Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon was out for blood early in Wednesday night’s contest at the United Center, and his overly aggressive play led to a fine from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. More in the links for a breakdown of Dillon’s dangerous hit on Blackhawks’ forward Tyler Bertuzzi.
Also in Blackhawks news, a 2025 first-round draft choice’s state-championship dreams are alive and well, and Anton Frondell returned to play in the SHL.
Around the league, Shane Pinto signed an extension in Ottawa, Scott Wedgewood was re-upped by the Avalanche, and former Blackhawks forward David Kampf had his contract terminated by Toronto.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon was rightfully fined $5,000 by the Department of Player Safety for his illegal check on Tyler Bertuzzi on Thursday morning. Dillon, a repeat offender, crunched Bertuzzi hard into the boards in the first period of Wednesday’s contest, and he also threw an elbow up high during that sequence. That was dangerous.
More CHN: ICYMI, “The Great One”, Wayne Gretzky, championed Connor Bedard‘s push for Team Canada’s Olympic Roster. Gretzky believes that Bedard is “earning his way” to Milan with his incredible start to the 2025-26 season.
More CHN: The Blackhawks were unable to extend their winning streak in their return home to the United Center, as they fell 4-3 in overtime to the New Jersey Devils. While it was frustrating that the Hawks blew multiple late leads, they at least earned a point against the top team in the Eastern Conference.
In prospects news, Mason West and Edina High School advanced to the 6A State Championship game after defeating Minnetonka 42-41 in a thriller on Thursday night. West, a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, returned to Edina for his senior season in hopes of winning a State Title, and now he has that opportunity next Friday.
Another member of the Blackhawks’ 2025 draft class, Anton Frondell, and his SHL club, Djurgarden, were back in action on Thursday. Frondell recorded the primary assist on Victor Eklund’s opening goal, which now gives him 13 points (8G, 5A) through 18 games this season.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Former Blackhawks fourth-line center David Kampf had his contract terminated by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. The Leafs previously suspended Kampf for leaving their minor-league affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, as he wasn’t pleased with being assigned to the AHL. Kampf feels he’s an NHL-caliber player, and now he can sign with any club he chooses as a free agent.
Sportsnet: Shane Pinto has been rewarded for his strong start to the season, as the 25-year-old forward signed a four-year, $30 million contract extension with the Ottawa Senators. Pinto was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of this season.
Colorado Hockey Now: Scott Wedgewood has a 23-5-3 record since being acquired from the Nashville Predators. The Colorado Avalanche decided to bring Wedgewood back for another year, as the 33-year-old netminder signed a one-year, $2.5 million extension on Thursday.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Both Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins are off to terrific starts to the season. The Penguins entered the year with thoughts about rebuilding, but they’re winning more games than anyone anticipated. That puts the team’s veterans, like Malkin, in a precarious position because the franchise must properly weigh the future and the past simultaneously. In the end, Malkin just wants to be happy.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Rumors are swirling that the New Jersey Devils could look to bring back a former forward. The Devils have reportedly expressed interest in trading with the Calgary Flames for Blake Coleman, who was drafted by the Devils in 2011 and played with the team from 2016 to 2020.
Florida Hockey Now: It was a milestone night for the Florida Panthers in a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals. Brad Marchand recorded his 1,000th career NHL point, while Seth Jones and Evan Rodrigues both scored their 100th NHL goals.
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