28 on 28: My Interview With Blackhawks Great Steve Larmer

If you’ve read my Blackhawks coverage over the past 16 years, you’ll know that I have been a long believer that the organization should have retired Steve Larmer‘s number 28 decades ago. Even in the final days of Patrick Kane’s time with the Blackhawks, as he reaches new benchmarks and climbs the franchise’s all-time leaderboards in different statistical categories, you still see Larmer’s name near the top of almost every one.

Larmer was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago for a memorabilia show, and the fine people at AM Sports Marketing Group arranged time for me to sit down and chat with Larmer about his incredible career. We talked about playing in Chicago and winning a Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers, the toughest players to play against, and the Blackhawks’ recent dynasty teams.

I hope you enjoy our conversation! I know I did.

TB: I like asking guys who played there what it was like playing at the Chicago Stadium. The answers are always unique.

28: It was great, in the sense the people were right on top of you, it was a small confined area. The United Center now is, what? Three times larger than the Stadium? So it was cozy, comfortable, unique that way, and it was a fabulous place to play.

TB: You were drafted the same year as Denis Savard, but you joined him a couple years later. What was it like skating with him and did you guys have much of a relationship before you joined him in the NHL? Or was that something that grew when you were both in Chicago together?

28: Well, it grew when we were both in Chicago together for sure. No, it was fabulous to play with such a wonderful player. For a first-year player coming in and being able to play on a line with Denis Savard and Al Secord was a great opportunity and it was a lot of fun and very grateful for the time that I got to spend with Denis and play with him. And he was always a pass-first, shoot-second type player, very unselfish and even more unselfish off the ice. He was a great teammate.

TB: How do you feel you guys complimented each other?

28: Well, we all brought different things to the table. Al was big and tough and could create space for us. And Denis was a great passer. He’s like a little water bug out there. He was hard to contain. And I always tell people this, what I really learned a lot playing with him was that you always had to expect the unexpected, because when you thought there was nothing, he could make something out of it. So you always had to be ready.

TB: When you made the decision to end your consecutive game streak and move on, was that hard to reconcile before the trade was made or after? Was it harder to ask or to actually be traded?

28: I don’t know that it was hard either. I think the time was right after spending 12 full seasons here and having gone through a whole bunch of changes with a group that I came in with and played with for a long time. We had a great core group with Dougie Wilson and Bobby Murray and Darryl Sutter and Rich Preston and Keith Brown and Troy Murray and Denis and some other guys, that you get sitting there and you’re looking around and you’re like, “Where’d everybody go?” And Dirk Graham, I played with him for a long time too, and he was a great captain.

And then you get to that point where it’s like you’re stuck in neutral. You’re not going forward as a group and you’re not going backwards. You’re just kind of stuck in the middle, which is uncomfortable, I guess. It’s not really where you want to be as a player. You want to be moving forward, either with a group that’s got a chance to win or a young group that is learning and going through that process.

TB: You wound up going to the New York Rangers, who also have a storied arena. How did Madison Square Garden as a home rink compare to the Chicago Stadium?

28: Well, there’s a lot of similarities. I was fortunate enough to play for two Original Six teams, both teams with lots of history and both old buildings. It was a cool place to play, right in the middle of Manhattan. So it was neat.

TB: Your Blackhawks teams played against the Oilers so often in the ’80s, and then you became a teammate of Mark Messier’s with the Rangers.

28: I think half that [Oilers] team was there with Mark and Kevin Lowe and Jeff Beukeboom and Adam Graves and Glenn Anderson came in at the end and Craig MacTavish, so there were a lot of Oilers there that had been down that path many times. Mark was a great player obviously, very welcoming. He made everybody on that team feel like they were the most important player.

TB: Did your perception of Messier change at all from playing against him to then playing with him?

28: No, not really. Other than the way he played the game was the same. Some nights he would just as soon go through you as around you. And he wasn’t a talkative person, but when he did speak it meant a lot and people listened.

TB: After all the years in Chicago and getting close, do you feel like the Stanley Cup that you won in New York personally was any level of validation for what you had put in over the years?

