The Chicago Blackhawks family took a terrible hit on Tuesday morning, as former NHL forward Kyle Calder, who spent his first six seasons in the Windy City, has passed away at age 47. Calder was selected by the Blackhawks in the 1997 NHL Draft and played with the team from 1999 to 2006. Gone way too soon. RIP, Kyle. Thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family, and loved ones.
On behalf of the Wirtz family and Chicago Blackhawks organization, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Kyle Calder.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Calder family during this time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/g2lM5YmkYk
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 16, 2026
Around the league, a report card for a former Blackhawks first-round pick, a potential Morgan Reilly trade package, and more updates on the Mike Babcock situation.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: Now that he’s signed his entry-level contract, Roman Kantserov is officially NHL-bound for the 2026-27 season. So, what role will Kantserov play for the Blackhawks as a rookie?
More CHN: It doesn’t sound like Kantserov, who played center in Russia this past season, will be positioned down the middle next year. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson recently tipped his hand at the team’s projected center depth behind Connor Bedard for 2026-27.
More CHN: Most mock drafts predict that Ivar Stenberg will still be available for the Blackhawks with the fourth overall pick. However, should Stenberg no longer be an option, here’s another candidate for Davidson in the 2026 NHL Draft.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: There it is. The NHL has officially opened an investigation into Mike Babcock’s 2023 resignation with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The outcome will determine whether Babcock will become the Edmonton Oilers’ next head coach. Maybe the league will do Edmonton a favor here, because this would be a horrendous hire.
NHL.com: Now that the Carolina Hurricanes have claimed the Stanley Cup, the 2026 NHL Draft order is officially set. We’re less than two weeks away, folks!
Carolina Hockey Now: Speaking of the Hurricanes, Rachel Barkley covered Jordan Staal winning the Conn Smyth Trophy, Rod Brind’Amour & Co. hoisting the Stanley Cup, and more from their Game 6 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Athletic: Jonas Siegel breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs path towards a potential Morgan Reilly trade this offseason. It’s another complicated puzzle for Toronto’s new brass to figure out.
Philadelphia Hockey Now: Why haven’t the Philadelphia Flyers signed forward Trevor Zegras yet? Will James answers that & more in his recent Mailbag for PHN.
Montreal Hockey Now: Former Blackhawks first-round pick Kirby Dach has had a polarizing tenure with the Montreal Canadiens. Marc Dumont breaks down Dach’s future & gives him a grade for his 2025-26 performance.
Daily Faceoff: The St. Louis Blues made four changes to their coaching staff and management on Monday, including hiring Greg Cronin and Vaclav Prospal as assistants under Jim Montgomery.
Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche have kept their injuries from the Stanley Cup Playoffs close to the chest so far this offseason, but they did share positive news regarding Cale Makar’s status going into next season.
For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now and like our Facebook Page.
Follow us on X: