It’s been a tremendous struggle for the Chicago Blackhawks to get enough offensive support without star forward Connor Bedard in the lineup. The Blackhawks had only 15 shots on goal in a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, and they’ve now scored just three goals in three games since Bedard suffered a shoulder injury last Friday in St. Louis.
Two successful challenges from head coach Jeff Blashill and his video staff couldn’t prevent the Blackhawks’ losing streak from reaching four games at the Bell Centre. More in the links for a recap and highlights from another Original Six matchup.
Also in Blackhawks news, two players were listed on Chris Johnston’s latest trade board for The Athletic, while a top prospect was cut from Team Canada’s World Juniors roster.
Around the league, a former Blackhawks forward is heavily involved in trade rumors, Tristan Jarry suffered a non-contact injury for his new team, and Gabriel Perrault scored his first NHL goal.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: Even before Bedard got hurt, getting consistent offense was starting to become an issue. But that’s only been enhanced in three games without Bedard, as the Blackhawks have scored just three goals after a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.
More CHN: With the holiday freeze kicking in later this evening, Chris Johnston of The Athletic broke down which players could be on the move before the deadline. While the Blackhawks aren’t expected to be in a hurry to get a deal done, Johnston did list one defenseman and one goaltender among the 32 players on his trade board.
More CHN: Blackhawks prospect Marek Vanacker couldn’t crack Team Canada’s World Juniors roster, as he was among three players cut from the squad on Thursday morning. Vanacker figured to be a strong fit in the bottom six for the Canadians, but their coaching staff thought otherwise.
Also in Blackhawks news, 2024 sixth-round pick Ty Henry committed to the University of St. Thomas of the NCAA on Thursday. Henry has yet to play for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League this year after suffering a serious leg injury during rookie camp in September. He’ll make the leap to college hockey for the 2026-27 season.
‼️🚨BREAKING🚨‼️
The St. Thomas Tommies have received a commitment from Ty Henry!
✝️✝️✝️
6th Round Pick in the 2024 NHL Draft by #Blackhawks
The ‘06 Born LHD from Montreal, Quebec is currently playing for @ErieOtters but hasn’t appeared in any games this season due to injury. pic.twitter.com/02M168N0TC
— College Puck NXT (@CollegePuckNXT) December 18, 2025
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
TSN: According to Pierre LeBrun, a team of 2,000 people is working around the clock to get construction done on the arena for the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament. Another insider also provided an update on Team Canada’s looming roster decisions. Yes, Bedard is mentioned.
NHLtraderumors.me: Frank Seravalli claimed that Los Angeles Kings forward and former Blackhawks first-round pick Phillip Danault could be on the move this weekend. The Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils are rumored to be the most likely suitors.
Sportsnet: The Edmonton Oilers hoped that acquiring Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins would help solve their issues in between the pipes. However, Jarry played poorly in his first two starts with his new team, and then he got hurt last night in his third appearance. Jarry exited the game early with a lower-body injury.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Speaking of Pittsburgh, the Penguins were shut out 4-0 by the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Where is the Penguins’ fire?
Forever Blueshirts: Former first-round pick Gabriel Perrault scored his first NHL goal, while captain J.T. Miller potted the overtime winner to lift the New York Rangers to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues.
Montreal Hockey Now: From Montreal’s perspective, here are the highlights and key takeaways from the Canadiens’ 4-1 win over the Blackhawks.
Colorado Hockey Now: Hockey Canada recently announced that their 2026 Olympic roster will be revealed on New Year’s Eve. According to a report, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is one of four goaltenders still being considered for the team.
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