28: Well, I don’t know. I don’t if there’s a validation that has to go with it, but obviously it was nice to win it. And we had a great group of guys there, but there’s a lot of luck involved too. We were there in ’91 when we lost to Pittsburgh in the finals, and that was a bitter taste. And it was a couple of years getting over that because you’re always thinking about it, and even a year later, or whatever, your mind goes back to, “Holy mackerel, that might’ve been the only chance we had and we blew it.” And it’s hard to let go. But in New York it was nice to win. But again, you got to stay healthy, you got to be lucky, and you got to play well, you need great goaltending and all of that, which it all came together. It was like the stars were aligned. So it was a really unique experience.

TB: You played for Mike Keenan in both places. What was your impression of him as a coach?

28: Well, personally I liked him because he pushed me to become better and gave me opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. So that was my biggest fear when I went to New York, it was like, “Oh my God, I’m going from the frying pan to the fire. Do I want this again?” But I think he always had a lot of respect for me as a player and whatnot, and I had a lot of respect for him. So it was a match that worked out really well. So I enjoyed playing for him and he pushed me to become a better player and I’m actually thankful for that.

TB: Was there a coach that you played for that you would say was your favorite?

28: Well, I had Gary Green in junior when I played. He was probably the most honest coach I had, and I enjoyed playing for him a lot when I was a 16-year-old kid breaking into the OHL. I had Bert Templeton the next year in junior when he was a good guy to play for too. And Orval Tessier, my first coach I had in Chicago that I played with in New Brunswick when we won the Calder Cup there. So I’m grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to play and giving me a chance to play in the NHL.

TB: Maybe I’ll caveat this by maybe excluding Wayne Gretzky, but who would you say was the hardest player to play against in your career?

28: They’re all hard. There’s no such thing as easy. Bob Gainey, I think. When we went in, we played Montreal and we always played against Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau and Bob was a great skater (and he was from Peterborough, too, and I knew him a little bit). He was such a great skater, he could spot me half the length of the ice and still catch me. So it was tough playing against Montreal and the way they played. And they had a designated checking line, so it was hard playing against them. And Edmonton was tough to play against because they were so good and had the puck all the time. So spent a lot of time chasing them, trying to get the puck back.

TB: Skipping closer to the current day, as you’ve watched the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups and put a team together a little more than a decade ago, as an alumni of the team, did you enjoy it? Was it something that you appreciated? How did you feel about the organization putting that dynasty room together?

28: Oh, it was great. I think when you have an Original 6 franchise like Chicago and the trials and tribulations that they’ve gone through and for them to put three Stanley Cups together in a six-year span is pretty incredible. And a lot of the credit goes to the guy that put that team together and the players. (Winked and pointed to a photo of Dale Tallon.)

TB: When Marian Hossa had his jersey retired, he brought up that the first NHL jersey that he got as a kid was yours. Do you see similarities between your game and Hossa’s? And how’d you feel hearing that a Hall of Famer’s first jersey was 28 in red?

28: Well, it was pretty cool. He’s a great player. He’s always been a great player. I was surprised that Ottawa got rid of him. It was like, “How can you get rid of a guy that’s that good?” But they ended up doing it and he went on and he had a great career playing in different places, but got rewarded playing here in Chicago. And I think he was a big part of that in the sense that they needed a guy that played the way he played to help them get over the top.

TB: It’s a tough time for the Blackhawks right now…

28: Yeah, I was at the game in Toronto on Wednesday (Jan. 15) night. It wasn’t good… Ugly. With my wife sitting there with an Auston Matthews jersey on beside me. So that went over well.

TB: Having been retired as a player for almost 30 years, what does it mean to you that the Chicago fans and the market here still love you so much and still appreciate what you did for the Blackhawks on the ice?

28: I’m grateful for that and the opportunity that I had to play here. And to be able to play here for as long as I did was very special. I grew up here basically, came in a boy and hopefully I left a man, or some sort of a man. But no, it was a wonderful experience. I got to meet a lot of great people and play with hundreds of great teammates. And hockey’s different in the sense that you surround yourself with good people, you’re going to do well. And I was fortunate enough to be able to play with a lot of great players and we had a lot of fun, because we had some really close teams. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters. Because when you walk away from it, all you’ve got left is friendships.

