Morning Chirps: Spencer Knight Mania, Central Division News & Rumors

The Chicago Blackhawks have a positive buzz for the first time in a long time. A recent injection of youth has the fan base excited for what’s to come. They are taking the day off today as they prepare to host the Ottawa Senators tomorrow night. We are another day closer to the NHL trade deadline, so let those rumors fly!

Blackhawks Chirps

• Goaltender Spencer Knight stole the show Monday night by making 41 saves in a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. If you missed it last night, here is the full recap directly from the United Center.
• I was on the CHGO Blackhawks Postgame Show and broke down the game with Jay Zawaski.

• Our friend George Richards at Florida Hockey Now took part in Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice’s Monday morning press conference. There is a lot of good stuff about Seth Jones, but if you skip ahead to 5:30, Maurice has some really good insight on Knight.

• In case you missed it, there were some injury updates from interim head coach Anders Sorensen after Monday’s morning skate. Philipp Kurashev was placed on injured reserve with a hand injury, but Sorensen was hopeful he’ll be ready for the upcoming road trip, which begins on Saturday. Captain Nick Foligno is still considered day-to-day with a back injury. Jason Dickinson skated on his own Monday morning. Sorensen said he will still “need some time” skating before he can return.
• Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus updated their Blackhawks Trade Board over at The Athletic. We’re keeping our Blackhawks Trade Deadline Hub updated, so keep checking back for the latest rumors and news.
• Speaking of the trade deadline, I’ll be doing another Blackhawks Q&A before Friday, so if you have any questions, throw them in the comments.

NHL Chirps

• Former Blackhawks defenseman Olli Maatta is staying put in Salt Lake City. On Monday, the 30-year-old signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension with the Utah Hockey Club. Various reports have Utah closing in on a new contract for goaltender Karel Vejmelka.
• Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff reported that the Dallas Stars offered forward Wyatt Johnson an eight-year contract extension worth between $8 million and $8.5 million per year.
• You should already be listening to the 32 Thoughts podcast every week, but make sure you check out Monday’s episode. Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas go through the entire league and give you an idea of what each team wants to accomplish before Friday’s trade deadline.
• Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland met the media on Monday, and the news didn’t sound great for captain Gabriel Landeskog. Aarif Deen covered the presser for Colorado Hockey Now and has all the details.
• It’s no secret that the Detroit Red Wings are looking for some defensive help. Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now ponders some possible targets for the blue line.
• The New Jersey Devils lost star center Jack Hughes to injury over the weekend. While there is still no timeline for his return, James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now lists four possible trade targets to fill the void.