Bickell Broadcast, Banking on Bedard, Bad December(s), USA Vibes, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Dec 19, 2023

Connor Bedard Philipp Kurashev Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks — well, what’s left of them — will host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night. If you enjoyed the HawkCast the first time they gave it a shot, they’ll have another special presentation on the back-up channel tonight with the ol’ two-nine in the studio. Bryan Bickell will be sitting in with Charlie Roumelioutis tonight to see how things play out with one of the teams after which the Blackhawks are modeling their rebuild is in the building. Love me some Bickell so it will be good to see him on the screen.

#HawkCast returns on Tuesday, and Stanley Cup champion Bryan Bickell (@bbicks29) will be joining me in studio!

Submit your questions using the hashtag and we’ll try to answer as many questions as we can on @NBCSChicago PLUS. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/GeMsfqw07N— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 18, 2023

Hey, Connor Bedard landed another marketing gig! Bedard was announced as an ambassador for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) on Monday. Keep getting the bag, Bedsy!

Look who got a new marketing deal? 💸#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/La2O6XY98c
— Tab Bamford (@The1Tab) December 18, 2023

Bedard’s been money for the Blackhawks this season (literally and figuratively) and continues to put points on the board even though the wins aren’t coming as frequently as he would like. Dangle makes a good point below that if/when Bedard gets some stability (and improved skill) on his line at some point it’s kinda fun to think about how big the point production might become.

Bedard now leads NHL rookie scoring by nine points and Blackhawks scoring by nine points.

Bedard only has one goal in his last eight games but his assists have picked up big time with six in his last eight games. Give this kid a team, he’ll tear the league apart. https://t.co/VwzszyL37k— Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) December 18, 2023

USA Hockey is getting ready for what they hope is a deep run at the World Junior Championship in the weeks after Christmas. This US squad might be the most impressive in the entire field, so it’s fun that four Blackhawks prospects are on the roster and could be contributors to the effort. It’s also nice to have some prospect content around the holidays while college hockey is off.

Give me ALL of the #Blackhawks prospect content from @usahockey for the World Juniors
(Gavin Hayes, Sam Rinzel, Oliver Moore) pic.twitter.com/jud4iesROX— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) December 18, 2023

Some good stuff here from Ben Pope about the bottom falling out last year around the same time as this season. I’m with Ben in my skepticism about this team seeing significant improvement in the standings, even if they do get completely healthy and start to drive some more consistent play. Unless the front office is able to make some significant personnel changes — which would require another organization offering/accepting the right deal from a team in a rebuild — I think this might be a situation where you dance with who brought you and the roster the Hawks started the season with wasn’t going to win a championship before half of it got hurt.

The Blackhawks bottomed out around December last season, and they're doing it again now.

But last season's team also turned things around somewhat starting in January. I'm skeptical this team, even when the injuries subside, can do the same.

Column: https://t.co/G5P2PssXDa— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) December 18, 2023

The Ottawa Senators fired DJ Smith on Monday, replacing him with Jacques Martin. Sens legend Daniel Alfredsson will join the coaching staff as well (perhaps as an heir apparent to the HC job?) but this is an interesting move on so many levels. The first time Martin took over as the Senators’ head coach was in 1996 and spent parts of nine seasons behind the bench in Ottawa. When he was relieved of his duties after the 2003-04 season, Tim Stutzle had… not yet turned two years old.

News Release: D.J. Smith has been relieved of his head coaching duties; Jacques Martin has been named #Sens interim head coach. Daniel Alfredsson joins the team’s coaching staff as an assistant coach: https://t.co/UtadFrrkEG pic.twitter.com/LZiNGB5Mbm— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 18, 2023

This is noteworthy for the Blackhawks because they’re in Dallas for two straight games on Dec. 29 and 31 (because I guess staying in Texas for an extra couple days at the end of the year isn’t terrible?) and the Hawks could use any help they can get at this point. “Week to week” means he’s probably out at least until the Christmas break. If it’s another week, that might keep him out against the Hawks for a couple games.