  • catimg

    cubs

  • catimg

    bears

  • catimg

    bulls

  • catimg

    blackhawks

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 11, 2025

Chicago Cubs Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule (With a Very Enjoyable Video)

Today, the Chicago Cubs announced their 2025 promotional schedule, which you can find right here. For the announcement, the Cubs crafted a promotion Hall of Fame video, which actually did take me back to some of my favorites. Bonus appearance from Dansby Swanson, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Dansby Swanson's hair at the end: We'll take five Dansby hair headbands pls and thank you. 😂Your 2025 Promo Calendar is here: https://t.co/xl9NjjhTM7 pic.twitter.com/95k9Zd6K6t—...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 11, 2025

Javier Assad Has a Mild Oblique Strain

The news on Javier Assad's oblique injury is mixed, leaning toward good, I suppose. The MRI did reveal a strain, but it's a mild one, and there's optimism that the impact will be slight. https://bsky.app/profile/bastianmlb.bsky.social/post/3lhwicphjgs2m Given where we are on the calendar, you can expect the Cubs and Assad will not be rushing this thing. On the one hand, the timing is ideal - well, if you're going to get...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 11, 2025

Chicago Cubs Sign Righty Pitching Prospect Brayden Spears

The Chicago Cubs have signed another minor league arm, bringing in big righty Brayden Spears from indy ball. We’d like to give a big congratulations to ‘22-‘24 Hawks RHP Brayden Spears for signing with the Chicago Cubs!This move marks a significant step in Spears’ professional baseball career, and the Boise Hawks community wishes him continued success with the Cubs! pic.twitter.com/9lNTInI1HW— Boise Hawks (@BoiseHawks) February 10, 2025 Spears, 23, is a...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 11, 2025
Alex Bregman

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Cubs “Way In,” But Not At the Length Bregman Might Still Be Waiting For

As we discussed last night and again this morning, although where Alex Bregman will ultimately land (and on what deal) is still a matter of broad speculation, it does seem like the involved teams would like to know what's what as soon as possible. To be fair, I'm sure Bregman himself would like to know where he's going to be playing, too! Some of the latest ... Bruce Levine was...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 11, 2025

Shōta Imanaga on Starting in Japan, on Improving His MLB Performance, and More

Shōta Imanaga suggests he'll get the season opener for the Chicago Cubs in Japan on March 18, which sure seems like the right move for all of baseball: “It’s my job to start Opening (Day) in Japan, I think I want to keep my responsibility and do well over there.”Shota Imanaga on pitching in his home country of Japan. pic.twitter.com/Z2H9yk38BB— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 10, 2025 "[Dodgers stars] Shohei...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
Feb 11, 2025
Free agent relievers Kenley Jansen

Kenley Jansen Reportedly Signs 1-Year Deal with the Angels

It's been an active little offseason for the Los Angeles Angels, eh? I don't think they're particularly close to competing with the Rangers or Astros (or probably even the Mariners!), but they've been adding all winter long. And I guess that's ... admirable? The Angels' latest addition, according to Jon Heyman on X, is free-agent reliever and frequently rumored Cubs target Kenley Jansen. Kenley Jansen to the Angels Although Jansen,...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 11, 2025
Nico Hoerner trade talk Cubs and Mariners

The Latest News on Nico Hoerner is Still “All Good So Far”

Craig Counsell has no set timeline yet on second baseman Nico Hoerner, but sounds optimistic about where things stand (and confirms, indirectly, that indeed he had not been able to be the primary back-up at shortstop last year): https://bsky.app/profile/bastianmlb.bsky.social/post/3lhu4xdnuzc2l https://bsky.app/profile/mmontemurro.bsky.social/post/3lhu55aa6oc23 More from Counsell, via Marquee: "What Nico and I have talked about is stacking good days. It’s just keep on stacking good days. Because when you look too far forward,...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 11, 2025
Alex Bregman MLB Rumors Cubs

Bregman Decision Soon?, Steele’s Ambitious Goal, Horton’s Health, and Other Cubs Bullets

