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Ben Pope

@benpopecst.bsky.social
3K followers 75 following 655 posts

Chicago Blackhawks beat reporter for the Sun-Times

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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 55m
Patrick Kane claims he's unsure what Tuesday night in Chicago will be like. "There’s probably going to be some excitement, [but] it’s just the unknown of what’s going to happen." Well, I have an idea what it'll be like: raucous. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Raucous reception awaits Patrick Kane in Blackhawks' home opener Tuesday, even if it's 'unknown' to him
Seeing Kane in the flesh — wearing a Hawks sweater again — will be euphoric for the 20,000-plus fans who will pack the United Center.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It wasn't the wrong decision for the Blackhawks to fully turn their roster over to youth last spring. They had to. But they are seriously missing the stabilizing defensive powers of Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev and Connor Murphy right now. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks missing stabilizing powers of Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev, Connor Murphy
The Hawks' team defense has been horrendous since those three stout veterans departed last spring. Although they weren't long-term solutions, they did help shelter the youngsters.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It's foolish to jump to conclusions after two games. But if you did, they'd be like this: the Blackhawks will never make the playoffs again, and perhaps the apocalypse is imminent. That's how atrocious these two games have been. Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks already facing adversity after blowout loss to Mammoth
After getting humiliated 6-0 in their second game of the season Thursday in Utah, the Hawks will need to have some hard conversations on their flight to Buffalo.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Roman Kantserov and Anton Frondell both speak English very well. But Hockey English? That has been a learning process. "You just listen and hear, so many times, one word... Now I know ‘hook and ladder’ and ‘rims’ and ‘regroups.’" New Blackhawks story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
How Blackhawks rookies Roman Kantserov, Anton Frondell help each other learn English hockey terms
The Russian and Swedish forwards speak English remarkably well, but Hockey English can be a different language altogether: "Now I know 'hook and ladder' and 'rims' and 'regroups.'"
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Blackhawks know they need to improve their transition defense. Today, they identified a few ways to do so. "They’re big on [defensemen] being decisive so the forwards can read off you." New story after practice in SLC: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks need to be more decisive, make better reads to improve transition defense
The Hawks hope to learn lessons from their messy loss in Las Vegas without overreacting to one game.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Blackhawks gave the Golden Knights very little difficulty in a 5-2 season-opening loss tonight. The good news was the Hawks improved each period. The bad news was they went from awful to bad to OK. Postgame story from Las Vegas: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks' defense shredded by Golden Knights in season-opening loss
The Hawks gave a stacked, motivated Knights team very little difficulty in a 5-2 defeat Tuesday.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It's been 17 months since I wrote, in April 2025, that the "fun part of the Blackhawks’ rebuild" was about to begin. That hasn’t really happened yet. Last season was interesting, but not exactly fun. Will that change this season? New column: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Will the fun part of Blackhawks' rebuild finally arrive this season?
The Hawks have spent many painful years accumulating a group of young NHL players they believe in. How they perform this season will go a long way toward determining if that belief is well-placed.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Blackhawks kept the same forward lines throughout camp — then Jeff Blashill changed them up today, right before the season opener. It's a bold move. New story analyzing every line and pairing (while I wait for my flight to Vegas to take off): chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Analyzing Blackhawks' surprising forward lines, defensive pairings to open season
Coach Jeff Blashill boldly switched up the lines Monday ahead of the opener Tuesday in Las Vegas, shifting Roman Kantserov to center on the first line and moving Oliver Moore up to his wing — among ot...
