Alec Regula Sees Benefits of Unified Messaging in Blackhawks Organization

Alec Regula
Alec Regula

We’ve talked a lot about the size the Chicago Blackhawks have coming on the back end. There are a few guys who were able to get valuable experience in the NHL over the past couple seasons who bring that length to the blue line.

When I watched the Blackhawks start training camp, that size was something I wanted to see in person again. Because when it’s just development camp (read: only young prospects) or the prospect showcase (read: including some older prospects, but still mostly kids) the comparison for these players is other young players.

I wanted to see how veterans like Riley Stillman and Jake McCabe and Jack Johnson – all of whom are listed at 6-1 – compare with some of these youngsters.

One of the players who is practicing with the second group (“Team B”) thus far is Alec Regula. Regula is listed at 6-4 and 208 pounds as a 22-year-old right-shooting defenseman. And, along with Isaak Phillips (6-3, 194) and Filip Roos (6-4, 190) from that group, I can confirm the next generation is bigger than the present.

I spoke with Regula on Friday morning about how his game has grown and how the Blackhawks organization has changed since he got here.

But let’s backpeddle for a moment to his path to this training camp.

Regula’s father, Chet, was the team dentist for the Red Wings for years. So when Detroit made him a third-round pick (No. 67 overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft, it was a legitimate dream come true. He’d been hanging around the Wings facilities for years with many of the legends who played there over the last two decades, and now being able to put on his hometown sweater as a player and not a fan was incredible.

Until the Red Wings traded him.

To the Blackhawks of all teams. And for forward Brendan Perlini, no less.

Regula wasn’t a courtesy pick for someone familiar with the organization; this isn’t Tommy Lasorda drafting Mike Piazza as a favor. He’s legit. Regula spent three years with the London Knights – the same organization that produced Patrick Kane and Max Domi (and dozens of other NHL stars). He was their captain his final season in London, a season in which he scored 27 goals and finished his 56-game regular season with 60 points as a defenseman.

The trade to Chicago happened at the start of that final junior season, but clearly the change of potential destination didn’t impact his drive to succeed. The following season he appeared in three games with the Blackhawks at the NHL level after signing his entry-level deal.

Last season, Regula became a regular at the top of the depth chart in Rockford. He scored four goals with 22 assists in 41 games with the IceHogs and added his first NHL goal in 15 games with the big club.

Surrounding his first two seasons as a professional has been massive upheaval in the Blackhawks organization. The front office turned over completely last year, and the coaching staff is totally new now as well. But Regula has seen improvements in the simplification of the messaging to young players like himself.

One of the elements in that communication structure that, strangely enough, started before Regula was traded to the Blackhawks is Brian Campbell.

Earlier in camp wrote about how Campbell has become such a valuable part of the front office and development staff, working with young defensemen like Phillips and Kevin Korchinski. His resume speaks for itself, but having him be able to directly communicate his concepts with young skaters in Chicago and Rockford is something a few young players have spoken about recently.

It didn’t start this week or last year for Regula. It started in London.

Regula told me that he started to have a relationship with Campbell and ask him questions when he was skating with Adam Boqvist, who the Blackhawks drafted eighth overall in 2018. They played just the 2018-19 season together but Regula was able to start a connection with Campbell back then that has carried through to today.

“[Campbell] is a great resource,” Regula said. “It’s been great to talk with him throughout my time in the organization. He’s one of those guys who’s done it, he’s been there. He’s won a Stanley Cup. He’s a great resource to have a guy like that around is great for all of us young guys.”

Campbell has been part of the structure in the Chicago front office as they build the foundation for general manager Kyle Davidson’s tenure. Regula told me the coaching changes last year didn’t really hurt him much; Derek King leaving Rockford for Chicago and Anders Sorensen taking over the head coaching job was relatively seamless.

Regula said it’s clear the new front office has prioritized the lines of communication between Chicago and Rockford. With King and Sorensen remaining with the organization this season it affords the young players some familiarity and continuity in the structure.

“They’ve done a really good job of keeping [the messaging] clear and concise and you can tell [Chicago and Rockford] communicate a lot with each other,” Regula said on Friday. “When I was first in Rockford, Kinger (Derek King) was the head coach and then Anders took over and now Kinger’s up here so they have that connection. And Anders has a good relationship with everyone around here.

