Blackhawks Daily: Bedard Takes Calder; 2024 NHL Draft Prep

On Thursday night, the NHL Awards took place in Las Vegas. A lot of the league’s best players were in attendance for different reasons and that includes Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. 

Bedard was nominated alongside Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils and Brock Faber of the Minnesota Wild for the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. Of course, with no disrespect to any of the other great rookies, Bedard won it in a landslide. 

Not long after the awards were over, we got word that Jusse Saros and the Nashville Predators agreed to an eight-year contract worth $7.5 million AAV. This takes a big name off the trade market ahead of the draft. 

Speaking of trades, the Calgary Flames took a 2025 second-round pick from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane who is a very nice middle-six forward. 

The 2024 NHL Draft will begin on Friday night so those moves are only the start of the trade chatter. The Chicago Blackhawks will make the second overall pick which is where the real intrigue of the draft begins. 

Chicago Blackhawks

Sure, the next rounds aren’t until tomorrow. But a look at who the Blackhawks could take with those picks.

Kyle Davidson and the Chicago Blackhawks must optimize their build around Connor Bedard.

Jeremy Roenick finally made it to the Hall of Fame. However, it is ridiculous that Steve Larmer is still not in. 

The Chicago Blackhawks made one trade. But could there be more coming down on Draft Day?

2024 NHL Draft News and Trade Rumors

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins could be chasing Martin Necas following the trade of Linus Ullmark.

Detroit Hockey Now: Steven Stamkos rumors swirl for the Detroit Red Wings. But they’re going to need to clear the decks a bit in order to meet what he wants

San Jose Hockey Now:  The San Jose Sharks moved up to the 11th overall pick in tonight’s draft. Who are some potential choices there?