Morning Chirps: Minnesota Upset, Marner Offered in Trade, Toews Interviewed

The Chicago Blackhawks take their five-game point streak into Denver tonight to take on the new-look Colorado Avalanche, and they might have another piece of the future in the lineup. We’ll have a full game preview for you after morning skate concludes, so be on the lookout for that. Let’s get to chirping!

Blackhawks Chirps

• The youth movement grew even larger on Sunday when the Blackhawks recalled top defensive prospect Artyom Levshunov.
• The Athletic’s Scott Powers explained why the Blackhawks feel Levshunov is ready for his NHL debut.
• Mark Lazerus of The Athletic caught up with Jonathan Toews, and they talked about his world travels, how his time in Chicago ended, and what’s next. This is worth the read!
• Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel recorded assists on Minnesota’s lone goal on Sunday. Notre Dame won 4-1 to upset the No. 3 Gophers in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament. Minnesota will still make the NCAA tournament, so Moore and Rinzel aren’t going anywhere for the time being.

• Jack Pridham scored his 25^th goal of the season last night, helping the Kitchener Rangers beat the Guelph Storm 4-3.

• On this date in 2018, Joel Quenneville passed Al Arbour on the NHL’s all-time games-coached list, as his 1,608^th contest behind the bench. Unfortunately, the Boston Bruins spoiled the occasion by beating the Blackhawks 7-4.

NHL Chirps

• Jonas Siegel of The Athletic wrote that Mitch Marner has all the leverage in deciding where he will play next season. The Toronto Maple Leafs have only themselves to blame for being in his helpless spot. Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks hope he hits the open market on July 1.
• Utah Hockey Club goaltender Connor Ingram announced on social media that he will return to the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He revealed that he hasn’t been himself since losing his mother to breast cancer in December. Utah recalled former Blackhawks netminder Jaxson Stauber, as they are two points out of a playoff spot.
• Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz took a puck to the face in Saturday night’s loss to the Edmonton Oilers. He’s returned to Dallas for further evaluation, but head coach Pete DeBoer says they have likely ruled out a fracture.
• Speaking of the Oilers, general manager Stan Bowman added defenseman Jake Walman and forward Trent Frederic to the mix before the trade deadline. However, he was shooting for bigger prizes and came up short. According to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, Bowman took a swing at landing Mikko Rantanen. Rishaug also reported he made some calls on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell and Ryan Donato.