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
With the majority of the Blackhawks' valuable young players now in the NHL, their prospect pool looks a lot different — and overall less impressive. But there are still plenty of intriguing guys, led by Vaclav Nestrasil. New prospect rankings: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks prospect rankings: Vaclav Nestrasil climbs to top spot after many graduations
With the majority of the Hawks' valuable young players now in the NHL, their prospect pool looks a lot different — and overall less impressive. But there are still plenty of intriguing guys.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Roman Kantserov has fast-tracked his English fluency by watching movies (Transformers and Spider-Man), listening to music and stopping in coffee shops around New York. That's one part of his preparation for his first Blackhawks season. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
How Blackhawks rookie Roman Kantserov is preparing for the NHL: 'I can do this'
Kantserov is learning English quickly while training this summer in Connecticut, where Spencer Knight is helping him acclimate to America.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Patrick Kane understands the nostalgia of his Blackhawks return runs deep. But he doesn't plan to simply "ride off into the sunset" down Madison Street. He's determined to help the "on-the-rise" Hawks' new generation make the playoffs. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Patrick Kane determined to help Blackhawks' new generation make the playoffs
Kane admitted Friday that a Chicago return had "always been in the back of my mind," but nostalgia wasn't the sole factor behind his decision. The team's potential also influenced him.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Blackhawks fans have been through a lot of pain lately. They deserved some news to really get excited about. Signing Patrick Kane certainly qualifies. This isn't just finally adding a top-six winger — it's adding the one Hawks fans love the most. Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks reunite with Patrick Kane, signing him to two-year contract
Hawks fans deserved something to truly get excited about, and Kane's return Thursday certainly qualifies.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
In 1925, Northwestern briefly dreamed of building one of the largest stadiums in the nation, then did nothign of the sort. A century later, they've instead built possibly one of the nation’s best. A column from my visit to new Ryan Field today: chicago.suntimes.com/college-spor...
chicago.suntimes.com
New Ryan Field gives Northwestern a spectacular football venue 100 years in the making
A century after considering building one of the nation's biggest stadiums, the Wildcats have instead built possibly one of the nation's best.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Connor Bedard's days are currently filled with physiotherapy and shoulder workouts, hoping to get "back to 100% as quick as possible." But he was in a great mood this morning discussing his new contract and the Blackhawks' summer additions. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Connor Bedard 'very happy' with new contract, Blackhawks' summer additions
Bedard raved about Bowen Byram and Ian Cole — and the possibility of Patrick Kane — on Monday in his backyard in Vancouver, where he will spend the rest of the offseason rehabbing his shoulder.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Connor Bedard's agent, Don Meehan, spells out all the details of his Blackhawks contract negotiations and shoulder surgery. "We had a long discussion about term." "Really believes in his teammates." "You better be prepared after 3.5 months." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Connor Bedard's agent spells out Blackhawks contract negotiations, shoulder surgery decision
Veteran agent Don Meehan discusses why the two sides compromised on a five-year term, how they reacted to Leo Carlsson's offer sheet and what the outlook is for Bedard's shoulder after undergoing surg...
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
BREAKING: The Blackhawks and Connor Bedard have agreed to a contract extension. Five years, $15 million cap hit. Quick story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Connor Bedard signs new five-year contract with Blackhawks
One day after his 21st birthday, Bedard inked a deal Saturday that carries a $15 million salary-cap hit.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
The Bowen Byram and Mason West trades form a pattern. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson is willing to occasionally defy value models to bet big on a hunch. And he owns it: "[It] may be not for everyone, but it’s my inclination to get it done.” New column: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Why Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson will defy analytics to bet on a hunch
Davidson's bold Bowen Byram trade and 2025 trade-up for Mason West reveal a tendency Davidson isn't afraid to admit: "There is a lot of value just getting your guy."
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The Blackhawks’ planned step toward playoff contention next season has already hit a massive snag. How does Connor Bedard's shoulder surgery — which will sideline him until November — affect his situation? And how does it affect the Hawks? New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks dealt huge blow with Connor Bedard out until November following shoulder surgery
Bedard had surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday after injuring it last week. This is the opposite shoulder from the one he injured last December.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
The Blackhawks re-signed Drew Commesso today, knocking out their first of four RFA contracts. Commesso will compete with Arvid Soderblom for the NHL backup job in 2026-27 but could be slated to take it over in 2027-28. Quick new story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks re-sign prospect goalie Drew Commesso to two-year contract
Commesso's deal carries an $875,000 salary-cap hit and leaves Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro as the Hawks' remaining RFAs.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Vaclav Nestrasil continues to rise toward the top of the Blackhawks' prospect pool. This summer, he’s working on his shooting from distance and using his body to hold onto pucks along the boards. More on that and other Hawks prospect updates: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks prospect updates: Vaclav Nestrasil continues rise toward top of pool
Nestrasil earned plenty of praise at development camp this week. Sacha Boisvert's weight gain, Mason West's transition to full-time hockey and Adam Gajan's transition to pro hockey were also notable.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Connor Bedard suffered an apparent left shoulder injury skating today in Vancouver. No word yet on severity. It helps that training camp is still 2.5 months away, but a lot to be determined here. Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks' Connor Bedard suffers apparent left shoulder injury training in Vancouver
A video of the incident shows Bedard skating off in pain, similarly to how he did after injuring his right shoulder last December in St. Louis.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A gaping hole remains on the Blackhawks' first line next to Connor Bedard. Granted, none of Robertson/Knies/Thomas — the three initial ideas — have been traded. But there were other opportunities that Kyle Davidson passed on. So, what now? New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Why does gaping hole remain in Blackhawks' lineup next to Connor Bedard?
