Jim’s Daily: Blackhawks at the end of October; NHL Valuations

The Chicago Blackhawks did not end the month of October on a good note, losing 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks. With the loss, the Chicago Blackhawks end the month of October in a familiar position, at the bottom of the standings.

Things were supposed to be different, while we are only 11 games in, the Blackhawks now find themselves back in last place, potentially competing once again for a top draft pick. Despite all the additions this offseason the Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks are learning just how hard it can be to compete.

Blackhawks end October in a familiar spot:

With the first month in the books, later today I will do a deep dive on the first calendar month of Blackhawks hockey. Before we get too critical I do want to mention one improvement the Blackhawks are 3-7-1 on the season, but six of the team’s losses have been at least within one goal entering the third period. The Hawks entered the third either tied or down just a goal six times in those seven loses, and the other two games, the Hawks pushed in the third to trail by just one goal (Dallas on Oct. 26.)

The Hawks might not be getting the bounces to translate in the win column, but this is a better 3-7-1 team then the record shows.

NHL Valuations: Sportico recently released their 2024 NHL Franchise Valuations. Despite the Hawks on ice struggles, the team remains one of the top six franchises in the league with the sixth highest valuation of $2.45 billion. The Hawks fell two spots in the ranking from last year.

The top features the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings.

Around the National Hockey Now Network:

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Here are some scary Halloween stats on the Philadelphia Flyers to get into the spooky season.

Florida Hockey Now: The special warmup jerseys worn by the Florida Panthers as a tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau on Oct. 15 in Columbus are now available through an online auction for charity.