Late on Friday night, the NHL Department of Player Safety ruled that Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar will be suspended for two games for his hit on New York Islanders captain Bo Horvat in Thursday’s 4-1 loss.
With no prior suspension or fine on his ledger, the DoPS’s ruling feels egregious, and it’s another crushing blow for the Blackhawks early in the season. Yes, Nazar’s hit was dangerous and avoidable, but the NHL has consistently handed out much lighter punishments for more dangerous hits over the years.
Blackhawks lines tonight: projected lineup and starting goalie →
When their seven-game homestand begins later tonight against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, the Blackhawks will be without Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Andrew Mangiapane, and Teuvo Teravainen will try to battle through injury. For a team desperately needing a win, the current situation is less than ideal, to say the least.
Also in Blackhawks prospect news, Ryan Roobroeck reached another OHL milestone, John Mustard and Julius Sumpf had productive outings in Providence’s win, and Jiri Felcman came through in the clutch for the IceHogs.
Around the league, an official injury timeline for Brad Marchand, a scary situation for Igor Shesterkin, and a trade between the Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Preseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: A few costly mistakes, with a couple coming from Oliver Moore, flipped the Blackhawks’ early momentum to the Islanders, and they never recovered. The process was promising, however, despite the 4-1 loss. Sam Rinzel and Anton Frondell were young standouts for the second straight game, the fourth line was effective again, while the Blackhawks outshot, outchanced, and out-possessed New York.
Here’s the official video the NHL Department of Player Safety shared on Friday night, breaking down the decision to suspend Nazar for two games for his illegal check to the head against Horvat. Again, it’s certainly an avoidable and scary hit from Nazar, but they’ve handed out less for more.
Chicago’s Frank Nazar has been suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head against NY Islanders’ Bo Horvat. https://t.co/2NbknT4yX8
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 10, 2026
In better news, the Rockford IceHogs earned their first win of the season on Friday, defeating the Iowa Wild 2-1 on the road. Jiri Felcman recorded the game-winning goal late in the third period.
Also in Blackhawks prospects news, John Mustard scored his first goal of the new NCAA season in Providence’s 6-2 win over St. Lawrence. Fellow Blackhawks forward prospect Julius Sumpf earned the secondary assist on Mustard’s goal, which was his fourth helper of the game!
In OHL news, 2026 second-round pick Ryan Roobroeck recorded his 100th career OHL assist in the Guelph Storm’s 3-2 win. Roobroeck later tallied a second assist and now has eight points (4G, 4A) in five games this season.
Lastly, rest in peace to Chicago Sports legend, Super Bowl-winning head coach, and NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka, who passed away at age 86. Da Coach will forever be revered in the Windy City.
NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now
Forever Blueshirts: Oh no. New York Rangers star goaltender Igor Shesterkin exited Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals early after a scary-looking incident, and he couldn’t put any weight on his right leg while skating off.
NHL.com: The Florida Panthers have provided an injury timeline for Brad Marchand, as head coach Paul Maurice said he’ll be out between six and eight weeks. Marchand is expected to resume skating in three weeks, then will rehab for another three weeks.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens cleared their defensive logjam by trading Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick. With Kaiden Guhle nearing his return from injury, the Habs had to move someone out.
Sportsnet: Speaking of the Habs, goaltender Samuel Montembeault will miss a few weeks after suffering a non-contact injury at Wednesday’s practice. Montembeault could still be out when the Canadiens face the Blackhawks on Oct. 23.
Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly searching actively for a new top-line center, and William James believes acquiring Pavel Zacha from the Boston Bruins makes sense.
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