It looks like another summer will pass without general manager Kyle Davidson acquiring an established top-six winger. He's instead betting on internal candidates to ascend into those roles.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Kyle Davidson knew he would have to deliver a truckload of money to Bowen Byram, and he did exactly that today. New story analyzing the whopping Byram contract, which does look a little better considering what the Sharks did: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks sign Bowen Byram to whopping contract with $12.5 million cap hit
Byram is now slated to be the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL in 2027-28 when this extension kicks in, although realistically he won't hold that title by the time that season arrives.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The trail has gone Cole for the Blackhawks in free agency. Signings of Cole Smith and Ian Cole add physicality, depth and playoff experience to a young roster, albeit on overpriced contracts. Quick story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks add physicality, playoff experience with Cole Smith, Ian Cole signings
Smith profiles as a replacement for Ilya Mikheyev, who signed with the Lightning, whereas Cole likely completes the Hawks' defensive corps.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
There will be a lot of silly contracts handed out around the NHL tomorrow. I expect the Blackhawks to mostly avoid those — aside from Bowen Byram, at least. New story previewing free agency day: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks likely to avoid silly contracts — aside from Bowen Byram — in NHL free agency
The Hawks aren't expected to be too active when the free-agent market opens Wednesday, although the slim possibility of a Jason Robertson trade hasn't gone away.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The Blackhawks gave RFA qualifying offers to Bedard, Korchinski, Del Mastro and Commesso. No qualifying offers for Kuzmin and Mast, who become UFAs. Quick story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks give qualifying offers to four RFAs including Connor Bedard
Kevin Korchinski, Ethan Del Mastro and Drew Commesso also received qualifying offers before the Monday deadline, whereas AHL defenseman Dmitri Kuzmin and Ryan Mast unsurprisingly did not.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
New Blackhawks notebook after the draft: 🔹Kyle Davidson still active in trade market 🔹What's next for the Hawks? 🔹Brad Pitt chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks notes from NHL draft: Kyle Davidson still 'looking to make some stuff happen'
While Davidson scours the trade market, the Hawks are set to open development camp Monday with 19 prospects in attendance.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Xavier Villeneuve and Ryan Roobroeck are two worthwhile boom-or-bust swings atop the Blackhawks' 2026 draft class. New story analyzing all five picks with insights from scouting director Mike Doneghey: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Analyzing Blackhawks' five 2026 draft picks: Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Roobroeck are high-upside swings
The Hawks made Villeneuve, a small but dynamic defenseman, and Roobroeck, a large but inconsistent winger, the first two of their five picks Saturday.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Move aside, Artyom Levshunov vs. Ivan Demidov. There's another player comparison question that will loom over the Blackhawks for many years: Bowen Byram vs. Chase Reid. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Will Blackhawks regret trading for Bowen Byram instead of drafting Chase Reid?
The Hawks likely would've taken Reid on Friday had they kept the No. 4 pick Friday. Time will tell whether the young offensive defenseman, who ended up with the Kraken, reaches or exceeds Byram's leve...
