On this version of Chicago Blackhawks‘ Information and Rumors, three of the staff’s prospects are set to compete within the Canadian Hockey League’s (CHL) Memorial Cup, whereas the group confirmed this summer time’s growth camp will happen solely off-ice.
The Blackhawks additionally reportedly denied the Pittsburgh Penguins the possibility to interview affiliate basic supervisor (AGM) Jeff Greenberg. Lastly, two former Blackhawks are headed to their first Stanley Cup Ultimate.
Korchinski, Allan, & Dach to Compete in Memorial Cup
Representing the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Seattle Thunderbirds, Blackhawks defensive prospects Kevin Korchinski and Nolan Allan and ahead Colton Dach are set to skate within the 103rd annual Memorial Cup, with the nine-day match happening in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Having defeated the Winnipeg Ice 4-1 within the WHL Championship, the Thunderbirds start their round-robin slate on Saturday towards the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) champion Peterborough Petes, earlier than video games towards the Quebec Main Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) champion Québec Remparts (Monday) and host Kamloops Blazers (Wednesday).
Associated: Blackhawks Will Must Correctly Construct Round Connor Bedard
Probably the most outstanding identify of the three is Korchinski, who the Blackhawks chosen seventh general within the 2022 NHL Draft. The Saskatchewan native completed his third WHL season with 73 factors in 54 regular-season video games and has posted 14 factors (three targets, 11 assists) in 19 playoff video games to this point. At 6-foot-1, 185 kilos, some have projected him because the Blackhawks’ future No. 1 defenseman.
Allan and Dach had been each 2021 picks, chosen throughout former GM Stan Bowman’s remaining draft. The Blackhawks took Allan, a left-handed defenseman, at 32 general earlier than drafting Dach at 62 general. Colton, the youthful brother of Montreal Canadiens ahead and former Blackhawk Kirby Dach, was a mid-season pickup from the Kelowna Rockets and slot in properly with the Thunderbirds whereas making an impression within the postseason with 14 factors in 19 video games.
Growth Camp Gained’t Function On-Ice Portion
Blackhawks followers hoping to get their first style of Connor Bedard, extensively thought of to be the 2023 Draft’s high choose, will possible have to attend till September. The staff has determined to not embody an on-ice portion of their growth camp, starting on June 30 and instantly following rounds two by means of seven of the draft.
In response to Blackhawks director of participant growth Mark Eaton, the choice was made to assist their prospects’ bodily growth and never rush them again into on-ice motion if some hadn’t skated in, say, weeks. Connor Bedard, Regina Pats (Keith Hershmiller / Regina Pats)
It’s an affordable choice, given the fast turnaround after the draft (June 28-29) and the inherent damage danger that comes with camp. Plus, with all of the hype surrounding Bedard, having the camp at Fifth Third Area (the staff’s follow facility) may need been tough, if demand from followers hoping to look at the 17-year-old and different prospects exceeded the house out there.
Having the camp on the United Middle would’ve been difficult, too, because it’s booked for concert events on June 30, July 1, 5, and 6. Although followers may need to attend slightly bit longer to see the most effective prospect since Connor McDavid, the wait ought to make his NHL debut extra particular.
Penguins Expressed Curiosity in Greenberg
In response to Scott Powers of The Athletic, the Penguins had been taken with Greenberg for his or her vacant GM place. Nevertheless, the Blackhawks denied an interview request, because the staff felt he has turn into a key a part of their management group after simply his first season with the group (from “What I’m listening to in regards to the Blackhawks from Connor Bedard to free company, The Athletic, 05/24/23). The Pittsburgh native is considered one of two AGMs underneath Kyle Davidson, together with Norm Maciver, who returned to the staff in March 2022 after becoming a member of the Seattle Kraken in Jan. 2021.
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Greenberg got here to the Blackhawks in April 2022 with a baseball background, having spent 11 seasons within the Chicago Cubs’ entrance workplace and overseeing their 2016 World Collection-winning membership. He was reportedly one of many three finalists for the Blackhawks’ GM job earlier than the place went to Davidson.
Forsling & Duclair Advance to Stanley Cup Ultimate
Not less than two former Blackhawks will skate on this 12 months’s Stanley Cup Ultimate after the Florida Panthers swept the Carolina Hurricanes on within the Jap Convention Ultimate on Wednesday evening. Defenseman Gustav Forsling and ahead Anthony Duclair will play of their first Ultimate towards both the Vegas Golden Knights or Dallas Stars.
Associated: Blackhawks Ought to Pursue Alex Killorn in Free Company
The Blackhawks acquired Forsling from the Vancouver Canucks in Jan. 2015, and he performed 122 regular-season video games with the membership from 2016-19 earlier than spending the 2019-20 season with the Hurricanes. The Panthers claimed him off waivers in Jan. 2021, and he rapidly emerged as a top-four defenseman. Following a career-high 41-point season, Forsling has posted six factors (two targets, 4 assists) in 16 playoff video games and ranks third on the staff with a plus-nine and second in ice time, averaging 26:44 per sport.
Duclair had a shorter stint with Chicago, skating in 23 video games in 2017-18 after coming from the Arizona Coyotes. He then frolicked with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators earlier than signing with the Panthers in Dec. 2020, recording a career-high 58 factors in 74 regular-season video games in 2021-22. After present process surgical procedure on his left Achilles tendon in the summertime, he performed simply 20 regular-season video games with Florida this season. Nevertheless, he has thrived within the postseason, recording 9 factors (three targets, six assists) in 15 video games on the staff’s high line with Carter Verhaeghe and Aleksander Barkov.
To date, it’s been a quiet offseason for the Blackhawks exterior of successful the draft lottery. There’s nonetheless a lot to debate, and information ought to ramp up quickly with the NHL Draft simply over a month away.