CHN Daily
Jack’s Daily: Frondell Bests Nestrasil; RIP Pulford; Several League-Wide Signings
For the first time in 14 years, Sweden comes out of the World Junior Championship with the Gold Medal. The Swedes went unbeaten in the tournament after defeating Czechia 4-2 in the 2026 final on Monday night at Grand Casino Arena in Minnesota.
Chicago Blackhawks top prospect Anton Frondell had an outstanding performance in his first World Juniors, with eight points in seven games played on Sweden’s top line. Frondell came out of the tournament with much more than a Gold Medal.
On the other side of the outcome, fellow 2025 first-round pick Vaclav Nestrasil was also a point-per-game player for Czechia in his World Juniors debut. Nestrasil had a funny encounter with Frondell in the handshake line after falling short in the final.
Check out the links for the recap and highlights from Monday’s conclusion.
Also in Blackhawks news, former head coach and front-office executive Bob Pulford passed away at age 89. The Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion spent 30 years with the Blackhawks organization.
Around the league, the Flyers, Blues, and Predators all handed out contract extensions, Igor Shesterkin suffered an injury in a Rangers’ loss, and Justin Sourdif had a night to remember for Washington.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: Anton Frondell racked up the accolades at the 2026 World Juniors. The Blackhawks’ 2025 top draft choice was named the best forward in the tournament and also earned a spot on the media all-star team. Another member of Chicago’s 2025 draft class, Vaclav Nestrasil, also helped Czechia win a Silver Medal for the second time in four years.
Bob Pulford, a polarizing figure during his 30-year tenure with the Blackhawks, passed away at the age of 89 on Monday. Pulford won four Stanley Cups as a player with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1960s and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. He recorded 281 goals and 643 points in his playing career. Pulford joined the Blackhawks organization in 1977. He’s third all-time in wings among all head coaches in franchise history with 182. He also drafted several franchise icons, including Denis Savard, Jeremy Roenick, Steve Larmer, and Troy Murray, during his time in the front office.
The Athletic: Jesse Granger wrote up Pulford’s history in the NHL after his passing was announced. Statements from Blackhawks chairman Danny Wirtz and commissioner Gary Bettman are included.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Here are the standouts and disappointments from the 2026 World Junior Championship. Both Frondell and Nestrasil were mentioned.
Forever Blueshirts: It wasn’t a great night for the New York Rangers. Not only did they lose 3-2 to the Utah Mammoth at Madison Square Garden, but star goaltender Igor Shesterkin exited in the first period. Shesterkin was very slow exiting the ice after being skated into by Utah forward J.J. Peterka. Head coach Mike Sullivan did not have an update on Shesterkin after the game.
Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers have officially extended center Christian Dvorak. He signed a five-year deal with a $5.15 million cap hit to remain in the City of Brotherly Love until he’s 35. Dvorak has 25 points (9G, 16A) in 39 games this season.
NHL.com: The St. Louis Blues handed out a short-term extension to gritty forward Alexey Toropchenko on Monday. The 26-year-old signed a two-year deal with a $2.5 million cap hit. Toropchenko has 65 points (32G, 33A) in 286 career regular-season games with St. Louis. The Blackhawks are set to face Toropchenko and the Blues on Wednesday night.
Florida Hockey Now: Reigning Conn Smyth Trophy winner Sam Bennett wasn’t named to Canada’s Olympic roster last week, which stunned many hockey fans. Bennett is on pace to tie or exceed all his previous career-highs this season, so what gives? Well, the Florida Panthers‘ forward took responsibility and said he didn’t do enough to make the team.
ESPN: As part of a five-point game, Justin Sourdif became the first Washington Capitals rookie to record a hat trick since ‘The Great 8′, Alexander Ovechkin. Sourdif scored three goals and added two assists in the Capitals’ 7-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
TSN: Last, but certainly not least. The Nashville Predators signed backup goaltender Justus Annunen to a two-year contract extension on Monday. The deal, beginning in 2026-2027, will pay the 25-year-old goaltender $2.5 million over the two years. Annunen is 28-25-4 with a 3.01 GAA and .892 SV% in 64 career NHL games.
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