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
The Blackhawks have traded Andre Burakovsky to the Senators for a 2027 6th-rounder. The fact Burakovsky held value today after not holding value last summer — despite an awful season in between — exemplifies the extreme sellers’ market right now. Quick story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks wisely offload Andre Burakovsky to Senators for draft pick
The fact Burakovsky held value Friday after not holding value last summer — despite an awful season in between — exemplifies the extreme sellers' market in the NHL right now.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The Blackhawks are excited about some prospects in the 2nd-round range, so I'd be semi-surprised if they packaged #34 and #37 to move up. That could mean they don't make a 1st-round pick tomorrow for the first time in Kyle Davidson's tenure. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks approach NHL draft without first-round pick as trade market keeps swirling
Hawks GM Kyle Davidson could trade some of his two 2026 second-round picks or three 2027 first-round picks to get back in the action Friday.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Bowen Byram believes he's ready to become a #1 defenseman: "I'm just scratching the surface of what I can do." The Blackhawks need him to be right about that. New story with all the takeaways from Byram and Kyle Davidson's pressers today: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Bowen Byram believes he can become a No. 1 defenseman, and the Blackhawks need him to be right
Byram, the biggest trade acquisition of Kyle Davidson's tenure, said Wednesday he has always wanted to be in Chicago — since growing up as a Hawks fan — and hopes to seize the opportunity that awaits.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Instead of drafting a defenseman who won't crack the NHL for 2-3 years — but would have higher upside — the Blackhawks boldly moved the #4 pick for Bowen Byram yesterday. Before we hear more from Byram and Davidson later today, my initial story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks swing blockbuster trade for Bowen Byram, pegging him as franchise defenseman
The Hawks dealt the fourth and 45th overall picks, plus Louis Crevier, to the Sabres on Tuesday for Byram.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Connor Bedard's contract is the Blackhawks' top offseason priority. But a big trade (or free agent) addition would certainly be welcomed. New story on what to expect from the Hawks as the NHL offseason enters its two busiest weeks: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks offseason preview: Connor Bedard's contract is top priority, but big addition would be welcomed
The Hawks have much do over the next two weeks during the peak of NHL summer activity, including the draft, free agency and trades.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Blackhawks notes from the NHL combine: 🔹Chase Reid's dinner 🔹Caleb Malhotra another possibility 🔹Connor Bedard name-drops chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks notes from NHL combine: Chase Reid's dinner, Caleb Malhotra's connection
Considering the Hawks haven't dined with any prospects in Buffalo the last two years, it's interesting they visited Reid's home outside Detroit to dine with him.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Ivar Stenberg looks like potentially the next Lucas Raymond, and that would be a fantastic fit in the Blackhawks' depth chart. But standing between the Hawks and Stenberg are the Sharks and Canucks, who both dined with him this week. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Could Blackhawks draft target Ivar Stenberg be the next Lucas Raymond?
Stenberg believes he's ready to jump into the NHL next season, and he looks like a great fit for the Hawks' depth chart. But first, the Swedish winger would have to slip past the Sharks and Canucks.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Kyle Davidson is scouring the NHL trade market thoroughly. A veteran defenseman is one specific target. He's also received "a lot of calls" from teams interested in acquiring the #4 pick. New story from Buffalo with a bunch of updates from the Blackhawks' GM: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
As Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson scours trade market, a veteran defenseman is one target
Davidson admitted Friday he's more eager than ever to make trades, but with the market focused on "hockey trades," he would probably have to give up young NHL players in return.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
The Blackhawks were resourceful to recoup a 3rd-round pick for Jack Pridham before his rights expired. But the problem remains: Lower-tier prospects don't see viable paths to the NHL in this crowded system. Convincing them to sign isn't easy. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks resourceful in trading prospect Jack Pridham's rights, but underlying problem remains
The Hawks will likely continue to struggle to convince lower-tier prospects to sign into their crowded system after losing both Pridham and Dominic James to the Lightning over the past year for that r...
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Dennis Hull, who skated 13 seasons for the Blackhawks including eight alongside brother Bobby Hull, died today at age 81. Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Dennis Hull, longtime Blackhawks forward and counterpart to brother Bobby, dies at 81
Hull recorded 640 points over 13 seasons with the Hawks from 1964 to 1977.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Next month, Cole Tuminaro will likely become the first Rockford native drafted in 20 years. It marks the next step in his underdog journey. "My goal is to inspire kids in the next generation from Rockford to aspire to make it all the way." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
NHL draft prospect Cole Tuminaro hoping to take next step in underdog journey
Tuminaro, a Rockford native and Chicago Steel product, has a good chance to get drafted in his second year eligible, which would be a nice reward for lots of hard work. He's one of four Illinois nativ...
