One of the bright spots for the Chicago Blackhawks' future is the defensemen they have in the NHL and in the system. There have been strong high draft picks as well as prospects that have outperformed expectations through their development so far.

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I don’t know, from what it feels like, it should be high,” Nazar said with a smile. And Nazar would be correct. Outside of Ryan Donato, a one-man shooting machine, Nazar is second among the Blackhawks over the last 18 games with 7.

What happens with Lukas Reichel will be interesting to watch, plus why Chris O'Hearn was hired as vice president of hockey operations.

The Bolts have dominated its series with the Blackhawks since 2017, and our expert NHL predictions expect Tampa Bay's dominance to continue tonight at Chicago.

Chicago Blackhawks practice was a few skaters light at Fifth Third Arena on Wednesday. Teuvo Teräväinen and Alec Martinez took maintenance days, and Jason Dickinson was listed out with an “illness” — not what you’d expect after he grabbed his right arm in pain after getting hit with a shot during Monday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

As the floundering Blackhawks continue to struggle, they could be close to trading a particular former Connor Bedard linemate.

Spellacy, 18, was drafted 72nd overall in the third round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The Blackhawks have four players from their 2024 class playing in the OHL — Marek Vanacker (27th overall), A.J. Spellacy (72nd), Jack Pridham (92nd), and Ty Henry (163rd overall).

Tickets for Sunday’s Hockey Fights Cancer game are available through Ticketmaster, and the first 10,000 fans to enter the United Center will receive a purple knit hat, courtesy of CIBC. Atrium doors will open at 3:30 p.m., with gates to the United Center to follow at 4:30 p.m.

The Tampa Bay Lightning do not have the results to show for the effort halfway through their four-game road trip, but coach Jon Cooper and his group like the on-ice showing.

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