Blackhawks Daily: Showdown in Minnesota, Swayman Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks will play a new opponent tonight as the second half of the preseason begins in Minnesota. While the first half of the preseason was all about the young players, now things start to change.

The Hawks are dressing a more veteran heavy lineup on the road tonight. With that in mind, start to look for a more NHL ready roster competing. How will Luke Richardson‘s system translate with a more experienced lineup this year? Tonight could be a better measuring stick for the year to come.

For Blackhawks fans who may not focus on stories from the NHL, the Boston Bruins have been in an interesting position the last few days.

Boston is in the midst of a tough contract negotiation with restricted free agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Swayman has missed out on the first two weeks of training camp, Bruins president Cam Neely aired his frustrations on the contract negotiations yesterday.

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— Marina Maher (@marinakmaher) September 30, 2024

Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, responded later in the day with a statement released on social media.

“I feel the need to defend my client,” Gross wrote in a statement posted to social media on Monday evening. “At today’s press conference, $64 million was referenced. This was the first time that number was discussed in our negotiations. Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level.”

Blackhawks Stories You May Have Missed

• AJ Spellacy may not be going pro this season, but the Blackhawks 2024 NHL Draft Pick is certainly having a good showing at the Chicago Blackhawks training camp.
• Tonight, the Blackhawks have a lot of veterans expected to play in Minnesota. With just a few games left in the preseason, watch for tonight’s game to feature less sloppy play across the ice.
• If you missed the first three games of the preseason, here is what you missed:
  • Blackhawks fall 4-2 to Red Wings, lose special teams battle
  • Blackhawks shut out by Red Wings 2-0
  • Blackhawks give up three unanswered – lose 3-2 in OT to Blues

From Around The Hockey Now Network

Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens are entering the 2024-25 NHL Season looking to compete. With additions potentially on the horizon, where will they fit in the waiver wire order?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Detroit Red Wings swept the Blackhawks in the two game showdown the teams had in the preseason. Against the Buffalo Sabres last night, the Wings looked more human – eventually losing in OT.

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins are in the midst of contract negotiations with star goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The Bruins and Swayman’s camp have had a rough past 24 hours, with conversations with media stirring the pot as Bruins President expressed his frustrations of the Bruins’ goaltender not being signed.