I’m incredibly thankful that the Blackhawks didn’t have a game yesterday because the news about the NHL/NHLPA agreement on salary cap figures for the next three seasons sent legit shockwaves through the hockey landscape. Just absolutely bananas to consider the floor will be higher than the ceiling within a four-year window.
As the memo circulated, some additional details came to light — as well as some concerns. First, Frank Seravalli reported the two sides agreed four percent escrow number for the 2025-26 season. Then this note from Seravalli about how the increase will impact teams specifically in Canada:
I don’t think that’s a concern exclusive to Canada. There are teams in the US that have worked on an internal budget and not been ceiling teams. That won’t change. But if the floor starts to approach or exceed comfortable numbers for the actual money being made in some markets? Especially in a world where regional sports networks aren’t as popular and/or profitable as they were in the past (hello, CHSN)? If you were upset about a brand logo on the Blackhawks’ right shoulders at home… Get ready for some NHL teams to go full “SpaceBalls: the Lunchbox!” at this point to keep up with the demands of the CBA.
- With that being said, as I noted yesterday, a three-year agreement on the structure of the ceiling/floor appears to be a good sign as the NHL and NHLPA get together in February to start breaking bread and talking about the next CBA. The current deal expires after next season.
- Not the most inspiring poll results here about viewing Blackhawks games (yes, I’m intentionally following the comment from Danny Wirtz with this because… yeah). A little more than two-thirds of the more than 1,500 people who answered this question say they have watched few/no Blackhawks games this season. Sadly, these numbers aren’t a shock because CHSN has been such a complete disaster for the team(s) and fans. I know there are still a couple months left in this NHL season, but we can only hope they get either a plan or hire some people who can come up with a plan to make games more accessible to fans before next year because the Blackhawks are going to need this revenue to compete with the cap going up.
- Some good thoughts from the guys at The Athletic about how the skyrocketing salary cap might impact Connor Bedard‘s next contract.
- Connor Murphy returns from IR today in Florida. He’ll reportedly start the game on the third pair with TJ Brodie. Which means Nolan Allan and Ethan Del Mastro will hang out in the press box together (unless one of them is sent back to Rockford before the game). Yesterday I wrote about what I would do on the blue line with Murphy back. We’ll see how this situation evolves in the coming days. The Blackhawks are off until Wednesday night after playing a noon start against the Panthers today.
- Here are all of the jersey numbers for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Teuvo Teräväinen will be in his customary 86 for Finland.
- ICYMI JT Miller got traded to the Rangers last night in a deal involving five players and a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
- Brandon Saad is headed to Vegas. The Blackhawks visit the Golden Knights at the end of February.
- Before we get into the highlights, a reminder that the Blackhawks have five (5) prospects named nominees for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Make sure you’re voting daily!
Hey how about some Blackhawks prospect highlights?
- It’s been a minute since we had a Taige Harding highlight in here, so we’ll lead it off with him this weekend. Nice camera angles on this beautiful pass to set up a goal for Providence last night.
Rally nice primary assist here from #Blackhawks prospect Taige Harding for @FriarsHockey
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) February 1, 2025
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- Ryan Greene had the primary assist on both of Boston University’s first two goals last night. He also won 5 of 9 faceoffs.
- Sacha Boisvert had the only assist on the first goal of the night for North Dakota.
- In the OHL, Nick Lardis stayed on fire. He scored his 43rd goal of the season in the middle of the second period for Brantford last night. He also had an assist on the Bulldogs’ first goal of the night and scored his 44th of the season into an empty net inside the final 20 seconds of regulation to cap a three-point night. He now has 44 goals and 76 points in 46 games this season!
43rd 🚨 of the season for #Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis for @BulldogsOHL
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) February 1, 2025
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- Jack Pridham had an assist and the game-winning shootout goal for Kitchener.
- Alex Pharand scored a goal for Sudbury last night, his 16th of the season. He’s already established a new career-high in points and is two goals shy of tying his best junior season.
Friday night 🚨 from #Blackhawks prospect Alex Pharand for @Sudbury_Wolves
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) February 1, 2025
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- How about an Artyom Levshunov goal for Rockford last night?
Friday night 🚨 from Artyom Levshunov for @goicehogs #Blackhawks
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) February 1, 2025
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- The Cubs made a trade on Friday.
- Should the Bears sign one of their young corners to an extension this spring?
- The Chicago Sky will play a preseason game at LSU.