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
It's possible no impact players hit the NHL trade market this summer. If that happens, the Blackhawks will be out of luck. But if any do move, Kyle Davidson needs to do everything in his power to ensure the Hawks are the team they move to. New column: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks need to be aggressive with trade offers if any stars hit market this summer
There's uncertainty about how busy this offseason will be around the NHL, but Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson must ensure no opportunities to acquire high-end players slip past him.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Could Ivar Stenberg fall to the Blackhawks’ #4 pick? If not, who among Caleb Malhotra, Chase Reid, Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff and Alberts Smits would be the best fit? New story analyzing the Hawks’ draft options: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Analyzing Blackhawks' draft options: Could Ivar Stenberg fall to No. 4 pick?
If Stenberg doesn't drop into the Hawks' grateful laps, then Caleb Malhotra, Chase Reid or Carson Carels might be the selection.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The worst-case scenario, albeit also the most likely one, unfolded for the Blackhawks tonight as they fell to the 4th pick in the NHL draft lottery. Kyle Davidson said there are 5 or 6 players in the mix, and he is willing to consider trading the pick. Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks fall to No. 4 pick in NHL Draft Lottery as Maple Leafs, Sharks jump over them
The Hawks’ poor fortune Tuesday means they’ll likely miss out on top forward prospects Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg at the draft June 26, although they’ll still have plenty of other options.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
For the Blackhawks to make the playoffs next year, they'd likely need to make a 20+ point improvement. That didn't stop Hawks players from setting that expectation, though: "All our guys are ready to make that push." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks players set playoffs as 2027 goal, but Kyle Davidson knows that'll require enormous leap
The Hawks would likely need to improve by 20-plus points next season to squeak into the postseason, although optimism is valuable in itself.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Connor Bedard said today he feels ready for the Blackhawks' captaincy, and his teammates agree. "He’s the perfect guy for it. He cares about his teammates and checks in on everybody all the time. He’s our guy... I think he’s more than ready." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Connor Bedard feels ready for Blackhawks' captaincy, and his teammates agree: 'He's our guy'
It would be surprising if Bedard, new contract in hand, took the ice next season without a "C" adorning his chest.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Blackhawks owner Danny Wirtz announced a contract extension for GM Kyle Davidson today. "We believe has the right insight, right team around him and the belief he can continue to build a championship team." Story with more from Wirtz: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks owner Danny Wirtz announces contract extension for GM Kyle Davidson
It's a multiyear extension for Davidson, who "has done everything we've expected of him," Wirtz said.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The Blackhawks discovered an extra reserve energy tank in the third period tonight, racing away for a 5-2 win over the Sharks in their season finale. "We wanted to finish on a good note, even though the last couple weeks have been hard." Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks end season with feel-good comeback win over Sharks
Five unanswered goals and some heroic plays by Louis Crevier lifted the Hawks to a 5-2 victory Wednesday in Game 82.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Tyler Bertuzzi was a bright spot among Blackhawks veterans this season, because of not only his career-high 32 goals but also his emotional investment in every game. "Being more consistent is the big thing, and that’s what I was this year." New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Tyler Bertuzzi's consistent scoring, battling made him bright spot among Blackhawks veterans
Bertuzzi's emotional investment in every game stood out almost as much as his career-high 32 goals.
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
While injured, Oliver Moore shifted gears to studying the NHL. He talked to people and analyzed how hockey is played at this level. This summer, he plans to watch lots of film and continue learning how to "think the game." New Blackhawks story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks' Oliver Moore will continue studying NHL, sharpening brain over the summer
While missing the last five weeks of the season recovering from injury, Moore reflected on and talked to people about exactly how hockey is played at this level. He plans to watch lots of film this of...
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Ben Pope @benpopecst.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
If it wasn’t game #81 of a going-nowhere season, the Blackhawks’ performance tonight in a 5-1 loss to the Sabres would justify a genuine reckoning about the fitness of their roster and coaching staff. Instead, it will be forgotten soon. But it was that bad: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
chicago.suntimes.com
Blackhawks' effort levels crash to zero in blowout loss to Sabres
If it wasn't the 81st game of a going-nowhere season, the Hawks' performance Monday would justify a genuine reckoning about the fitness of their roster and coaching staff. Considering it was, it inste...
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