The Daily: Blackhawks Bring Bedard to Chicago

To be fair, it wasn’t just Connor Bedard who came to the city with the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. The other draft picks were there as well. But the city was abuzz because of the headerliner–which is only fair:

All of us welcoming Bedard and company to Chicagopic.twitter.com/4SGJrtHyC9

— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) June 30, 2023

The Blackhawks development camp will be completely off the ice so yesterday gave the public its first real look at the draft picks along with Bedard.

Babcock Hired in Columbus

Mike Babcock has been named the ninth coach in Columbus Blue Jackets history, and it’s generating some consternation in some corners.

Babcock was fired from his post in Toronto after reports of how he treated Mitch Marner and then news came out about former Red Wings forward Johan Franzen was a frequent target of Babcock’s in Detroit.

Columbus is adding more pieces with younger players being a part of the core. It will sure be interesting to see if Babcock has learned from what occurred, or if it history repeats itself.

For Columbus to take what could be considered a risky move, one would have to believe they’ve done their due diligence.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Wrapping up the final rounds of the Blackhawks draft: Nick Lardis could be very, very good
• Blackhawks fans don’t worry – the Corey Perry thing will be okay
• A free agency primer for the Blackhawks–don’t expect much more

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The latest UFA and trade chatter with Boston Bruins

Buffalo: Jost becomes a free agent while the Buffalo Sabres qualify two others

Detroit: The Detroit Red Wings are seeking belligerence on the free agent market

Montreal: Ryan O’Reilly has been linked to the Montreal Canadiens

New Jersey: Timo Meier took less money with the New Jersey Devils because he wants to win

Philadelphia: Former Philadelphia Flyer Nolan Patrick was not offered a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights

Pittsburgh: A free agency primer for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Washington: Andrew Cristall, Ryan Leonard both invites to development camp for the Washington Capitals