Today is the 10th annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science, so give a nod to the girls and/or women in your life who appreciate a good quantum system. I don't know how much to put into it as a reported-out rumor as opposed to some speculation (it came as part of a big collection of Q&A answers from ESPN's staff), but here's something Buster Olney said about...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 10, 2025

Cubs Reportedly Eyeing Justin Turner As They Wait on Alex Bregman

As discussed this morning, even if the Chicago Cubs aren't going to make any more major offseason additions to the roster, you didn't get the sense from the front office press conference, or from Craig Counsell's, that the Cubs are ruling out additional bullpen or bench moves. To that end, Justin Turner is reportedly a possibility: https://bsky.app/profile/ken-rosenthal.bsky.social/post/3lhubjjk5ec2w Two things on that, broadly speaking: 1.) The Cubs have had reported interest...

catimg
Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
Feb 10, 2025

It Begins: Javier Assad and Brandon Birdsell Dealing With Ailments

Ah, here we go. You can't act like it's not just the normal course of things. This is par for the course, unhappy-making though it may be. When Spring Training opens, two things can happen with respect to pitcher injuries: (1) we find out that a guy was feeling something a few weeks ago and isn't throwing yet, and/or (2) a guy starts stepping up his throwing progression and feels...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 11, 2025
Ian Cunningham

Ian Cunningham Will Reportedly Interview With the Jaguars on Friday

Even though the NFL coaching carousel has come to a stop now that the New Orleans Saints have hired a head coach, there is still one prominent opening to be filled — and it could belong to Ian Cunningham. The MMQB's Albert Breer reports that the Chicago Bears assistant general manager will interview Friday for the Jacksonville Jaguars open GM gig: Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham will interview for the...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 11, 2025
bears qb Caleb Williams

2025 Chicago Bears Offseason: Dates, Deadlines, and When to Expect Things

With Super Bowl LIX in our rear-view mirror, it is time for us to fully immerse ourselves in the Chicago Bears' offseason plans. Sure, the Bears (and their fans) have been in offseason mode since early January late November after the firing of Matt Eberflus as the team's head coach. But now that the postseason is over, all 32 NFL teams have their sights set on building out their rosters....

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 11, 2025
New Orleans Saints 7-Round Mock Draft

The NFL Hiring Cycle is Complete: The Saints Are Making It Official With Kellen Moore

Kellen Moore is extending his stay in New Orleans. Two days after the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX at the Superdome in New Orleans, the team's offensive coordinator is flying away to become the Saints' new head coach: Eagles OC Kellen Moore is finalizing a deal with the Saints to be their new head coach, per The Insiders. What was expected for more than a week will be official...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 11, 2025
bears gm Ryan poles NFL

Super Bowl Leftovers, Early Power Rankings, How to Build a Winner, and Other Bears Bullets

It's Day 37 of the Chicago Bears offseason. I can't believe the Justin Fields vs. Caleb Williams discourse is still happening online. It is absolutely unnecessary, friends. The Bears have bigger and brighter things ahead. And if the cards fall in his favor, so does Fields. Chicago's former starting QB proved to be a quality starter during his time in Pittsburgh and the Steelers could run it back with him...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 10, 2025
bears Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams Already Has an Offseason Improvement Plan in Place

If you watched Super Bowl LIX and wondered what it would take for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears to reach the mountaintop, know you are not alone. The day after the Super Bowl always puts me in a reflective headspace. I think about what the Bears did well, explore options for improving their roster, consider what dead weight could be cut from the team, and more. Paths to improvement...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 10, 2025
Ryan Poles bears Ben Johnson

2025 Chicago Bears Offseason Preview: Cap Space, Team Needs, Draft Picks, More

The NFL’s “legal tampering” period opens one month from today. And with it, the beginning of the league's transactional period. But before we get to that point, let's assess where the Chicago Bears are heading into the new league year. Chicago Bears salary cap update The Bears are $62,968,403 under the cap, according to OverTheCap.com. That represents the sixth-most space among NFL teams. Only the Los Angeles Chargers ($63.409M), Arizona Cardinals ($71.333M), Washington Commanders...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
Feb 10, 2025
Jalen Hurts Eagles

