While most eyes in the sports world are locked in on the Super Bowl, there's still plenty happening on the ice - especially if you're following the Chicago Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.
Blackhawks Buzz: Trade Deadline Looms, Bedard Extension Talk, and a Trio of AHL All-Stars
The Olympic break might give NHL teams a breather, but for the Blackhawks, it could be a pivotal stretch. There’s growing chatter about how Chicago might approach the trade deadline - a time when rebuilding teams like the Hawks can retool for the future. With several veterans drawing interest, this pause in the schedule could give the front office time to define its strategy.
Also on the radar: Connor Bedard’s future. The 18-year-old phenom has already shown he's the real deal, and while there’s no rush, the next couple of weeks could be an ideal window for the Blackhawks to lay the groundwork for a long-term extension.
Locking up a franchise cornerstone early is never a bad idea - especially when that cornerstone wears No. 98.
Down in Rockford, the IceHogs are getting their moment in the spotlight as they host the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic. The home team will be well-represented, with captain Brett Seney earning a late nod to join the Central Division squad. He’ll skate alongside fellow IceHogs Kevin Korchinski and Nick Lardis, giving Rockford a trio of All-Stars for the hometown fans to cheer on.
Seney’s selection is well-earned. The veteran forward leads the IceHogs in scoring and continues to be a steady presence in the locker room. For a team focused on development, having a captain who produces and leads by example is invaluable.
And speaking of Rockford, the team had a little fun this week as goaltender Drew Commesso got a first look at his very own bobblehead. The reaction?
Pure gold. Commesso, one of Chicago’s top goalie prospects, has been turning heads with his play - and now he’s got the merch to match.
Blackhawks History: Hull Hits 200, Belfour Blanks the Blues
Taking a quick spin through the Blackhawks’ history books, February 9 has delivered some memorable moments.
Back in 1973, Dennis Hull - aka “The Silver Jet” - scored twice in a 4-3 win over the Atlanta Flames, reaching the 200-goal milestone. Hull would go on to finish his NHL career with 303 goals and 654 points over 904 games. A consistent scorer during one of the franchise’s golden eras, Hull’s contributions often get overshadowed by his more famous brother, but make no mistake - Dennis carved out his own legacy in Chicago.
Fast forward to 1995, and Ed Belfour was doing what he did best: stealing games. In his 300th career NHL appearance, “The Eagle” shut out the St.
Louis Blues 5-0, notching his 26th career shutout - and his third in just four starts. Belfour’s mix of fiery competitiveness and technical brilliance made him one of the defining goaltenders of his era, and performances like that one were a big reason why.
Around the NHL and Olympic Ice
Elsewhere in the hockey world, the New York Rangers have signed veteran defenseman Travis Dermott to a professional tryout with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Dermott, 29, has logged 348 NHL games across five different teams but hasn’t suited up this season after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. The PTO gives him a shot to get back into game shape and potentially earn another NHL opportunity.
Meanwhile, Olympic hockey is heating up as men’s teams start practicing ahead of Thursday’s preliminary round openers.
Team USA has tapped Auston Matthews to wear the “C,” with Matthew Tkachuk and Charlie McAvoy serving as alternates. Canada, as expected, will be led by Sidney Crosby, with Connor McDavid and Cale Makar as his assistants. During their first practice, Crosby centered a line with Mark Stone and Mitch Marner, while head coach Jon Cooper put McDavid and Macklin Celebrini on a line with Tom Wilson - a mix of speed, youth, and grit that could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Other leadership groups across the Olympic field include:
- Finland: Mikael Granlund (C), with Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen as alternates.
- Sweden: Gabriel Landeskog (C), joined by Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson.
- Czechia: Roman Cervenka (C), with David Pastrnak and Radko Gudas wearing the “A.”
The Olympic tournament promises to showcase the best of international hockey, with a blend of established stars and rising talent all chasing gold.
Birthday Roll Call - February 9
A few notable names across the hockey world celebrate birthdays today, including current NHLers like Dylan Cozens, Hendrix Lapierre, and Brandt Clarke - all part of the league’s next wave of talent. Also on the list: Andre Burakovsky, who’s carved out a strong NHL career with his blend of speed and scoring touch.
So while the NFL may be dominating headlines, hockey fans have plenty to keep an eye on - from All-Star festivities in Rockford to Olympic line combos that are already turning heads. And with the trade deadline creeping closer, don’t expect the Blackhawks to stay quiet for long.