They’ve done a good job of being on the same page. If you’re down there and you get called up it’s the same systems so they’re making it as easy as possible for us and it’s pretty obvious they’ve been working together a lot.”

Regula said he spent a lot of time in Chicago this summer working with the Blackhawks’ training staff. One of the areas they have focused on with him is moving the puck quickly. He laughed at the ironic idea of slowing the game down as fast as possible, but that’s what they want. Keep the rubber moving quickly, but don’t play at a pace that’s too fast and turns into rushed mistakes.

With that comes the work to get himself ready for a season in which he has a golden opportunity to make an impact at the NHL level. The Blackhawks haven’t told him if he’s destined for Rockford or headed to Chicago to start the season; that’s up to him and his play to decide. And he thinks he’s ready.

“I learned a lot last year of what it takes to play at the NHL level and I think I’ve grown since then and now I’m trying to put it all together,” he said. “Even though a lot of the staff has changed over, they’ve done a good job of keeping their message clear to us so we all know what we’re working towards.”

After the second group — mostly the veterans — worked out I asked Connor Murphy about his initial impressions of some of the younger defensemen. He pointed out Regula and Isaak Phillips specifically, saying they possess speed, size and reach with a hockey IQ in a package that isn’t common in the game.

“[Regula and Phillips] have a little [NHL] experience and you can tell they’re really hungry to take the next step,” Murphy said. “Which I know they will because… it’s the same thing. As a defenseman you want to get comfortable and get trust from your coaches and get your playing time up in minutes and be able to mold into a role in the NHL that’s effective.

As soon as the confidence hits and the minutes come they’re gonna make a huge impact.”

And the way he’s working, listening and taking advantage of his opportunities, the confidence is coming for Regula — and the ice time will likely follow soon.

  • catimg

    cubs

  • catimg

    bears

  • catimg

    bulls

  • catimg

    blackhawks

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 09, 2025
Get in the game with the BetMGM Promo Code

THE BIG DAY IS HERE! (No, Not That One)

You wait for months and months for this days. When, after so much patience and build up, the happiest day of the year arrives. When it finally happens. CHICAGO CUBS PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT TO SPRING TRAINING TODAY!!! ... what, you were thinking of something else happening today? Thanks to the Tokyo Series, which will see the Cubs open up the 2025 MLB season early in Japan against the Dodgers...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 08, 2025

What the Cubs Can Still Do, More Old Friends Sign, Spring Training Visuals, and Other Cubs Bullets

Everybody else was doing it, so I thought I would go ahead and get sick. As a treat. Pitchers and catchers officially report tomorrow, marking the nominal beginning of Spring Training. The Cubs' roster may or may not be complete at this point, but you'd strongly prefer not to make any dramatic changes once things really really get rolling - it just seems like more times than not, you see...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 07, 2025

Chicago Cubs Announce Non-Roster Invites to 2025 Spring Training

As expected, the Chicago Cubs today announced their non-roster invites to big league Spring Training. The full list is below, with the reminder that these are the NON-40-MAN players who are coming to big league camp. So if you're wondering where someone obvious is, pretty good bet they're on the 40-man, so, yes, they'll be there. You know the minor league deal veterans already, but there are a host of...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 07, 2025
Alex Bregman

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Cubs Remain Involved, But Level-Setting Harder to Say

There's not a whole lot doing yet today on the Alex Bregman front, but there are a few updates to share, at least. First, from Bruce Levine, who says the Cubs are still working at it and seems to imply that some members of the organization might be trying to convince other members of the organization that a certain level of deal is worth it or not: Cubs remain in...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 07, 2025

What About Lefty Jalen Beeks As an Additional Depth Option for the Cubs?

