When the Chicago Blackhawks hit the ice at 10:30 a.m. CT for their morning skate, we’ll have a much better indication of whether Connor Bedard makes his highly anticipated season debut tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Based on Bedard’s usage at practice on Monday and head coach Jeff Blashill’s comments to the media, the 21-year-old sure seems ready to suit up for the first time as Blackhawks captain. Bedard played the situation close to the vest, but Blashill was more revealing following Monday’s session.
More in the links for the latest on Bedard’s rehab and what his potential return means for the rest of the Blackhawks forward group.
Around the league, a slew of NHL injury updates, the Arizona State Sun Devils hired a new head coach, and inside the Philadelphia Flyers locker room after a winless first seven games.
All that & more in the Daily.
Blackhawks Preseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: Is today the day?! We’ll find out in a few hours. For now, here’s the latest on Connor Bedard‘s rehab from Monday’s practice, as the Blackhawks captain appears on the verge of returning from offseason shoulder surgery.
More CHN: Bedard’s return will help in many areas, including two aspects the Blackhawks have struggled most this season. Breaking through center ice with possession and scoring goals. He will also bump everyone down a notch to more natural lineup positions. Here’s what the forward lines could look like with Bedard back as the top-line center, based on the last two practices.
More CHN: While Bedard could return tonight, Frank Nazar will not. Nazar is suspended for one more game, setting the stage for him and Bedard to potentially play together for the first time this year on Thursday. ICYMI, Nazar spoke for the first time since receiving his suspension over the weekend, offering his version of the events that led to his hit on Islanders captain Bo Horvat.
Colorado Hockey Now: Regarding the Arizona State Sun Devils and Blackhawks prospect Nathan Behm, it appears that Dave Hakstol will take over for Greg Powers as head coach. Hakstol was serving in his second season as Jared Bednar’s assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche, but he’s headed to the college ranks.
NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now
NHL.com: The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Florida Panthers 5-3 on Monday, but lost star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the process. Dahlin exited in the second period and did not return, but appears to have avoided a serious injury.
Florida Hockey Now: On the other side of the matchup, the Florida Panthers lost another key veteran in the loss to Buffalo, as starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom left after the first period and did not return either. The Panthers will be without Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand for an extended stretch, but they don’t have to worry about Markstrom. Paul Maurice said he tightened up and will be fine.
ESPN: The Dallas Stars will be without Matt Duchene for up to three months after recently having core muscle surgery. Duchene, 35, began the season on injured reserve and hasn’t played since last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Forever Blueshirts: Without starter Igor Shesterkin for the rest of the season and backup Joonas Korpisalo for at least one month, the New York Rangers desperately need more goaltending depth. Fans are calling for Connor Hellebuyck, but here are three realistic trade targets for the Rangers.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Before arriving in Chicago, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a minor trade with the Buffalo Sabres, acquiring Ryan Johnson in exchange for Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch. Dan Kingerski provided insight on the Pens’ new 25-year-old defenseman, a former first-round pick by the Sabres in 2019.
Daily Faceoff: Speaking of former Blackhawks defensemen, the Penguins also placed Trevor van Riemsdyk on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Tough timing for TvR, as he won’t face his former team tonight.
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