CHN Daily
Jack’s Daily: Bedard’s Olympic Chances; Andersson & Pettersson Trade Rumors
Team Canada snubbed Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard from its 2026 Winter Olympics roster when the team was announced back on New Year’s Eve. However, there’s still a somewhat decent chance that Bedard makes the trip to Milan next month, as a recent injury could have opened up a roster spot.
More in the links for the latest speculation around Canada’s potential injury replacement for Brayden Point, should the Tampa Bay Lightning forward miss the tournament.
Also in Blackhawks news, head coach Jeff Blashill provided an update on Teuvo Teravainen’s status for tonight’s matchup with the Calgary Flames. Also, yet another forward has fallen victim to the flu/stomach bug that’s plagued the team since last Friday.
Around the league, the Canadiens signed Alex Texier to a contract extension, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald discussed various topics with the media, and the latest trade rumors on Rasmus Andersson and Elias Pettersson.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: Lightning forward Brayden Point suffered a lower-body injury on Monday and has been listed as week-to-week. Point was among the first six players named to Canada’s Olympic roster back in June, but his roster spot could be in jeopardy with the tournament starting in just over three weeks. If Canada needs to name a replacement, Blackhawks star Connor Bedard is expected to be under consideration.
More CHN: After having Tuesday off, the Blackhawks practiced on Wednesday morning. Speaking of Bedard, he was a full participant after missing Monday’s game due to an illness. However, Teuvo Teravainen, who left Monday’s game in the first period and did not return, was not on the ice for practice. Teravainen has been ruled out for tonight’s matchup with the Calgary Flames. There’s a chance he returns on Saturday against Boston.
While were talking about Saturday, just a quick reminder that it’s shaping up to be an EPIC night at the United Center. First off, it’s Duncan Keith bobblehead night, with the first 8,000 fans in attendance receiving the giveaway. The Blackhawks are celebrating chapter three of the Centennial season, titled “The Banner Years”. Keith, Marian Hossa, Brent Seabrook, Dustin Byfuglien, Troy Brouwer, Dave Bolland, Marcus Kruger, and Antionne Vermette will all be in attendance. Darren Pang will host a Q&A with all the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup legends at 5:45 p.m. CT. Atrium doors open at 4:30 p.m. CT.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Scott Wheeler and Harman Dayal rank the top rookies in the NHL this season and debate the Calder Trophy race. Of course, it’s not much of a debate right now, with the way that Matthew Schaefer is playing for the New York Islanders.
Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos dropped his trade board 2.0 on Wednesday and broke down the latest rumors he’s hearing around the league.
TSN: Sitting last in the NHL and 12 points out of a playoff spot, the Vancouver Canucks appear to be setting their course for a rebuild. Darren Dreger reports the struggling Canucks are willing to consider all options as the trade deadline draws closer, including trading centre Elias Pettersson. The 27-year-old has 485 points in 509 career games and has six years remaining on his current contract, which carries a sizeable $11.6 million cap hit.
Sportsnet: It certainly feels like the end of the Rasmus Andersson era in Calgary. The right-handed defenseman has been involved in trade rumors going all the way back to the start of training camp. The timing is perfect, as a glut of teams are clamouring for a top right-shot defender, and Andersson is playing the best hockey of his career.
New Jersey Hockey Now: New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerland addressed the media on Wednesday for the first time since September. That’s a sign of how things have been going for the Devils lately. James Nichols from NJHN was in attendance at Fitzgerald’s presser, where he discussed Jacob Markstrom, Dougie Hamilton, and his job security.
Boston Hockey Now: Speaking of Andersson, Jack Studley from BHN broke down whether the Boston Bruins should make a run for the right-handed defenseman.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Alexandre Texier to a two-year contract extension, which carries an annual average value of $2.5 million. The contract kicks in next season and runs through the 2027-28 campaign. Texier, 26, has seven goals and nine assists for 16 points in 25 games with the Habs.
Florida Hockey Now: The Florida Panthers have had Matthew Tkachuk back at morning skates and on-ice workouts the past few weeks, but Wednesday was the first real practice he participated in where things were able to get a little physical. Florida plays next on Friday and has another game over the weekend. Could Tkachuk return for one of those two tilts?
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