The Athletic did a thing where they picked an available free a gent for each of the 30 MLB teams, and although I want to underscore that there's no "rumor" here, I did find the selection for the Cubs to be sufficiently interesting to merit a discussion. Particularly after going through the entire collection of bullpen options for the Cubs yesterday and noting how few of them throw lefty. Which...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 07, 2025

The Many New Top Chicago Cubs Prospects Lists

The many, many pre-2025 Chicago Cubs top-X-number-of-prospects lists have dropped the last couple weeks - MLB Pipeline is the only major one we're still waiting on - and if you haven't seen all or any of them, I thought I'd round them up here. I also have some thoughts. Baseball America dropped its full slate of top-30s for each organization: https://bsky.app/profile/baseballamerica.com/post/3lh22jl2hct2v No huge surprises on the list for the Cubs,...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 07, 2025
Matt Shaw, Cubs projections

Shaw and 2B-3B, Ricketts on McCaskey, Early Start, Mizuhara, Padres, and Other Cubs Bullets

I feel like a genius and an idiot: for *YEARS* I have loved peanut butter sauce as an ice cream topping, but you can't get it everywhere, and there's basically no good take-home variety. So I get it when I can get it, and otherwise am just sad. BUT THEN LAST NIGHT I WAS LIKE DUH I CAN MAKE MY OWN AT HOME! I've got this powdered peanut butter protein,...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 06, 2025
Alex Bregman MLB Rumors Cubs

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: How Many Suitors? How Many Years? Red Sox Back-Up Plan? More

A few Alex Bregman bits to chew on as you settle down for the night ... Jon Heyman tonight writes that although Bregman is receiving "creative short-term offers," he and Scott Boras are still looking for six+ years. That tracks with Bob Nightengale's reporting earlier today. Heyman adds that the Astros actually have come up some amount from their offer from earlier in the offseason (reportedly six years and $156...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
Feb 06, 2025

Free Agent 3B Yoan Moncada Signs with the Angels

The Chicago Cubs, ostensibly still in the market for a free-agent third baseman, will watch one option fall off the board tonight. Former White Sox third baseman - and offseason Cubs target - Yoan Moncada is reportedly signing a modest deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Yoan Moncada to the Angels Ken Rosenthal reports the deal on X as a one-year, $5 million contract. https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1887654549227512106 Moncada, still just 29, is...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 06, 2025

Resetting the Chicago Cubs’ Excessively Crowded Bullpen Picture

Given the Ryan Brasier trade potentially capping off the Chicago Cubs' bullpen moves for the offseason, and given how much movement there has been in that group this offseason, I thought it worth a reset just to see where the Cubs stand. How many arms do they have available now for the bullpen group? How many can be moved up and down? Who is fighting for a roster spot? You...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 08, 2025

2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: The Chicago Bears Return to Old School Football

The 2025 NFL Draft is 75 days away. As of right now, the Chicago Bears have eight picks — including four in the top 75. How this team goes about using its picks remains to be determined. And while what happens in free agency will go a long way toward determining how the Bears move on NFL Draft Weekend, it is never too early to look at what league insiders, analysts,...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 08, 2025

R.I.P. Dick Jauron, Roger Goodell Talks Bears Stadium Deal and More, and Other Saturday Bullets

Day 34 of the Chicago Bears offseason. My friend Jim shared this recipe for Oreo Bourbon Balls, which he says are the ultimate no-bake treat. It sure as heck seems like this would be the perfect thing to whip up quickly in a pinch for a Super Bowl party. Some somber news at the top with the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reporting on the death of former Bears coach Dick...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 07, 2025
Boise State takes on San Diego St. tonight

Ashton Jeanty Sees the Chicago Bears as a Potential Landing Spot

I am coming around to the idea of Ashton Jeanty lining up next to Caleb Williams in the Chicago Bears backfield. Don't get it twisted. I know the Bears have needs in the trenches on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But if General Manager Ryan Poles can plug those holes in March when free agency opens its doors, then it could open things up for the team to...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
Feb 07, 2025
Caleb Williams Bears

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Caleb Williams

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of quarterback Caleb Williams. Caleb Williams' 2024 Snapshot Caleb Williams' rookie season is in the books, featuring no shortage of peaks and valleys. Williams' rookie numbers weren't just the best...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 07, 2025
myles Garrett browns trade bears target

This is What a Myles Garrett Trade Could Look Like

The NFL moved so quickly during Super Bowl Week that Myles Garrett's trade request feels like it happened forever ago. Of course, we know it didn't happen forever ago. This week started with a bang as the Cleveland Browns star pass rusher put in a formal trade request, which shot to the top of the list of offseason storylines we are looking forward to watching unfold. But one thing we...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
Feb 07, 2025
What to know about Super Bowl LVII

Super Bowl LIX: Can the Eagles Derail the Chiefs Pursuit of NFL History?