Tests on Jake Oettinger brought “good news”. He will be week to week but the worst case scenario has been avoided per Pete DeBoer.
— Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) December 18, 2023

Finally, are we seeing addition by subtraction?

What is life lol https://t.co/TGqQfmIIwr
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) December 19, 2023

Or are we seeing the emergence of a star in Chicago? Because the play of Coby White recently has been a revelation. And, for some sports fans who need a daily reminder, White is a terrific case study in some players needing a little more time than others to mature and develop into something close to their potential.

Coby White Stats: Career-Highs Across the Boardhttps://t.co/e8Ys3vl9Zd pic.twitter.com/msoD522nU8
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) December 18, 2023

written by

Tab Bamford

Tab Bamford has been writing about the Chicago Blackhawks for almost two decades. He joined Bleacher Nation as the lead Blackhawks writer in May 2022. Tab is a member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and is the author of two books about the Blackhawks: "100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" (Triumph Books) and "Chicago Blackhawks: An Illustrated Timeline" (Reedy Press, 2021). Find him on Twitter/X/Instagram/Threads at @The1Tab

more blackhawks news

Chicago Blackhawks

It Sounds Like the Blackhawks Would Like Artyom Levshunov in Rockford This Season

Since the draft -- including their free agency barrage -- there's been a lot of questions about where the Chicago Blackhawks see the No. 2 pick from the 2024 NHL Draft, Artyom Levshunov, playing the coming season. We're slowly starting...

Tab Bamford

Jul 03, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Foligno’s Want, Levshunov’s Decision, Pipeline Clogged? Pinto Interest? and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks development camp continues this week, and we'll be back at the rink to chat with Rockford IceHogs head coach Anders Sorensen and assistant general manager of player development Mark Eaton later today. We'll see if the Blackhawks have...

Tab Bamford

Jul 03, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Around the NHL: Busy Blues, Try to Trade Trouba, Changes in Carolina, More

Let's take a quick lap around the NHL and catch up with some more moves and news as free agency and trades continue to take place. We'll start in the Central Division with the Blues, who made some waves on...

Tab Bamford

Jul 03, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Where Are the Now-Former Blackhawks Playing Next Year?

As free agency slowly winds to a close before the Fourth of July, some folks have asked if/where the now-former Blackhawks have signed. In my Tuesday bullets, I included the first day's results. Here those are again: Taylor Raddysh —...

Tab Bamford

Jul 02, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks 2024-25 Schedule is OUT! (Let’s Break it Down)

On Tuesday morning, the Chicago Blackhawks released their full regular-season schedule for the 2024-25 season! Here it is: Blackhawks in October The Blackhawks open their season with another four-game road trip, including the first game in the history of the...

Tab Bamford

Jul 02, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Answers, Questions, Goalies, Prospects, Nashville Goes Big, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

How about that Monday, folks? The Blackhawks got busy in free agency, signing two veteran defensemen, a veteran goalie and (counts on fingers) four new forwards (plus Joey Anderson) to give the team better... well, everything -- but especially depth....

Tab Bamford

Jul 02, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Why the Blackhawks Adding TWO Veteran Defensemen Is Intriguing

So how about that Monday, eh? Kyle from Sudbury got busy filling his roster with veterans and spending money wisely. After a downpour of announcements in the middle of the day, he rallied for one more around dinner time veteran...

Tab Bamford

Jul 02, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Sign Defenseman TJ Brodie

Sure, why not one more? On Monday evening, the Blackhawks announced the team has signed defenseman T.J. Brodie to a two-year contract that has a $3.75M cap hit. Brodie, 34, appeared in 78 games last season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, posting...

Tab Bamford

Jul 01, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Let’s Take a Shot At Making Out Some New Blackhawks Forward Lines

The Blackhawks got busy on Monday, adding a half-dozen bodies to their roster with a flurry of free agent signings. There's no question the roster for the start of the 2024-25 season, as it stands today, is better than the...

Tab Bamford

Jul 02, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Sign Forwards Pat Maroon, Craig Smith, Goalie Laurent Brossoit

Smoke em if you got em, Blackhawks fans! Y'all wanted more bodies, you're getting plenty! The Blackhawks are reportedly also bringing in forwards Pat Maroon and Craig Smith on one-year deals and goaltender Laurent Brossoit on a two-year deal. These...