Super Bowl LIX Thoughts: Fangio Shines, Hurts Silences, Mahomes and the Chiefs Aren’t Going Anywhere, More

This time yesterday, the only thing standing in the way of history for the Kansas City Chiefs was 60 minutes of football. By the end of the evening, it turned out that a brick wall in the form of the Philadelphia Eagles was waiting for Kansas City. The concern level wasn't very high when it was 10-0 Philadelphia. After all, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes found themselves in a familiar...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 10, 2025
bears quarterback Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule: Here Is Who They’ll Play Next Year

If you are already looking forward to next year, then you are in the right place. And if you already have your eyes on what is next for the Chicago Bears, then just know that I can't blame you one bit because I feel similarly. After all, anything feels possible after watching the Philadelphia Eagles de-throne the Kansas City Chiefs on Super Bowl Sunday. But if the Bears are going...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Matt Rooney
Feb 10, 2025

2025 NFL Mock Draft: First Post-Super Bowl Mock Has New Top Overall Pick, Bears Miss Out On Top OL

The Philadelphia Eagles are officially Super Bowl Champions! With the NFL season officially over, it's time to turn our attention to the offseason. What better way to do that than with a 2025 NFL Mock Draft? The NFL Draft order is officially set (except for the compensatory picks that will be announced later), let's get to our latest mock as the offseason is officially underway. 2025 NFL Mock Draft Mandatory...

catimg
Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
Feb 10, 2025
vic fangio super bowl eagles bears

Vic Fangio’s Time to Shine, Kendrick vs. Drake Beef Explained, New Scorebug, Grade Tom Brady, and Other Super Bowl Hangover Bullets

It's Day 36 of the Chicago Bears offseason. A new Super Bowl champion was crowned on Sunday, and I have thoughts about what transpired at the Superdome in New Orleans. Super Bowl LIX was reminiscent of Super Bowl XX in many ways. Both games were played in New Orleans in the Superdome. Both games were won by NFC teams beating an AFC opponent whose string of good fortune came to...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 11, 2025

Box Score & Players Grades: Pistons 132, Bulls 92 – February 11, 2025

Do you think Arturas Karnisovas will use the word rebuild now? The Chicago Bulls front office leader said he doesn't like the word following another underwhelming trade deadline for his franchise. Yet, his team continues to show this is exactly what they need to pursue. What unfolded at the (legitimately) Madhouse on Madison on Tuesday night was one of the most embarrassing performances in franchise history. Even by tanking standards,...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 11, 2025
Chicago Bulls

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

Let's play two! Well, two nights in a row. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1889310301960519866 Game Info Detroit Pistons (27-26) at Chicago Bulls (22-31) – 7:00 p.m. CT on Chicago Sports Network (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Lineups Chicago Bulls Lonzo Ball Coby White Josh Giddey Ayo Dosunmu Nikola Vucevic Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham Malik Beasley Tim Hardaway Jr Ausar Thompson Jalen Duren Feb 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 11, 2025

Bulls Injury Update: Lonzo Ball Missing Third Straight, Ayo Dosunmu’s Status

The Chicago Bulls will play their third straight game without Lonzo Ball. The veteran point guard sat out the team's matchup with Minnesota, as it was the backend of a back-to-back. An illness forced him to remain sidelined for Chicago's battle with Golden State, and Ball has entered this week still dealing with that sickness. With that being the case – and the Bulls staring at another back-to-back set before...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 11, 2025

After Trade Deadline Move, Raptors Sign Brandon Ingram to Three-Year Extension

Brandon Ingram is staying in Toronto. After the organization traded for the 27-year-old at this season's trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania and Bobby Marks have reported that the two sides have agreed to an extension. Ingram came into the season on an expiring deal, setting him up to be one of the NBA's most attractive free agents this summer. The new three-year, $120 million extension, however, will keep him in...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 11, 2025

