I hate opening my bullets with this today but I also love it so much. Joe Brand is an absolute gem. Winner across the board. He loves sports and he’s so good at everything he does, whether it’s handling the pregame, between periods and postgame for the Blackhawks on WGN Radio or the radio play-by-play for the Kane County Cougars. And he’s a great guy on top of it all. So it brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye to see that he’s moving on from Chicago. Brand has been named the radio play-by-play voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It sucks to see a friend and someone who’s been such a great part of the Blackhawks media landscape moving on. I’ll miss him around the rink. But I’m thrilled for him to have such a great opportunity. Love it, Joe!
- So let’s get into the whole Leon Draisaitl got the bag news this morning. According to PuckPedia, the Oilers now have $51.7M committed to nine (9) forwards for the 2025-26 season. They also have roughly $19.8M committed to five defensemen. That’s $71.5M locked-up on three forward lines and five of their top six defensemen. Not awful, right? Well, it’s okay until you realize they lost two young players — Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway — to offer sheets this summer and they have to do something with Evan Bouchard before he hits RFA next summer.
- Is Draisaitl worth setting the market? Sure. But… what’s Bouchard going to get next year? And what are they going to give Connor McDavid beginning in 2026-27? Good luck, Stan!
- Corey Pronman over at The Athletic released his top 150 under-22 affiliated players in the NHL for the coming season. The Blackhawks made their fair share of appearances, but the prospects who did — and didn’t — rank was interesting once again. I shared my thoughts earlier this morning. Here’s what Pronman wrote about Artyom Levshunov, who came in at No. 8 overall on his list:
Levshunov was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and a big part of why Michigan State is a top team. He is extremely skilled and creative, both as a puckhandler and passer. He has the hands of a top offensive defenseman and looks very comfortable with the puck. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks with his skill. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn’t stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much, but he can make stops due to his athleticism and has physicality in his game. He is too aggressive at times and plays too much like a forward for some scouts’ liking. He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators’ concerns given how much offense he brings. He has the potential to be an impact NHL defenseman who scores at a premium level.
- There will be hockey next week, y’all! I shared a reminder of the Blackhawks prospects who are heading to the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase games in St. Louis and the schedule of the events this morning. This will be our first chance to see Levhsunov skating in a Blackhawks sweater!
- The St. Louis Blues announced veteran defenseman Torey Krug is going to be out the entire season.
- Finally, the Chicago Bears play a game that matters this weekend. It’s coming. The Caleb Williams Era is upon us! Let’s freakin’ go!