Tab Bamford

Jul 01, 2024

Picks

Ruusuvuori vs. Tsitsipas Prediction at the Wimbledon – Thursday, July 4

Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 11) will face Emil Ruusuvuori (No. 87) in the Round of 64 of Wimbledon on Thursday, July 4.Tsitsipas is the favorite against Ruusuvuori, with -769 odds against the underdog's +475.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 64Date: Thursday, July...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Machac vs. Safiullin Prediction at the Wimbledon – Thursday, July 4

In Wimbledon Round of 64 on Thursday, we have a matchup featuring No. 44-ranked Roman Safiullin against No. 39 Tomas Machac.Machac is the favorite against Safiullin, with -115 odds compared to the underdog's -110.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 64Date: Thursday,...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Cobolli vs. Tabilo Prediction at the Wimbledon – Thursday, July 4

In Wimbledon Round of 64 on Thursday, No. 48-ranked Flavio Cobolli takes on No. 19 Alejandro Tabilo.In this matchup versus Cobolli (+180), Tabilo is the favorite with -250 odds.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 64Date: Thursday, July 4Venue: AELTC Wimbledon Qualifying...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Fritz vs. Rinderknech Prediction at the Wimbledon – Thursday, July 4

No. 12-ranked Taylor Fritz will meet No. 76 Arthur Rinderknech in Wimbledon Round of 64 on Thursday, July 4.Fritz carries -769 odds to bring home a victory against Rinderknech (+500).Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 64Date: Thursday, July 4Venue: AELTC Wimbledon...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Niemeier vs. Svitolina Prediction at the Wimbledon – Thursday, July 4

On Thursday, Jule Niemeier (No. 90 in the world) meets Elina Svitolina (No. 21) in the Round of 64 of Wimbledon.Svitolina is the favorite against Niemeier, with -227 odds against the underdog's +170.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 64Date: Thursday, July...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Halys vs. Khachanov Prediction at the Wimbledon – Thursday, July 4

On Thursday, Quentin Halys (No. 220 in the world) meets Karen Khachanov (No. 22) in the Round of 64 of Wimbledon.Khachanov is the favorite against Halys, with -227 odds against the underdog's +170.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 64Date: Thursday, July...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Collins vs. Galfi Prediction at the Wimbledon – Thursday, July 4

In the Round of 64 of Wimbledon on Thursday, Dalma Galfi (ranked No. 127) takes on Danielle Collins (No. 11).With -455 odds, Collins is the favorite against Galfi (+320) for this matchup.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 64Date: Thursday, July 4Venue:...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Alcaraz vs. Tiafoe Prediction at the Wimbledon – Friday, July 5

In the Round of 32 of Wimbledon on Friday, Frances Tiafoe (ranked No. 29) takes on Carlos Alcaraz (No. 3).In this matchup versus Tiafoe (+750), Alcaraz is the favorite with -1667 odds.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 32Date: Friday, July 5Venue:...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Kartal vs. Gauff Prediction at the Wimbledon – Friday, July 5

In the Round of 32 of Wimbledon on Friday, Coco Gauff (ranked No. 2) meets Sonay Kartal (No. 298).Gauff is favored over Kartal, with -1250 odds compared to the underdog's +650.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 32Date: Friday, July 5Venue: AELTC...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Picks

Nakashima vs. Humbert Prediction at the Wimbledon – Friday, July 5

In the Round of 32 of Wimbledon on Friday, Ugo Humbert (ranked No. 16) takes on Brandon Nakashima (No. 65).In this matchup against Humbert (-110), Nakashima is favored with -115 odds.Wimbledon InfoTournament: WimbledonRound: Round of 32Date: Friday, July 5Venue: AELTC...

Data Skrive

Jul 03, 2024

Bickell Broadcast, Banking on Bedard, Bad December(s), USA Vibes, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Read More

more blackhawks news

Latest News

more blackhawks news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular