CHN Daily
Jack’s Daily: Blackhawks Getting Healthy; Jones’ Olympic Replacement
For the first time since Dec. 12, the Chicago Blackhawks are set to have both of their top center icemen in the lineup when they face the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
Before boarding the flight to Carolina, the Blackhawks were on the ice for practice on Wednesday, and two key members of their forward group were full participants in the session. With eight games over the next 13 days before the Olympic break, it’s the perfect time for the team to start getting close to being fully healthy.
More in the links for the latest injury updates, and what getting healthier means for a handful of rookies in the forward group.
Also in Blackhawks news, prospect Jack Pridham moved within one goal of Marek Vanacker for the league lead in the Ontario Hockey League.
Around the league, an injury will keep former Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones out of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Colorado is showing interest in an ex-forward, and Clayton Keller leads a crazy comeback for Utah.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: After missing the last 14 games, Frank Nazar is set to rejoin the lineup on Thursday in Carolina. Nazar isn’t the only forward making his return, as Andre Burakovsky is also expected to play after being out on Monday. That’s great news for the Chicago Blackhawks‘ struggling offense, but perhaps not so great news for a few rookies who’ve now been bumped down the lineup.
More CHN: ICYMI, Jonathan Toews‘ first trip back to the United Center on Monday was truly something special. After a video tribute was shown on the Jumbotron, the Blackhawks’ fans in attendance to witness Toews’ return gave him an ovation like no other. Welcome home, ‘Captain Serious’.
More CHN: With a 32-save shutout, Spencer Knight spoiled Toews’ homecoming by leading the Blackhawks to a 2-0 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Knight was credited with 3.86 goals saved above expected to earn his 14th victory of the season.
In prospects news, Jack Pridham remained red-hot for the Kitchener Rangers by scoring the overtime winner for his 29th goal of the season. Among all players in the OHL, Pridham now ranks second in goals, trailing only fellow Blackhawks prospect Marek Vanacker. Pridham is also seventh in the league with 53 points.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark recently sat down with TSN’s Claire Hanna for an interview to discuss his leave of absence. Ullmark revealed he stepped away from the team for mental health reasons and how the ridiculous rumors going around the internet negatively impacted him.
TSN: Darren Dreger mentioned on Insider Trading that the Calgary Flames, who just dealt Rasmus Andersson to Vegas, could be open for business before the Olympic break. Dreger reports that Flames’ GM Chris Conroy is having ongoing discussions with Nazem Kadri’s camp about a trade. Kadri, 35, has three years left on his current deal.
Colorado Hockey Now: One of the teams reportedly interested in Kadri is the Colorado Avalanche, who are in the market for a third-line center. Aarif Dean from Colorado Hockey Now writes why re-acquiring Kadri made more sense for the Avs 12 months ago.
Detroit Hockey Now: Patrick Kane is on the verge of yet another milestone. After recording his 500th NHL goal on Jan. 8, Kane is now just three points shy of breaking Mike Modano’s record for the most points ever recorded by a U.S.-born player.
Florida Hockey Now: Speaking of former Blackhawks, Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones sadly had to be replaced on Team USA’s roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics due to an injury. Jones got hurt at the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 and won’t be able to return in time to represent his country. Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks has been named as his replacement.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils will be without star defenseman Luke Hughes for a while. Hughes, 22, has been placed on long-term injured reserve with a separated shoulder, where he’ll be forced to remain until Feb. 25.
NHL.com: Clayton Keller came up clutch for the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night, scoring both the game-tying and overtime-winning goals in a comeback 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Utah has now earned a point in eight consecutive games.
Sportsnet: The Buffalo Sabres announced on Wednesday that forward Josh Doan has agreed to a seven-year, $48.65 million contract extension that runs through the 2032-33 season. Doan, 23, has 35 points (15G, 20A) in 49 games this season and leads the NHL with 35 takeaways.
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