So the Mavericks Are Now Ejecting Fans Who Are Upset with the Luka Doncic Trade

The Dallas Mavericks are teaching a masterclass on how to lose fans! On February 1, GM Nico Harrison agreed to arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history. The Mavericks sent superstar and franchise centerpiece Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The lopsided deal blindsided fans and NBA executives alike. Then, to add injury to insult, Anthony Davis immediately suffered an adductor strain in...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 11, 2025

WATCH: DeMar DeRozan Did DeMar DeRozan Things in Kings’ OT Win

There are only three certainties in life: Death, taxes, and DeMar DeRozan coming up big in the clutch Last night's Mavericks and Kings game in Dallas was a lot of fun, and both teams have no shortage of storylines surrounding them. The Mavericks, as we all know, shockingly traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. Then, Davis suffered an injury in his debut that will keep him out for up to...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 11, 2025

Matas Buzelis Sounds Like a Vet, Back-to-Back with Detroit, Here Comes Cade, and Other Bulls Bullets

Only two more games stand between us and a Matas Buzelis Slam Dunk Contest victory! The Chicago Bulls' rookie continues to prepare for All-Star Weekend's fan-favorite event. The NBA shared a little footage of him throwing down some jams alongside Kenny Beecham and his crew from Numbers on the Board. While Buzelis didn't divulge what we'll see under the lights, his athleticism was on full display. The best dunk contest...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
Feb 10, 2025

WATCH: Luka Doncic Scores His First Points As A Laker

This is still so weird, and it's absolutely going to take some getting used to. Tonight in Los Angeles, Luka Doncic got his first introduction and scored his first points as a Laker in front of the home crowd. Doncic drilled a three-pointer with Walker Kessler's hand in his face. Check it out below: https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1889158945295495621 https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1889160714239320499 Luka Doncic Makes His First Lakers Appearance Even more than a week after the...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 10, 2025

The Rightful Owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves Has Finally Been Announced

After nearly a year-long battle, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have a new owner. ESPN's Shams Charania announced on Monday afternoon that arbitrators have ruled in favor of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez in the sale of the Timberwolves franchise. The announcement comes after now-former-owner Glen Taylor attempted to halt the purchase after a multi-year-long process. Rodriguez and Lore will now have to be approved officially by the NBA's Board of...

catimg
Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
Feb 10, 2025

The Bulls Lottery Odds Have Slightly Improved in Recent Weeks, Can It Continue?

Arturas Karnisovas may not want to admit it, but the Chicago Bulls sure look the part of a rebuilding team. Not only did they part ways with their best offensive weapon at the NBA trade deadline, but they have comfortably been one of the NBA's worst teams since mid-January. The Bulls have won only four of their 15 games since January 12, and they have held the league's third-worst net...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 11, 2025
Artyom Levshunov 2024 NHL Draft Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Prospects Highlight New Top 100 Rankings

On Tuesday, Scott Wheeler at The Athletic released his mid-season updated top 100 drafted NHL prospects rankings. I'll throw this breakdown in here right up front from Wheeler: 28 players from the 2024 draft, 32 from 2023, 29 from 2022, eight from 2021 and three from 2020. It’s made up of 69 forwards and 31 defensemen (of which 13 are lefties and 18 are righties). The Blackhawks were tied with...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 11, 2025
Oliver Moore Minnesota Golden Gophers

Blackhawks Prospect Oliver Moore Talks Coaches, Winning, All-Around Play, Going Pro, More

Earlier this week I chatted with Minnesota's two Blackhawks prospects, Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore. I shared some of what Rinzel had to say about his game, the Hobey Baker, turning pro and more on Monday evening. I enjoyed the conversation with Moore, one of the first-ever repeat World Junior Championship gold medal winners for USA Hockey. Let's start right there with the World Juniors because, as you know, I'm...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 11, 2025
Connor Bedard Chicago Blackhawks

Book Drop, Beanpot, Lardis, Rinzel, Finland’s Top Line, Trade Bait, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The only hockey game on the calendar on Monday was the championship of the Beanpot. And ya know what? Boston University handled their business and won it! Blackhawks prospect and BU co-captain Ryan Greene was credited with two shots on net and won 11 of 20 faceoffs for the Terriers in the win. https://twitter.com/terrierhockey/status/1889152694394278093?s=51&t=ESwYjOKcGL_TWWx-NV4tsw Teuvo Teräväinen is going to rep the Blackhawks for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off in...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 11, 2025
Seth Jones Chicago Blackhawks

Who Are the Blackhawks Possible Trade Chips Other Than Ryan Donato?

