A busy offseason for the Blackhawks and the NHL
The Chicago Blackhawks have unveiled a six‑game slate for their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, that will kick off the 2026‑27 campaign. The schedule, released this week, clusters early contests against Midwest rivals and sets the stage for the team’s developmental pipeline to be tested under the new coaching staff.
Among the prospects slated to receive increased ice time is Russian forward Roman Kantserov, who is expected to assume a top‑six forward role for the Blackhawks. After a breakout season in the KHL, the 20‑year‑old is projected to contribute both scoring and playmaking, giving the organization a glimpse of the future while the big‑club roster remains in flux.
The NHL also announced its First and Second All‑Star teams for the 2025‑26 regular season, highlighting stars such as Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov. Their inclusion underscores the league’s depth and provides a benchmark for emerging talent as the Blackhawks look to rebuild around youthful vigor.
Trade chatter surrounding Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has intensified after the player submitted a list of preferred destinations. Reports indicate the Philadelphia Flyers are among the suitors, a move that could reshape the Oilers’ blue line and affect the Blackhawks’ defensive outlook.
Meanwhile, speculation about the Oilers’ bench has turned to former NHL head coach Mike Babcock, who is being floated as a surprise candidate for the vacant position. If hired, Babcock’s structured approach could bring a new identity to a team that has leaned heavily on offensive firepower.
In the draft arena, analysts have converged on left‑handed defenseman Carson Carels as a likely fourth‑overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks’ scouting department, led by Stan Bowman, has been tight‑lipped, but the consensus points to Carels as a cornerstone for the franchise’s long‑term defensive core.