Yesterday marked the start of our season previews, focusing on key players who could make an impact in the upcoming campaign. Todd Welter began by outlining why Louie Crevier has a strong chance to crack the NHL roster. I followed by breaking down Frank Nazar’s hot finish to last year and how the new coaching staff could set him up for a breakout sophomore season.
Nazar has also been making the media rounds. He recently appeared on Daily Faceoff’s Morning Cuppa Hockey with Jonny Lazarus and former Blackhawks analyst Colby Cohen, where he reflected on his first goal at Michigan and pushed back on the idea that the San Jose Sharks have a better team vibe than the Blackhawks.
Elsewhere, WGN Radio’s Charlie Roumeliotis made headlines by predicting that Sam Rinzell could claim a notable postseason award this year. As the regular season nears, the Blackhawk Up team will also be rolling out its own predictions.
September 5th also marks a busy day for birthdays around the league. On the Blackhawks side, Dave Dryden, Ryan Potulny, Craig Smith, and Lucas Wallmark all celebrate today. Across the NHL, it’s the birthday of Murray Henderson, John Ferguson, Bill Hogaboam, Stan Jonathan, Don Maloney, Filip Chytil, and Max Sasson.
In other NHL storylines, trade deadline chatter is already starting. Puck Prose’s Nester Quixtan suggests the day could be quieter this year due to changes in the CBA that allow the salary cap to carry into the postseason. Meanwhile, discussions are heating up around reports of the league expanding to an 84-game schedule next year.
Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman is also drawing attention. Coming off a frustrating season despite signing a hefty contract extension, Swayman told WEEI’s Scott McLaughlin he’s “a completely different human being” heading into this year. But Causeway Crowd’s Nate Duffett questions whether Bruins fans should take that claim at face value.
Elsewhere, former Blackhawks forward Tanner Kero has signed overseas, inking a one-year deal with Germany’s Kölner Haie after three years in Chicago earlier in his career. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche announced that defenseman Jacob MacDonald will be sidelined until at least February following hip surgery. MacDonald impressed last season with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, where he tallied 31 goals and 55 points in 63 games and earned the Eddie Shore Award as the league’s top defenseman.