The biggest storyline of this NFL season is the Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Even if they fall short in Super Bowl LIX, they have already made history as the first team to win two straight Super Bowls and return to a third in a row. No team has ever won three straight Super Bowl titles, though the Green Bay Packers won three...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
Feb 07, 2025
fantasy football defense rankings

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Tremaine Edmunds

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of Tremaine Edmunds. Tremaine Edmunds' 2024 Snapshot There were many things to be frustrated with during the 2024 season, and Tremaine Edmunds was often on my list. Edmunds finished the...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
Feb 07, 2025
neutral site

Super Bowl LIX: Here’s How the Bleacher Nation Staff Sees Things Playing Out In New Orleans

With the Super Bowl just a couple of days away, I polled the writers at Bleacher Nation to see who they have winning Sunday's contest, and we're leaning Kansas City, but this will no doubt be the Chiefs' tallest task during their road to a potential three-peat. Here's how the Bleacher Nation staff sees Super Bowl LIX playing out on Sunday: Luis C. Medina Eagles 24, Chiefs 23 MVP: Saquon...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 07, 2025
NFL Logo on the field

More on Virginia McCaskey, Steelers Going to Dublin, Respect For Rivals, and Other Bears Bullets

Day 33 of the Chicago Bears offseason. We made it to the first Friday of February. Huzzah! I need to get my Super Bowl menu in order. And I'm sure you do, too. My friend Jim offered up the suggestion of these buffalo chicken wontons, which appear to be DELICIOUS. More condolences from around the league after Virginia McCaskey's passing: The Packers send their deepest condolences to the McCaskey and...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
Feb 07, 2025
jared allen in post bears

Around the NFL: Annual Awards, Hall of Fame Class of 2025, Remembering McCaskey, More

We're just over 48 hours from the Super Bowl on Sunday in New Orleans. Still, there's plenty to discuss around the league, including the NFL Honors results, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's newest class, the passing of Virginia McCaskey, and more in today's NFL Notes. The Football World Mourns the Passing of Virginia McCaskey Virginia Halas McCaskey, the majority owner and matriarch of the Chicago Bears, passed on Thursday...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 08, 2025

Box Score & Player Grades: Warriors 132, Bulls 111 – February 8, 2025

I just don't have any clue what to expect from this Bulls team. I came into tonight expecting Jimmy Butler to go off and the Warriors to control the game en route to an easy win. Not exactly what we saw in this one! Well, at least in the first half. After a bit of a meh first few minutes from the Bulls, we saw a fantastic finish to the...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 08, 2025
Chicago Bulls

Pre-Gamin’: Warriors at Bulls (7:00 CT) – Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Jimmy Butler is back at the United Center! https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2025/02/07/jimmy-butler-debut-0207/ Game Info Golden State Warriors (25-26) at Chicago Bulls (22-30) – 7:00 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Ayo Dosunmu Josh Giddey Patrick Williams Nikola Vucevic Golden State Warriors Steph Curry Buddy Hield Jimmy Butler Draymond Green Quinten Post © Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Odds Chicago comes into today’s game as a 6-point...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 08, 2025

Meet the Chicago Bulls’ Newbies (and Other Bulls Bullets)

It only feels right that the Chicago Bulls' first game after the trade deadline will pit them against the new-look Golden State Warriors. After weeks upon weeks of rumors connecting the Western Conference squad to Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, they snubbed the Bulls in favor of their former franchise centerpiece. I'm sure most of us expected Butler to come out motivated, but kicking off this new era where it...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 07, 2025

So the Bulls Are Rebuilding, Right? Here is Arturas Karnisovas’ Answer

Chicago Bulls fans didn't get many answers at this trade deadline, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. Confronted with a seemingly confused group of local reporters on Thursday afternoon, Arturas Karnisovas was pressed about the organization's philosophy. He fielded repeated questions about their failure to accumulate additional assets and the franchise's sense of urgency to improve their lottery odds ahead of a wildly praised 2025 NBA Draft. The...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 07, 2025
Jimmy Butler Intro Warriors

