Chicago Blackhawks' Young Star: Oliver Moore's Uncertain Return
Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill recently addressed the media, discussing the uncertain status of young forward Oliver Moore. Moore, who suffered an undisclosed injury in early March during a game against Dallas, remains sidelined.
While there's hope for his return late in the season, there's also a chance his year might be over. For a team ranked 31st, Moore's explosive presence would certainly inject some excitement into their lineup.
However, with no playoff push in sight, Chicago is wisely cautious about rushing their top prospect back onto the ice.
Moore, at just 21, has had a promising first full NHL season, tallying 19 points in 51 games. His 48% expected goals share is commendable, especially on a team that's struggled to find the win column.
This performance lays a solid groundwork for Moore to build upon in the upcoming 2026-27 season. Even if he doesn't evolve into a top-six forward, his skill set is perfectly suited for a significant role in the middle six-exactly the kind of player Chicago needs to solidify their rebuilding efforts.
Around the League: Updates and Insights
In other Blackhawks news, Andrew Mangiapane is traveling with the team, although he won't be hitting the ice in Edmonton. Since joining from the Oilers, Mangiapane has managed two points in seven games.
His possession metrics, now at 43.6% corsi for at five-on-five, have dipped-a common trend for players on non-playoff teams. To regain his scoring touch, Mangiapane will need to carve out a larger role and earn power play time alongside Connor Bedard.
Currently, he's averaging 12:23 of ice time per game, mirroring his stint in Edmonton.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's Brandon Hagel is day-to-day, likely missing the upcoming game against Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old has been a revelation for the Lightning, amassing 73 points in 69 games, making him the team's third-leading scorer.
His absence could be a break for the Penguins, who are in dire need of points. However, Hagel is expected back well before the playoffs, possibly as soon as Saturday against Boston.
With Tampa Bay sitting fifth in the league, they’re eager to end their streak of first-round playoff exits.