Since we’ve got three days between games this week, there’s time for the Blackhawks to take Tuesday off and then have a practice with very few guys on the ice Wednesday. Why so few? Alec Martinez and Teuvo Teräväinen were out for maintenance. Jason Dickinson, who left the game on Monday night in a lot of pain, is sick. Interim head coach Anders Sorensen said his arm/elbow are okay and he was just sick on Wednesday.
Pat Maroon, on the other hand, is still being evaluated. He missed the game Monday with a back issue. So we’ll see if that opens the door for Philipp Kurashev to get another start. He was good against Carolina and Sorensen said he was glad Kurashev took advantage of the opportunity — but reminded us it’s just one game. He needs to do it again.
- This past summer, Tyler Bertuzzi received the longest contract (four years) handed out by general manager Kyle Davidson to an external free agent since he assumed that role. There were some folks who scratched their heads at the move, while others liked the potential fit. Then Bertuzzi scored only five goals in 23 games over October and November and the comments section turned on him (ignoring that he had plenty of shots that hit a post or crossbar). The opportunities he was getting but not converting early in the season did eventually turn into goals, and he has found the back of the net now 12 times since the start of December (seven in 12 games since Christmas).
- Bertuzzi has scored 21 goals in a season three times previously, and registered his career-high of 30 with Detroit during the 2021-22 season. With 17 goals thus far, he could push that personal best mark this season with the Blackhawks. Good story here from Mark Lazerus at The Athletic about Bertuzzi performing well from his office.
Kneeling, wheeling and dealing: On Tyler Bertuzzi's signature move and unique skillset: www.nytimes.com/athletic/607…
— Mark Lazerus (@marklazerus.bsky.social) January 22, 2025 at 7:38 AM
[image or embed]
- Really good insight here from Petr Mrázek on what’s been working for him since he arrived in Chicago and how goalie coach Jimmy Waite has helped him.
- The Spittin’ Chiclets guys talked about Seth Jones trade rumors.
- Hey, I dropped an updated mock draft earlier this morning. And it’s two full rounds this time! Which means four picks for the Blackhawks to argue about.
- How about some IceHogs content in your life on a Thursday morning? I know that’s what I needed, too. Landon Slaggert scored this pretty goal from the doorstep last night and you might notice a certain No. 89 with the primary assist. Yes, Andreas Athanasiou returned to the IceHogs’ lineup last night. Unfortunately, Rockford lost 5-4 in overtime to Milwaukee.
Landon Slaggert w a gorgeous 🚨 for @goicehogs #Blackhawks could use a few of those… hopefully soon
pic.twitter.com/3TPv0cR4tU— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) January 23, 2025
- Ben Pope made the road trip to Rockford earlier this week to chat with a few of the IceHogs. Good story here on Samuel Savoie, who might be ready to see some NHL ice time later this season.
- In the OHL last night, Brantford beat Niagara 6-2. Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis — my top forward in the pipeline — scored his league-leading 38th goal and added two assists in the win. He’s now up to 69 points in 42 games, which is nice.
WHO ELSE BUT NICK LARDIS?!3⃣8⃣@NHLBlackhawks prospect Nick Lardis now leads the @CHLHockey in goals, scoring his 38th of the season to open the scoring for @BulldogsOHL!🤯🐶#OHL | @CHLHockey | #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/aA4e3MHHXE— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 23, 2025
- Not exactly the health update Blackhawks fans wanted to see with the Wild coming to the United Center on Sunday, but it appears Minnesota is getting healthy. Neat. Terrific.
- There was a trade on Wednesday! The Anaheim Ducks acquired forward Justin Bailey from San Jose for forward Pavol Regenda. I won’t be mad if you don’t care, but it happened.
- It’s been quiet on the Jonathan Toews front since his GQ interview right before the Winter Classic dropped the possible comeback bomb. But we got a report on Wednesday that Toews’ hometown Winnipeg Jets want to be considered if/when Toews does decide there’s more NHL hockey left for him. If it’s during this season, that would be great for the Jets; they’re playing really well and have a few big free agent decisions coming up that could change things. If it’s over the summer for next season, that would give Toews more time to make sure he’s ready for the grind. Either way, Winnipeg wanting to be in the mix tells me there’s more smoke to this comeback plan. Pierre LeBrun talked about it on TSN last night.
MORE FROM BLEACHER NATION: Check Out BN Fantasy | Subscribe to The BN Newsletter
- You know how to start an important offseason? Winning a press conference. And new Bears head coach Ben Johnson crushed his first visit with the Chicago media on Wednesday.
- The Cubs signed another catcher. Can’t have too many of those, eh?