Of Course Jimmy Butler is Expected to Make His Warriors Debut in Chicago

In a twist of fate that will only further irk Bulls fans, Jimmy Butler is expected to make his Warriors debut on Saturday night at the United Center. Butler, of course, was traded by the Heat to the Warriors a night before the trade deadline. He also agreed to a two-year, $121 million contract extension with Golden State shortly after the deal was announced. https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1887698672286376408 Jimmy Butler's Return A Stark...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 07, 2025

AK Can’t Pick a Lane, So Many Guards, Torrey Craig Finds a New Team, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago Bulls served as a generous portion of Nothing Pie during each of the last three NBA trade deadlines. This year, the slice at least had some whipped cream on top. I'm not going to go as far as saying that Arturas Karnisovas deserves credit for moving on from Zach LaVine, but it was a box that desperately needed to be checked. The problem is that making that move...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 07, 2025

Warriors Reportedly Tried to Strike Last Second Deal with Bulls for Nikola Vucevic … But Nothing

The trade deadline came and went yesterday without any additional moves by the Bulls. Obviously, they were able to deal Zach LaVine for a somewhat underwhelming return on Sunday. But hey, at least they were finally taking the leap and selling off pieces, right? Guess again! While moving on from Zach LaVine was an unfortunate but necessary decision, the handling of the rest of the roster felt like yet another...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 06, 2025

It’s All Still A Big Hot Mess for the Chicago Bulls

I had a fresh bouquet ready to deliver to the Chicago Bulls' offices at the Advocate Center on Thursday afternoon. Instead, a singular tulip petal has been left at reception. Arturas Karnisovas roped everybody in when finally striking a deal for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. Joining the De'Aaron Fox trade to San Antonio, the return left a little to be desired but still handed the Bulls some much-needed future flexibility....

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 06, 2025

NBA Trade Deadline Recap: All the Deals From the Big Day

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone! After a chaotic last couple of days, things quieted down a bit on the actual deadline day. However, while we didn't get the most active last few hours, this ended up being one of the wildest trade deadline seasons in recent memory. It's hard to recall as many in-season trades involving players of the magnitude that we saw shipped elsewhere this season....

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 06, 2025

TRADE: Cavaliers Add De’Andre Hunter in Deal with Hawks

Sitting 41-10 and at the top of the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers are going for it. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Cavaliers have acquired De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. The deal will see Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two swaps. Hunter is in the thick of a career year, averaging 19.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game off the bench. https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887572277761343556 Cavaliers Land De'Andre...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 08, 2025
Alec Martinez Craig Smith Seth Jones Lukas Reichel Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 5, Blues 6 (SO) — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

Remember when the Blackhawks played the Blues outdoors almost six weeks ago and it didn't go very well. That game has been sitting in the minds of the guys who played in it since then. Frank Nazar mentioned payback after the game on Friday night in Chicago. And the opening 20 minutes looked like the Blackhawks had something in store for the Blues. Two goals 38 seconds apart staked the...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 08, 2025
Alex Vlasic Chicago Blackhawks 2025 Winter Classic

Blackhawks at Blues — Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

The Blackhawks close out their schedule before the 4 Nations Face-Off break in St. Louis -- and they'll be wearing their Winter Classic look (big fan of red on the road). Here's hoping the guys in the room feel like they owe the Blues a game because the last time they wore these jerseys against them it was the pathetic display at Wrigley Field. Broadcast Info Puck Drop: 6:00 PM CTTV...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 08, 2025
Ryan Donato Alex Vlasic Chicago Blackhawks

Donato’s Hot, Pond Hockey Claps Back, Slaggert’s a Dog, Lardis Hits 50, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

“He’s hotter than burnt toast.” That's how Seth Jones described Ryan Donato after his first career four-point game last night. Donato has been so good all year; his work ethic is precisely what you want young players to emulate when they get to the NHL. Seeing him get the rewards in the box score for working his ass off is great. But it presents a tough decision for the Blackhawks'...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 07, 2025
Pat Maroon Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 6, Predators 2 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The first seven minutes of this game were melatonin on ice. But then Alex Vlasic made something happen and the Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead... which they held for a whopping 19 seconds. Thankfully, the Blackhawks got the lead back almost exactly six minutes later and held onto it until the end of the first period. The Blackhawks killed a penalty to open the second period and cashed in on...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 07, 2025
Ethan Del Mastro Frank Nazar Alec Martinez Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks vs Predators — Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

