Morning Chirps: Blackhawks Open For Business, Panthers Repeat

The NHL season is officially over, which sucks. But we will still bring you Morning Chirps daily during the offseason to keep you updated on the Chicago Blackhawks and the entire world of hockey.

Blackhawks Chirps

• Frank Seravalli joined the Chicago Lead on CHSN to discuss the Blackhawks. He reiterated that they will be open for business over the next 10 days, and the third overall pick is in play.

• Seravalli went on to say that the No. 3 pick won’t be traded for the sake of trading it. The Blackhawks aren’t looking for a 28-year-old; they want a young player who fits the timeline and makes a difference immediately. I trust Seravalli more than other national insiders, but he’s spent time around this team and has reported solid information throughout the season. This report is something the Blackhawks wanted to get out.

• On this date in 1993, the Blackhawks traded goaltender Jimmy Waite to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations, which later turned out to be defenseman Neil Wilkinson. Waite played 15 games for the Sharks before being traded back to Chicago in 1995. He is still part of the organization, serving as goaltending coach.
• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, June 18: Boris Katchouk.

NHL Chirps

• Congratulations to the Florida Panthers for winning their second straight Stanley Cup. They treated their home fans to a 5-1 dominating win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6. Sam Reinhart scored four goals in the series-clinching win. Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason MVP, leading all players with 15 goals. Seth Jones is a Stanley Cup champion. He had four goals and nine points in 23 games, while being a plus-11. I’m happy for Jones. Sure, his final week in Chicago was not what you wanted to see. But he always treated me with respect for three-plus seasons and was a pro. He never shied away from questions and always gave an honest answer. Be sure to check out Florida Hockey Now for all their championship coverage!
• Speaking of Bennett, the Conn Smythe winner will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if he does not re-sign with Florida. Bleacher Report listed six possible landing spots. Spoiler alert: the Blackhawks are not one of them, nor should they be. He doesn’t fit their timeline and will want to sign with a contender.
• TSN insider Darren Dreger reported on TSN 1050AM that the Detroit Red Wings are looking to extend Patrick Kane, and it feels like something will get done.
• Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi told a Swiss media outlet that he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome while recovering from his season-ending concussion. The condition can cause one’s heart rate to spike abnormally. Josi plans to play next season despite the diagnosis.
• The 2026 Olympics hockey schedules were released. You can check out the full Team USA schedules for the men’s team and the women’s team.