Right now, all of the trade talk around the Blackhawks is focused on Ryan Donato -- and rightfully so. He's having a career year with 19 goals, has a lovely $2M cap hit in a walk year and is a great, energy, character player. Donato is the kind of guy contenders overpay for at the deadline every year. Whether the Blackhawks move him or not is going to be an...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 10, 2025
Sam Rinzel University of Minnesota

Blackhawks Prospect Sam Rinzel On Areas of Improvement, the Hobey Baker, Turning Pro, More

It's bye week(s) time for the Chicago Blackhawks, so let's catch up with some of the team's prospects. I had a chance to chat with Minnesota's Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel about how they feel their seasons are going, where they've improved, winning at the World Junior Championship and more. The guys were great to chat with. I'll have more from Moore later, but wanted to start with Rinzel. When...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 10, 2025
Lukas Reichel Chicago Blackhawks

Intrigue, Questions, Hope Surround Blackhawks 2020 NHL Draft Class

As we continue to focus on the Blackhawks' rebuild, it's important to recognize that there were some pieces in the cupboard before the organ-I-zation changed general managers. And one of the draft classes that's stacking up to be one of the more intriguing in the immediate future took place at one of the most awkward times in the history of the NHL. Because of the COVID pandemic, the 2020 NHL...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 10, 2025
Teuvo Teravainen Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teräväinen Appreciation, Del Mastro to Rockford, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Chicago Blackhawks have but one representative heading to the 4 Nations Face-Off this week. Teuvo Teräväinen will skate for Finland. So, with no Blackhawks anything happening for the next week or so outside of those games and with the Super Bowl overwhelming the sports world yesterday, let's take a moment to chat about the return of Turbo this season. A great zone entry from the Foligno line leads to...

catimg
Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
Feb 09, 2025
Connor Bedard Ryan Donato Teuvo Teravainen Chicago Blackhawks

Consistent Bedard, More Donato, Where are the Young D? Prospect Highlights, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks closed their pre-break schedule with another tough loss. They were really good in the first period... and then the wheels seemingly fell off in the second (again). The second period has been an issue for the Blackhawks all season, but this was like they decided to splice a period of the game tape from the Florida game into the middle of an otherwise solid performance. Connor Bedard goes...

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...

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 Prospects Highlight New Top 100 Rankings

On Tuesday, Scott Wheeler at The Athletic released his mid-season updated top 100 drafted NHL prospects rankings. I'll throw this breakdown in here right up front from Wheeler: 28 players from the 2024 draft, 32 from 2023, 29 from 2022,...

Blackhawks Prospect Sam Rinzel On Areas of Improvement, the Hobey Baker, Turning Pro, More

It's bye week(s) time for the Chicago Blackhawks, so let's catch up with some of the team's prospects. I had a chance to chat with Minnesota's Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel about how they feel their seasons are going, where...

Blackhawks Prospect Oliver Moore Talks Coaches, Winning, All-Around Play, Going Pro, More

Earlier this week I chatted with Minnesota's two Blackhawks prospects, Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore. I shared some of what Rinzel had to say about his game, the Hobey Baker, turning pro and more on Monday evening. I enjoyed the...

Book Drop, Beanpot, Lardis, Rinzel, Finland’s Top Line, Trade Bait, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The only hockey game on the calendar on Monday was the championship of the Beanpot. And ya know what? Boston University handled their business and won it! Blackhawks prospect and BU co-captain Ryan Greene was credited with two shots on...

Who Are the Blackhawks Possible Trade Chips Other Than Ryan Donato?

Right now, all of the trade talk around the Blackhawks is focused on Ryan Donato -- and rightfully so. He's having a career year with 19 goals, has a lovely $2M cap hit in a walk year and is a...