The Blackhawks have two games -- in two days -- left before the 4 Nations Face-Off break and things got a lot harder with the loss of Jason Dickinson on Wednesday night. Both games are against struggling division rivals, so we'll see if the Hawks can put together a full 60-minute game tonight and get a win against a Predators team that's massively underwhelming after a big summer. Broadcast Info...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 07, 2025
Connor Bedard Nick Foligno

Life Without Dickinson, the Plan in Net, Wirtz on McCaskey, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks play their final home game before the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tonight with the Nashville Predators in town. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks will have to face a team that, despite their awful record, is still offensively gifted with names like Stamkos and Forsberg out there. And the Blackhawks will have to do it without Jason Dickinson. We got some relatively encouraging news on Dickinson on Thursday,...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 07, 2025
Connor Bedard Chicago Blackhawks

Let’s Talk About the Connor Bedard Criticism

So we'll just go ahead and get the Friday party started with the topic du jour in Chicago and beyond in the hockey world lately. Let's all criticize Connor Bedard! Over the weekend, Mark Messier hopped on ESPN and threw some shade at Bedard. He went as far as to say the Blackhawks should take ice time away from Bedard because of what Messier perceived as less-than-full effort defensively on...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Good(?) News on Jason Dickinson

The Blackhawks practiced on Thursday afternoon after their tough overtime loss to Edmonton late on Wednesday night. Not on the ice: veteran center Jason Dickinson, who suffered what appeared to be a nasty injury during the second period. Dickinson was seen leaving the United Center in a walking boot. The hope was that the severity wasn't as bad as it certainly looked when he left the ice with assistance. After...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 06, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks Kyle Davidson

NHL Insider Talks Blackhawks Trade Buzz, Rantanen Trade Fallout, Future Contract Strategy

On Thursday morning, Elliotte Friedman dropped a loaded written version of his "32 Thoughts" and there are some good Blackhawks-centric nuggets in there. Here's what got my attention: Blackhawks trade buzz I noted in my bullets this morning that there were 14 teams represented in the press box scouting the Blackhawks-Oilers game. Friedman notes a light schedule and the looming two-week break meant there was plenty of attention in Chicago...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Dickinson Concern, More Bedard Criticism, Scouts Galore, 49 for Lardis, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks lost a hard fought game to the Oilers in overtime last night. They showed a lot of mettle, battling back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the game late. But a bad penalty in overtime cost them the second point in the standings. The result of the game last night isn't much of a concern if we're honest. What is a major concern is...

written by

Tab Bamford has been writing about the Chicago Blackhawks for almost two decades. He joined Bleacher Nation as the lead Blackhawks writer in May 2022. Tab is a member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and is the author of three books about the Blackhawks: "The Future: Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks' New Era,"(Triumph Books),"100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" (Triumph Books) and "Chicago Blackhawks: An Illustrated Timeline" (Reedy Press, 2021). Find him on Twitter/X/Instagram/Threads at @The1Tab

more blackhawks news

Blackhawks 5, Blues 6 (SO) — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

Remember when the Blackhawks played the Blues outdoors almost six weeks ago and it didn't go very well. That game has been sitting in the minds of the guys who played in it since then. Frank Nazar mentioned payback after...

Blackhawks at Blues — Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

The Blackhawks close out their schedule before the 4 Nations Face-Off break in St. Louis -- and they'll be wearing their Winter Classic look (big fan of red on the road). Here's hoping the guys in the room feel like...

Donato’s Hot, Pond Hockey Claps Back, Slaggert’s a Dog, Lardis Hits 50, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

“He’s hotter than burnt toast.” That's how Seth Jones described Ryan Donato after his first career four-point game last night. Donato has been so good all year; his work ethic is precisely what you want young players to emulate when...

Blackhawks 6, Predators 2 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The first seven minutes of this game were melatonin on ice. But then Alex Vlasic made something happen and the Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead... which they held for a whopping 19 seconds. Thankfully, the Blackhawks got the lead back...

