Saturday brought plenty of headlines for former Chicago Blackhawks players. Two ex-Hawks are already facing injury setbacks early in the year, while a draft pick from three years ago has officially inked a deal with an Eastern Conference club. Wishing you a good Sunday!
Blackhawks Chirps
One of general manager Kyle Davidson’s few summer pickups, Andre Burakovsky, could be the creative spark Connor Bedard needs to start the season strong, according to Todd Welter.
With wins and losses not the ultimate measure this year, Todd outlined three key standards head coach Jeff Blashill should be judged by. And if you’re eager for hockey, Frank Nazar’s latest highlight reel will have you counting down the days.
Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus of The Athletic also reported that the organization has resolved a lawsuit filed by a former player, who claimed the team failed to act on sexual assault allegations involving a video coach during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Birthday Roll Call, Sept. 21: Howie Morenz.
NHL Chirps
Dominic James has signed his first pro contract, landing with an Eastern Conference team after being drafted by the Blackhawks in 2022.
The 23-year-old turned down Chicago’s offer following his college career at Minnesota-Duluth and chose free agency instead.
Elsewhere, Colorado defenseman Brent Burns will sit out the Avalanche’s first preseason game with what’s being called a minor issue. Former Blackhawk Max Domi remains sidelined in Toronto with a lower-body injury but could return to practice Sunday, while Artemi Panarin is listed day-to-day after leaving early on Friday.
Finally, Pierre LeBrun reports that free agent Jack Roslovic declined an offseason deal from Edmonton. Despite coming off a career-high 22-goal season, the 28-year-old center is still unsigned.
NHL Birthday Roll Call, Sept. 21: Matti Hagman, Gord Dineen, Troy Loney, Bob Errey, Curtis Leschyshyn, Nick Jensen, Ryan McLeod, and Collin Graf.
