There have been plenty of positives for the Chicago Blackhawks already in the 2025-26 season, as they’re off to a strong 3-2-2 start and have won three of their past four games. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are currently point-per-game players, while Spencer Knight sure looks like a No. 1 goaltender in the NHL.
But perhaps the best news the Blackhawks have received so far this year came at practice on Monday, as captain Nick Foligno rejoined the team after taking a leave of absence. Foligno stepped away from the club while his 12-year-old daughter, Milana, had to undergo a follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease. Nick provided a promising update on Milana’s status on Monday, which was tremendous to hear.
Around the league, Jonathan Toews scored his first goal as a member of the Winnipeg Jets, the Vegas Golden Knights picked up another victory, and San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky apologized for his recent comments.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: It’s been a fun stretch of games for Chicago since a tough 0-2-1 start to the 2025-26 campaign. Last time out on Sunday, the Blackhawks bested the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in overtime, as Connor Bedard set up Ryan Donato for the game-winning goal in the extra period. Jeff Blashill’s group has won three of its past four contests and earned at least one point in five of the last six.
More CHN: Nick Foligno was back for practice at Fifth Third Arena on Monday morning after missing the past three games while on a leave of absence. Foligno mentioned that his daughter, Milana, has returned home and is recovering well from her latest surgery. He also shared how much he appreciated all the support, love, and kind words offered to him and his family during such a difficult time.
Foligno is the first Blackhawks player to wear the “C’ for the team since Jonathan Toews’ departure in 2022. Speaking of Toews, the 37-year-old scored his first goal as a member of the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night in a 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames. It’s Toews’ first NHL goal in 921 days. Congrats, Jonny!
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Florida Panthers’ forward Brad Marchand was fined $5,000 by the NHL for his fiasco that involved Buffalo Sabres’ stud defenseman Rasmus Dahlin’s helmet. Believe it or not, Marchand actually thought he did a good job of restraining himself in the situation. The two-time Stanley Cup champion said he initially wanted to chuck Dahlin’s bucket into the stands.
TSN: Following a 4-3 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz called out his teammates for a shaky start to the new season. Stolarz apparently wasn’t too thrilled with the lack of response after being run over by Seattle forward Mason Marchment.
San Jose Hockey Now: After some peculiar post-game comments recently, San Jose Sharks’ head coach Ryan Warsofsky apologized on Monday. Obviously, Warsofsky wasn’t speaking literally when saying he’d “give up one of his children” for a win, but it’s clear that his team’s 0-3-2 start to the season is weighing heavily on him.
Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights picked up a 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday to move to 5-0-2 on the season. While the team continued their strong start, they also suffered yet another injury, as goaltender Adin Hill was forced to exit early.
Philadelphia Hockey Now: Matvei Michkov’s ice time has once again been limited, as he’s played less than 15 minutes in all but one game for the Philadelphia Flyers so far this season. New head coach Rick Tocchet is handling the Flyers’ young phenom nearly the same as John Tortorella did. Should fans be concerned about Michkov’s lack of consistent ice time?
Montreal Hockey Now: Lane Hutson scored his first goal of the season in the Montreal Canadiens‘ 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Oliver Kapanen and Juraj Slafkovsky also found the back of the net.
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