Intrigue, Questions, Hope Surround Blackhawks 2020 NHL Draft Class

As we continue to focus on the Blackhawks' rebuild, it's important to recognize that there were some pieces in the cupboard before the organ-I-zation changed general managers. And one of the draft classes that's stacking up to be one of...

Teuvo Teräväinen Appreciation, Del Mastro to Rockford, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Chicago Blackhawks have but one representative heading to the 4 Nations Face-Off this week. Teuvo Teräväinen will skate for Finland. So, with no Blackhawks anything happening for the next week or so outside of those games and with the...

Consistent Bedard, More Donato, Where are the Young D? Prospect Highlights, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks closed their pre-break schedule with another tough loss. They were really good in the first period... and then the wheels seemingly fell off in the second (again). The second period has been an issue for the Blackhawks all...

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...

Latest News

Kasatkina vs. Pegula Prediction at the WTA Doha, Qatar – Wednesday, February 12

In the WTA Doha, Qatar Round of 16 on Wednesday, we have a matchup of No. 5-ranked Jessica Pegula versus No. 12 Daria Kasatkina.In this matchup against Kasatkina (+135), Pegula is favored with -175 odds.WTA Doha, Qatar InfoTournament: The WTA...

Open 13 Provence Schedule Thursday, February 13: Matchups & TV/Live Stream Info

The schedule at the Open 13 Provence on February 13 includes two matches, among them Zhizhen Zhang (ranked No. 52) against Hubert Hurkacz (No. 20). For live coverage of matches, and highlights, check out Center Court and Center Court Live...

Alexandrova vs. Mertens Prediction at the WTA Doha, Qatar – Wednesday, February 12

No. 26-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova will meet No. 32 Elise Mertens in the WTA Doha, Qatar Round of 16 on Wednesday, February 12.Mertens is the favorite (-140) in this match, compared to the underdog Alexandrova, who is +110.WTA Doha, Qatar InfoTournament:...

Rybakina vs. Sramkova Prediction at the WTA Doha, Qatar – Wednesday, February 12

In the WTA Doha, Qatar Round of 16 on Wednesday, No. 7-ranked Elena Rybakina takes on No. 46 Rebecca Sramkova.Rybakina is favored over Sramkova, with -800 odds against the underdog's +500.WTA Doha, Qatar InfoTournament: The WTA Doha, QatarRound: Round of...

Jabeur vs. Kenin Prediction at the WTA Doha, Qatar – Wednesday, February 12

On Wednesday, Ons Jabeur (No. 35 in the world) takes on Sofia Kenin (No. 73) in the Round of 16 at the WTA Doha, Qatar.Jabeur has -325 odds to win versus Kenin (+240).WTA Doha, Qatar InfoTournament: The WTA Doha, QatarRound:...

How to Watch Georgetown Hoyas vs. Butler Bulldogs Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The Butler Bulldogs (13-13) hope to break a six-game road losing streak when they visit the Georgetown Hoyas (11-12) on February 12, 2025.On Sunday, in its last game, Georgetown fell to DePaul 80-76. With 18 points, Kelsey Ransom was its...

Colorado State vs. Utah State Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Utah State Aggies (2-21) will try to end a three-game losing streak when they hit the road to take on the Colorado State Rams (17-7) on February 12, 2025 at Moby Arena.In its previous game, Colorado State topped Boise...

Dayton vs. Fordham Prediction: Picks and Betting Odds – Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Dayton Flyers (16-8, 6-5 A-10) hit the road in A-10 action against the Fordham Rams (11-12, 3-7 A-10) on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET. The Flyers are favored by 8.5 points in the game. The over/under...

Texas Tech vs. Arizona State Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The No. 12 Texas Tech Red Raiders (18-5, 9-3 Big 12) are heavily favored (by 15.5 points) to extend a four-game home win streak when they host the Arizona State Sun Devils (12-11, 3-9 Big 12) on Wednesday, February 12,...

Xavier vs. Providence Prediction: Picks and Betting Odds – Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Xavier Musketeers (14-10, 6-7 Big East) visit the Providence Friars (11-13, 5-8 Big East) after losing three straight road games. The Musketeers are favored by only 1.5 points in the matchup, which begins at 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday,...

more blackhawks news