A little later than usual for the Daily here today, but it once again might have worked out for the best. Word got out this afternoon that acquitted goaltender Carter Hart will join the Vegas Golden Knights on a tryout. There have been rumblings about this for weeks, but now it’s official.
The Chicago Blackhawks have a hard-earned day off following last night’s 8-3 blowout victory over the St. Louis Blues. More in the links for the full recap, highlights, and takeaways from an impressive performance that showcased the Blackhawks’ bright future ahead.
Around the league, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman voiced his concern about the current construction delays ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, while injuries continue to plague several clubs early in the season.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: The future has arrived! Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Lukas Reichel, and more Blackhawks’ up-and-coming youngsters were at the forefront of the team’s dominant win in St. Louis on Wednesday night. It was the first eight-goal output by Chicago since March 2022. It’s been a slow-moving rebuild led by GM Kyle Davidson, but his plan is clearly coming to fruition. The times are changing for the Blackhawks — and for the better.
More CHN: The Blackhawks were without captain Nick Foligno for Wednesday’s win, as the team announced ahead of the game in St. Louis that he’s taken a brief leave of absence as his daughter undergoes a follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Foligno family during this time. We’re all wishing the best for his daughter, Milana, and that she has a speedy recovery.
In Blackhawks prospects news, 2025 3rd overall pick Anton Frondell continued his red-hot run in his first year of SHL action on Thursday. The 18-year-old forward potted his seventh goal of the season and finished with a plus-two rating in Djurgarden’s 7-3 loss. Frondell now has nine points through 11 games.
Another prospect who keeps lighting the lamp is 2025 third-round pick Nathan Behm. In an incredible come-from-behind win by the Kamloops Blazers, Behm scored his seventh goal of the season to tie the game 5-5 in the third period. The Blazers would go on to win the game with six unanswered goals. Behm now has 12 points through only eight games in the WHL this year.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Uh oh. Serious issues have recently come to light regarding both the arena that will host the Winter Olympics hockey tournament and the Olympic Village in Milan, Italy. NHL players who attended the Canadian Olympic orientation camp over the summer were given a warning about the “enhanced dorm experience” that will await them in Milan.
More Athletic: Commissioner Gary Bettman also spoke on Wednesday about the recent construction delays for Milano Santagiulia arena, which is set to be the main hockey site for the 2026 Olympics. Because of the delays, there will no longer be a test event for the ice in Milan, which could put NHL players at risk during the tournament. This is quickly becoming a disaster for the IOC.
Vegas Hockey Now: After the NHL reinstated the five Hockey Canada players who were acquitted of sexual assault, rumors quickly began to surface around the Vegas Golden Knights’ interest in signing goalie Carter Hart. Vegas made the move official on Thursday, as they signed Hart to a professional tryout agreement. The 27-year-old is eligible to return to NHL game action on December 1st.
NHLdotcom: When it rains, it pours. The hits keep on coming for the Florida Panthers. Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov is the latest Panthers’ player to suffer a long-term injury, as he’s expected to be out for five months after undergoing surgery for an upper-body injury.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils recalled Nico Daws from the AHL after starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom suffered an injury on Monday. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said the Swedish netminder is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a lower-body injury.
Detroit Hockey Now: Lucas Raymond missed the Red Wings’ win over the Panthers on Wednesday night, but he’s not expected to miss a significant chunk of time. Detroit has listed their star forward as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
Canadiens Hockey Now: What a week it’s been for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. Not only did the reigning Calder Trophy winner receive a new eight-year deal, but he was also named to the United States’ expanded preliminary roster for the 2026 Olympics.
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