It is Sunday, Sept. 8 and that means we are three days away from the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects hitting the ice at Fifth Third Arena to get ready for next weekend’s Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. However, that also means it’s time to Bear Down because the Caleb Williams Era begins today! The Blackhawks shared some mascot love yesterday and Chicago native and suddenly face of the team’s local engagement Alex Vlasic wished the Bears good luck in his Walter Payton jersey.
- Late Friday night, Connor Bedard decided to jump on IG Live and talk sports. It was a fun, real look at Bedard as what you might expect a 19-year-old to look/sound like. He threw around some football thoughts (laughed when someone said Dak Prescott was going to be NFL MVP this year) and then jumped all the way in on the Caleb Williams bandwagon. From one other young (Blackhawks) No. 1 pick to another (Bears), in a Bulls hat. And he looooooves Chicago! Let’s go!
- One of the prospects who will be on the ice Wednesday is Landon Slaggert. His last free weekend before going back to work was spent watching Northern Illinois stun his Fighting Irish in South Bend.
- “Hey, Tab, are they playing games in Russia?” I’m glad you asked! Yes, they are, and Blackhawks prospect Ilya Safonov scored a couple times in the shootout last night.
- On Saturday, David Pagnotta at The Fourth Period reported the Anaheim Ducks are “expected to explore trades involving some of the veteran players, such as goalie John Gibson, forward Frank Vatrano and star defenceman Cam Fowler.” Fowler, 32, has two seasons remaining on a deal with a $6.5M cap hit. Gibson, 31, has three years remaining on a deal with a $6.4M cap hit. The Ducks have reportedly been looking to move Gibson for more than a year. We’ll see if they’re able to make anything happen with some of their older players.
- Pagnotta also reported the Oilers and Sabres are talking to former Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano about the coming season.
- Finally, make sure you’re following our crew on all things Caleb Williams, Bears and NFL this season.