Here’s hoping you’re enjoying a lovely weekend. The hockey talk is likely going to be a bit more quiet for the next few weeks, but the Blackhawks have shown us thus far that they aren’t going to allow their phone batteries to die. They’re in business to improve the future, and the right move could present itself at any time.
- On Saturday we asked you, the fans, which team you thought would have the worst record in the NHL when the 2022-23 season comes to a close. The results aren’t surprising… but which team came in second? Thanks to everyone who voted.
- This summer’s draft and development camp are now in the rear view mirror of the Blackhawks and their fans. The next few weeks are expected to be relatively quiet from the NHL club. So let’s go for broke and start thinking about the 2023 NHL Draft. Thanks to the Brandon Hagel trade, Chicago owns two first-round selections next year. And I think we’re all understanding that the Blackhawks’ pick will likely be near the top of the board.
- On Saturday night, the Sun-Times‘ Ben Pope shared an email he received from a reader that… actually makes sense and backs Kyle Davidson’s rebuild plan and approach thus far.
- Pope, like so many of us, where really impressed by center Frank Nazar during development camp this past week. He’s headed to the University of Michigan this fall while Lukas Reichel is competing for a roster spot in Chicago, but the two might be big pieces of the future up front for Davidson’s Blackhawks.
- This is a couple days old, but I just saw it last night and honestly got a little choked up. As someone whose family has dealt with cancer — as so many families have — the way the Ducks made sure the rest of their prospects knew how much Will Francis went through to be there was terrific. Stick taps to the Ducks, Dallas Eakins and Francis. And here’s to continued health for him.
- Finally, let’s get excited for the future on the North Side. PCA was in action during the Futures Game on Saturday and did some really good work, including this double.