Blackhawks vs Predators — Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

The Blackhawks have two games -- in two days -- left before the 4 Nations Face-Off break and things got a lot harder with the loss of Jason Dickinson on Wednesday night. Both games are against struggling division rivals, so...

Let’s Talk About the Connor Bedard Criticism

So we'll just go ahead and get the Friday party started with the topic du jour in Chicago and beyond in the hockey world lately. Let's all criticize Connor Bedard! Over the weekend, Mark Messier hopped on ESPN and threw...

Life Without Dickinson, the Plan in Net, Wirtz on McCaskey, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks play their final home game before the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tonight with the Nashville Predators in town. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks will have to face a team that, despite their awful record, is still offensively...

Good(?) News on Jason Dickinson

The Blackhawks practiced on Thursday afternoon after their tough overtime loss to Edmonton late on Wednesday night. Not on the ice: veteran center Jason Dickinson, who suffered what appeared to be a nasty injury during the second period. Dickinson was...

NHL Insider Talks Blackhawks Trade Buzz, Rantanen Trade Fallout, Future Contract Strategy

On Thursday morning, Elliotte Friedman dropped a loaded written version of his "32 Thoughts" and there are some good Blackhawks-centric nuggets in there. Here's what got my attention: Blackhawks trade buzz I noted in my bullets this morning that there...

Dickinson Concern, More Bedard Criticism, Scouts Galore, 49 for Lardis, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks lost a hard fought game to the Oilers in overtime last night. They showed a lot of mettle, battling back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the game late. But a bad penalty in...

Latest News

THE BIG DAY IS HERE! (No, Not That One)

You wait for months and months for this days. When, after so much patience and build up, the happiest day of the year arrives. When it finally happens. CHICAGO CUBS PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT TO SPRING TRAINING TODAY!!! ... what,...

Big 12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 9

Just one Big 12 game is on Sunday's college basketball slate, and we have your best bets information below. That contest is the Arizona State Sun Devils taking on the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gallagher-Iba Arena.How to Bet on Big...

AAC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 9

AAC squads are on Sunday's college basketball schedule in two games, including the Wichita State Shockers playing the South Florida Bulls, and best bets tips are below.How to Bet on AAC GamesBest AAC Spread Bet Today: South Florida vs. Wichita...

Big East Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 9

The Xavier Musketeers and the Villanova Wildcats hit the court for the only game on Sunday's college basketball schedule with Big East teams. Want best bets information? You've come to the right place.How to Bet on Big East GamesBest Big...

Big Ten Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 9

There are two games on the college basketball schedule on Sunday that feature Big Ten teams, and we have best bets recomendations. That includes the Ohio State Buckeyes versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers.How to Bet on Big Ten GamesBest Big Ten...

A-10 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | February 9

A-10 teams will take the court across two games on Sunday's college basketball slate, and we have your best bets information below. That includes the UMass Minutemen taking on the La Salle Explorers at Tom Gola Arena.How to Bet on...

Cal Poly vs CSU Fullerton Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 13

Big West play features the Cal Poly Mustangs (10-12) at home against the CSU Fullerton Titans (5-18) on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 9:00 PM ET.Cal Poly vs. CSU Fullerton NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 13, 2025Time: 9:00 PM ETWhere:...

Western Illinois vs Southern Indiana Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 13

The Western Illinois Leathernecks (12-11) aim to continue a three-game home winning streak when they host the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles (17-8) on February 13, 2025.Western Illinois vs. Southern Indiana NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 13, 2025Time: 6:00 PM ETWhere:...

VCU vs Saint Louis Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 13

The VCU Rams (10-14) will try to turn around a four-game losing streak when they host the Saint Louis Billikens (10-15) on February 13, 2025 at Stuart C. Siegel Center.VCU vs. Saint Louis NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 13, 2025Time:...

Long Beach State vs Hawaii Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – February 13

The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine (17-6) aim to extend an 11-game win streak when they visit the Long Beach State Beach (12-10) on February 13, 2025 at Walter Pyramid.Long Beach State vs. Hawaii NCAA Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 13, 2025Time: 9:00...

more blackhawks news