The big news in the NHL on Monday had nothing to do with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sidney Crosby signed a two-year extension as an appropriate $8.7 million cap hit to remain with the Penguins for what we assume is the rest of his career. What this means is we’ll see Crosby vs. Connor Bedard (hopefully) six more times.
- This is pretty significant pre-draft news for those of us who look ahead to those things. Darren Dreger initially reported on Tuesday morning that there will be an all-star game of sorts between the CHL and the USTDP in late-November. Dreger subsequently tweeted that “The NHL will make player recommendations for this series based on it being a Draft eligible showcase.”
- On Monday, the Blackhawks announced the return of “Try Hockey For Free” weekend. This year it will be Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 at more than 25 local rinks across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. You can find the rink most local to you and register here.
- As an FYI, on Tuesday morning the Blackhawks (and Bulls and United Center) announced they are going to be free of… water bottles for the next few years. They collectively announced a multi-year partnership with Culligan. Here’s the details from the press release:
“Culligan aluminum water bottles will be sold at all concession points, complemented by newly installed, premium water fountains, refilling stations and multi-functional faucets throughout the United Center, effectively eliminating single-use plastic water bottles and encouraging greater sustainability practices.”
- Hey, we got a new brand video to kick off the new year from the Blackhawks!
- Earlier this morning I shared literally everything you need to know about training camp: dates, numbers of players (including prospects), the whole deal.
- Hey, the IceHogs are having a big ol’ preseason sale this weekend. Get yourself some prospect gear.
- Lucas Raymond finally got a deal done with the Red Wings.
- Utah inked a whole bunch of players to PTOs on Monday. Included are Blackhawks legend Dylan Wells and IceHogs great Hunter Drew. I know most of you were wondering where either/both of them was going to play this season…
- Finally, since we’re all still trying to get over the Bears’ loss… let’s celebrate a win at Wrigley last night.