Morning Chirps: No. 3 Pick in Play, Toews Down to Two Teams

A respected insider says the Chicago Blackhawks are willing to part with the third overall pick to bring in an elite player. One current Blackhawk will represent his country at the Olympics. How many more will follow? Finally, the Stanley Cup will be in the building tonight, but we still don’t know who will be in the visitor’s crease.

Blackhawks Chirps

• Frank Seravalli spent some time on the Blackhawks during the latest episode of DFO Rundown. He said the Blackhawks likely won’t be huge players in free agency, but they will be active on the trade market and that the third overall pick is in play. They won’t trade for a guy to plug into the lineup, but for a real “difference maker.” He hypothetically mentioned JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. I like Peterka and think he’d be a great fit, but him for the No. 3 pick straight up is an overpay. Include it in a deal for Jason Robertson, and I’m more excited.   Again, take all these reports with a grain of salt, but Seravalli does have a good beat on the inside doings of the Blackhawks.
• The Blackhawks also own the 25th overall pick. If they use it, our latest Blackhawks Draft Profile looks at what Swedish center Milton Gästrin brings to the table.
• The 12 countries participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics announced the first six players of their respective rosters. The only Blackhawks player to be named was Lukas Reichel for Germany. Other players like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Alex Vlasic, and Teuvo Teravainen will be considered for the final rosters.

• The Blackhawks will be hosting an official watch party for the first round of the NHL Entry Draft on June 27. The free event will take place at Recess (838 W. Kinzie St, Chicago) and start at 5 pm. Per the official release: “Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere with a live DJ, fan games and prizes, photo opportunities, special appearances by Tommy Hawk and broadcaster Rick Ball, and early access to Centennial retail.”
• On this date in 2013, the Boston Bruins took a 2-1 series lead after beating the Blackhawks 2-0 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. David Paille and Patrice Bergeron provided all the offense in the second period. Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask stopped all 28 shots he faced. Marian Hossa was a surprise scratch, but it was later revealed that he was dealing with an upper-body injury. This was the last time the Blackhawks tasted defeat in 2013.
• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, June 17: Bob Sauve, Rik Wilson, and Henri Jokiharju.

NHL Chirps

• On the latest episode of The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston reported that Jonathan Toews is likely deciding between the Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche.
• Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final is later tonight as the Florida Panthers look to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch wouldn’t commit to whether Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard will start tonight. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug observed that Skinner was in what was the starter’s crease the last time they practiced in Florida.
• Speaking of the Panthers, Elliotte Friedman reported on SN590 AM that Florida offered Sam Bennett a deal similar to Carter Verhaeghe’s recent extension. Still, he believes it won’t be enough to keep him in Florida.
• Let’s make Pierre LeBrun NHL Commissioner already!