Blackhawks News & Rumors: Draft Development, Bedard, Kane & More – Hockey Writers –
While the hockey world is focused on the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, the Chicago Blackhawks are on the down low. That is at least until the end of June and the 2024 NHL draft, where they hold the No. 1 overall pick. 2. But there is always news in the world of hockey, even in the off-season. Let's touch on some of the latest news coming out of Chicago.
Davidson in a Draft Pick Swap
Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune recently spoke with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson about a number of things, the upcoming draft being one of them. The Blackhawks and New York Islanders announced the draft trade a month before the draft, on May 24. This included the Blackhawks giving up a second-round pick (61).St) to the Islanders, but they were up from 20th A complete selection of 18thand from 54th choose from 50th.
Usually this type of trade doesn't happen until draft day, so it created some buzz when it was announced. What could be the cause of this? Do the Blackhawks have someone in mind that they feel will not be available at 20th choose? Is another big trade package possible? Davidson admitted that he found it amusing to hear all the speculation. But it doesn't sound like anything too secretive is going on. Davidson said,
For us it was just our internal knowledge that it was a value development, so we did it. You're right, a second(-rounder), no matter how late you pick it, doesn't matter. That said, we have a lot to choose from. … We just felt that the selection we're getting has a better value package than what we've been sending.
(from 'What's the real reason for a draft trade? 4 things we learned from Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson', The Chicago Tribune – 6/1/24)
It really was a matter of quality and quantity. For this organization, it made sense to give up a pick to move up two spots in the first round and four in the second round. But the GM admitted he didn't have a specific player in mind for either division.
It was just strong, in our opinion, we could improve our chances of getting legitimate NHL players at 18 and 50 rather than (at) 20, 54 and 61.
You never know how the drafts will go. Whether you're three minutes away from someone choosing or we're 30 days from someone choosing, I don't know who's going to choose. I don't know how it will fall. … I'd be lying if I said I knew what it was going to be like there at 18 versus 20.
While it's great to think Davidson has something up his sleeve, it feels like this was just the smart and logical thing to do. Now we are waiting to see who these players will be.
Could Patrick Kane return to the Blackhawks?
While we're on the subject of conspiracy theories, a report came out of The Athletic that the Blackhawks may be considering re-signing franchise star Patrick Kane. Brooke wrote about this last week, but I wanted to give my two cents about this very interesting report.
There has been a question about Kane's return made by several readers, leading one to believe that this is just wishful thinking by the fans. But senior staff writer Scott Powers didn't dismiss the idea. In fact, he thinks the Blackhawks will do their best to land Kane. (from 'Any chance Patrick Kane returns to Blackhawks? Mailbag, Part 2', The AthleticCHI – 5/23/24)
Powers added that he thinks Kane would approve of the idea, as he is comfortable both on and off the ice in Chicago. In addition, he would really like to try to beat Stan Mikita's scoring record (he will need 243 more points).
The real sticking point seems to be whether the Blackhawks brass and Kane can agree on a timetable for Kane's retirement. How long do you want to play? Will it be one or two more seasons? The Blackhawks certainly don't want to fire Kane, or be stuck in a waiting game (like they were in the 2022-23 season) for Kane to make a decision. As Powers said, they will want it to be a “harmonious and appropriate schedule for her last dance.”
Also, there is concern that the younger players will give up on Kane too much, or that he will be replacing someone ready to step into an NHL role.
Related – Latest Blackhawks Signings Misiak & Sanford Could Impact 2024-25
I personally think there are too many variables at play here to make this happen. If anything, Kane will leave the Blackhawks on a one-day contract when he retires. But it's interesting to hear that a strong merger may be a possibility. Strange things have happened. We will have to wait and see.
Kendall Coyne Schofield is a champion!
There is big news coming out of the world of women's hockey, and Blackhawks Development Coach Kendall Coyne Schofield is leading the way. Schofield is also the captain of the PWHL Minnesota, one of the six teams that make up the Professional Women's Hockey League in August of 2023.
This new women's hockey league enjoyed a successful first season, culminating in Schofield and Team Minnesota lifting the Walter Cup for the first time.
Kendall Coyne Schofield is the first player to ever lift the Walter Cup. He was a key pillar in the foundation of the league and fought hard to make it happen. What a great full circle moment. pic.twitter.com/5OTwVWvCg2
— Bridgette Proulx (@bridgetteproulx) May 30, 2024
THW partner, Mariah Stark (Holland), covered this first PWHL season. In his words, he explains the importance of this newly developed women's hockey unit.
One of the reasons why this league was created is to provide a future for women in hockey. After college, if they didn't make the Olympic or national team, there was usually little they could do, at least in North America. However, now those players have a place to play, and little girls have a chance to chase the dream.
Personally, I've been a fan of Coyne-Schofield ever since I saw him play at a charity event near home in August 2017. I've followed the Palos Heights native on his journey as a member of Team USA, becoming the Blackhawks' development coach, having a baby, and now captaining the PWHL Minnesota .
This will show you that good things happen to people who work hard and follow their dreams!
Bedard's Experience on Earth
A fitting scene for the new face of the Blackhawks franchise, Connor Bedard. Interestingly, after starting the 2024 IIHF World Championships with an impressive five goals in the first three games (representing Team Canada), the 18-year-old slowly eased up as the tournament progressed.
Worlds is, after all, a men's tournament, and there was a level of intensity and physicality very similar to the NHL playoffs. This is something Bedard has never seen before.
He handled it admirably, not shying away from contact, but his offensive skills almost waned in this area. He also collected many penalties, leading head coach André Tourigny to go with more experienced players. Bedard found himself working as 13th forward.
However, the player from North Vancouver, British Columbia was able to help a few people in the final round, and he was the only player to score in the final against striker Leonardo Genoni of Team Switzerland. It's safe to say that Bedard has learned from the experience. Coach Tourigny said after the team played against Finland,
It was a good learning experience, I will say, for him (Bedard). He didn't have much time and space. They were at the top. It's a really close group. There is no seam play. It's definitely 'getting in and going to the net and getting the rebound and being physical and being physical' against those types of teams. It's like NHL playoff hockey, so that's a different game.
(from 'How Connor Bedard handled his world debut: Bright highlights, tough hockey and tough questions', The AthleticCHI – 5/27/24)
While some may be disappointed with Bedard's performance at Worlds, he still finished fourth on the team in scoring, with eight points in 10 games. This was happening while averaging less than 13 minutes of ice time. Not bad for the youngest players in the tournament, who are meeting them for the first time.
It will definitely give the young person the knowledge to move forward. This, of course, will help the Blackhawks.
Related – Blackhawks Offseason Looks Like Major Changes for 2024-24
Long wait until September and Blackhawks training camp. But the draft and free agency will be interesting, and give us a better idea of what the 2024-25 schedule will look like. While we wait, we'll keep you updated on all the latest news and rumours. Keep it up here at the Hockey Writers, and we hope you're enjoying your summer!
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