After playing four games in six days on the West Coast, the Blackhawks returned home to Chicago and had a much-needed off day on Monday. While the team was resting up, the front office made a pair of roster transactions, assigning two youngsters to the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL. More in the links for why the Blackhawks and GM Kyle Davidson made the wise decision for both players.
Also in Blackhawks news, a former Stanley Cup champion and future Hall of Famer is nearing another career milestone, which he could achieve in Chicago this weekend.
Around the league, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly offered some sketchy comments regarding the Olympic ice debacle, Logan Cooley is set to miss significant time for the Mammoth, and the latest update on the Quinn Hughes trade sweepstakes.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: Sam Rinzel has played fewer than 15 minutes in 11 of his last 13 games, while Landon Slaggert has been in the lineup only once since Nov. 23. The Blackhawks sent both skaters down to the AHL on Monday, and it was a wise decision. Rockford is the right spot for their development right now.
More CHN: ICYMI, the Blackhawks’ four-game road trip ended in disaster, as they were outscored 13-1 in the weekend back-to-back against the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. Here are the takeaways from Sunday’s disheartening 7-1 defeat at the Honda Center.
Also in Blackhawks news, Craig Smith announced his retirement from professional hockey on Monday morning. Smith, who tallied 16 points (9G, 7A) in 40 games with the Blackhawks last season, finishes his 14-year career just 13 games shy of the 1,000 marker. He recorded 220 goals and 232 assists for 452 points in 987 career NHL games for the Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and Nashville Predators.
Congratulations to Craig Smith on an incredible NHL career. Your dedication, talent and professionalism were an inspiration to many. Thank you for putting your trust in us and we cannot wait to see what your next chapter looks like. You will always be family to us! pic.twitter.com/KwVRfGwXdx
— Magnuson Hockey Agency (@Magnusonhockey) December 8, 2025
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said that NHL players won’t participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics unless the ice sheet meets safety standards. Concerns regarding the ice continue to grow, and a test event in early January will likely sway the league in one direction or the other.
Sportsnet: The Utah Mammoth will be without their leading goal scorer for an extended period. Logan Cooley dodged a serious injury on Nov. 29, but he wasn’t able to do the same after colliding with Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen on Friday. Cooley is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.
New Jersey Hockey Now: On Saturday night, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks had a conversation regarding Quinn Hughes. While nothing is imminent, the Devils are in an advantageous position to land the star defenseman eventually.
Detroit Hockey Now: However, the New Jersey Devils aren’t the only team trying to acquire Hughes. Friedman also mentioned the Detroit Red Wings being involved in trade talks, and Hughes spoke on the matter after the Canucks lost 4-0 in Detroit on Monday.
More Athletic: Speaking of the Red Wings, Patrick Kane is just three goals shy of reaching 500 for his career, which would make him the 50th player in league history to accomplish the feat. The Blackhawks franchise legend has a chance to score his 500th when Detroit comes to town on Saturday.
NHL.com: After taking a brutal check from Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba, former first-round pick Ryan Leonard will miss an extended period of time for the Washington Capitals. The team placed Leonard on injured reserve over the weekend.
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