all the news is positive. Penguins defenseman Ryan Jones has been banned 20 games for a PED violation, and Kris Letang is out at least four weeks with a broken foot. That’s a double whammy for Pittsburgh’s blue line.
Meanwhile, Barry Trotz is stepping down as GM of the Nashville Predators after three seasons. His impact on the franchise-both behind the bench and in the front office-has been significant.
And in a milestone moment, Patrick Kane has become the all-time leading scorer among US-born players. It’s a historic achievement for one of the most electrifying American talents the game has ever seen.
AROUND THE HOCKEY WORLD
One final note: top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna had a felony charge dropped. It’s a legal development that clears a major off-ice hurdle as he continues his path toward the NHL.
Final Whistle: The Olympic break gives teams a chance to reset, but there’s no pause button on front office activity. With the trade deadline on the horizon and the draft picture sharpening, the next few weeks will be pivotal-especially for teams like the Blackhawks trying to build something sustainable. Stay locked in.