The Blackhawks’ offseason chatter kept rolling Tuesday, with general manager Kyle Davidson once again in the middle of the conversation. He appeared on the Mully & Haugh Show on 104.3 The Score and touched on a possible Patrick Kane return, along with other topics making the rounds.
Elsewhere around the hockey world, the Ducks’ spending spree looks set to get even pricier. Anthony DiMarco reported on a recent episode of the Campbell vs Gallo show on TSN 690 in Montreal that Cutter Gauthier’s next contract is expected to land at $16 or $17 million, which would place it between Leo Carlsson’s deal and Connor Bedard’s. It’s been a costly summer in Orange County, and it may not be done yet.
Around the Blackhawks beat, Spencer Lazary examined who could become the team’s biggest rival once Chicago is back in contention as part of rivals and villains week across NHL sites. Maya Smith pointed to one stat comparison that shows just how strong Connor Bedard’s new contract is for the Blackhawks.
Ryan Gagne took a look at The Athletic’s latest prospect rankings and where Chicago fits. Richard Jelinek also revisited the three biggest trades in Blackhawks history.
Tuesday also brought a couple of notable Blackhawks anniversaries. On this date in 1957, Chicago landed Ted Lindsay and Glenn Hall from the Detroit Red Wings in a deal that sent Forbes Kennedy, Johnny Wilson, Bill Preston and Hank Bassen the other way.
Lindsay produced 29 goals and 84 points over two seasons with the Blackhawks, while Hall became “Mr. Goalie” at Chicago Stadium and went on to rank among the greatest netminders in NHL history.
In 1994, the Blackhawks signed Bob Probert after his nine seasons with Detroit. Fans had to wait a year to see him on the ice because the league made him inactive while he entered rehab for substance abuse. When he returned, he put up 19 goals and 40 points in his first season and eventually played 461 games for Chicago.
The birthday roll call for July 23 includes Johnny Sheppard, Dennis Bonvie and Shawn Thornton.
Around the league, Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic ranked the 10 best contracts in the NHL, and as expected, no Blackhawks made the list. Danton Heinen also re-signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on a one-year, two-way deal after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins last December in the Yegor Chinakov trade. Heinen finished with five goals and 10 points in 33 games with Columbus.
Utah Mammoth defenseman John Marino also stopped by NHL Tonight to talk about his new eight-year extension.
In Other News...
Patrick Kane's Return Says Everything About Where Blackhawks Believe They're Headed
Patrick Kanes return gives the Blackhawks a very clear signal about how they see the next phase of their rebuild. Chicago did not bring him back as a ceremonial nod to the past. The organization showed serious interest in what he can still provide, and the move underscores a belief that the roster is ready for a more immediate push than many expected.
The fit with Connor Bedard is the obvious part of the story, even if the full picture around Kanes decision took a little time to settle. Chicago is betting that Kane can help its young centerpiece right away while also bringing a familiar standard back into the room, and the contract reflects how strongly the team wanted that reunion to happen. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Camp Battle Could Reshape The Net In Chicago
Training camp should bring one of the more interesting quiet battles on the Blackhawks roster, with Drew Commesso and Arvid Soderblom set to compete for the backup job behind the starter. Commesso gave Chicago a small but encouraging NHL sample last season and has also looked steady at the AHL level, while Soderblom arrives with the edge in experience after logging more NHL time.
The contrast makes this one worth watching closely because the two goalies are coming at the job from different directions. Commesso has shown enough promise to make the conversation real, including a strong brief run in the league, while Soderbloms recent numbers have left the door open for a challenge. The camp performances will decide whether Chicago leans on experience or gives the crease to the younger option. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Fans May Finally Get The Farewell They Wanted
The Blackhawks have spent years trying to move beyond the Jonathan Toews era, but the conversation around his legacy still matters in Chicago because it speaks to how the franchise wants to close that chapter. Toews remains one of the defining figures of the teams modern run, and any chance to give him a proper ending would carry real weight for fans who watched him lead the Blackhawks through their best years.
Around the league, there is no shortage of veteran names who could become available if their current situations keep drifting the wrong way. Erik Karlsson is entering the final year of his deal in Pittsburgh, and the Penguins may have to decide whether to move him or let the season play out without a new contract, while Vladislav Gavrikovs frustration with the Rangers direction has also been part of the chatter. For Chicago, the bigger story is less about those possibilities than the rare chance to settle an old emotional debt with one of its own. [Read more 🡒]