As the Chicago Blackhawks’ road trip rolls into Philadelphia for a matchup with the Flyers on Thursday, there’s a chance that another one of GM Kyle Davidson’s first-round picks makes his NHL debut.
After signing his entry-level contract on Mar. 16, Sacha Boisvert could finally receive his first look with the Blackhawks now that his visa situation has been resolved. Make sure to be on the lookout for Chicago Hockey Now’s Game Day Preview later today for all the information ahead of the 6:00 p.m. CT puck drop at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Also in Blackhawks news, another prospect is coming over to North America from Europe after signing a professional tryout contract with the Rockford IceHogs. The 2026 NCAA Tournament is also set to begin on Thursday night, with the Regional Semifinals getting underway.
Around the league, Victor Hedman is taking a leave of absence from Tampa Bay, David Pastrnak extended his point streak in a Bruins win, plus the NHL’s Gen Z takeover.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: After Anton Frondell, the third overall pick this past summer, made his NHL debut in Long Island, fellow first-round pick Sacha Boisvert could do the same just two days later against the Philadelphia Flyers. Boisvert finally received his work visa on Tuesday, meaning he’s been cleared to participate with his new team.
More CHN: ICYMI, Frondell tallied a primary assist in his first look with the Blackhawks, but Nick Lardis and Arvid Soderblom stole the show in the 4-3 win over the Islanders on Tuesday. The youth movement was on full display in the first game of the road trip.
More CHN: Just like Frondell, another prospect is coming to North America following the conclusion of his season while playing pro hockey in Europe. Jiri Felcman, a 2023 third-round selection, signed a PTO with the Rockford IceHogs on Wednesday. With all the depth in the Blackhawks’ prospect pool, Felcman has been somewhat of a forgotten man.
More CHN: The road to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas begins on Thursday. Here are the three Blackhawks’ prospects whose programs received a bid into the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and Matthew Schaefer, all younger than 21 years old, are proving it’s a new era in the NHL these days. Dan Robson dives into the league’s Gen Z takeover, with the game having a different feel around it. Call it the Aura Shift.
ESPN: Former Blackhawks’ assistant coach Don Granato has been selected to serve as the United States’ head coach for the 2026 IIHF World Championships this summer. Granato, 58, has been an assistant coach at the Worlds three times in his career.
Boston Hockey Now: David Pastrnak extended his point streak to 11 games with a three-point night, as the Boston Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday. Pavel Zacha netted the game-winning goal less than one minute into 3-on-3 play.
NHL.com: The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to be without their best defenseman once again. The Bolts announced on Wednesday that two-time Stanley Cup champion Victor Hedman is taking a leave of absence from the team.
Florida Hockey Now: Believe it or not, the Florida Panthers had another key player suffer an injury recently. Anton Lundell is now expected to miss multiple weeks. Florida is currently the ninth-worst team in the NHL standings, which isn’t good news for the Blackhawks, who hold their top-10 protected first-round pick in 2026.
Philadelphia Hockey Now: Philadelphia Flyers young winger Nikita Grebenkin wasn’t on the ice for the team’s must-win game against Columbus on Tuesday. William James provides the latest update on Grebenkin ahead of the matchup with the Blackhawks.
Detroit Hockey Now: Jacob Bernard-Docker has made steady improvements throughout his first season in the Motor City, so the Detroit Red Wings rewarded him with a two-year contract extension on Wednesday.
Carolina Hockey Now: The Carolina Hurricanes will be returning to Helsinki. For the first time since 2017, the Canes are heading to Finland to take part in the 2026 NHL Global Series and will play two games against the Seattle Kraken next November.
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