As the Chicago Blackhawks finalize their preseason roster, one of their most promising young players, defenseman Kevin Korchinski, continues to be at the center of trade rumors. Meanwhile, injuries are beginning to mount around the NHL.
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Blackhawks Buzz
• With five preseason games left, the Blackhawks’ regular season roster is beginning to take shape. However, being placed on Team 2 doesn’t necessarily mean a demotion to Rockford. Today, both Kevin Korchinski and Nolan Allan will skate with Team 1.
• Speculation continues around Korchinski’s future. The Chicago Lead recently questioned whether he could be used as trade bait. While moving him without a clear return would be questionable, packaging him in a deal for a promising young forward — like Mason McTavish — would be a different matter. The key? Patience.
• Korchinski and other topics were covered in the latest episode of Second Balcony. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a 5-star review!
• Birthday Shoutouts (Sept. 26): Vic Heyliger, Fido Purpur, Frank Brimsek, Chris Kunitz, and John Scott.
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Around the NHL
• Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars) will undergo surgery for a collapsed lung, suffered during Tuesday’s preseason match against the Wild. He’ll be reevaluated in four weeks, meaning he’ll likely miss at least seven games to start the season.
• Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers) went down with a possible right leg injury during Thursday’s practice. Coach Paul Maurice had no immediate update but promised more details soon. The Blackhawks face the Panthers on opening night.
• Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers): According to Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, the Rangers are reportedly hoping Panarin will take a discount on his next contract. With the cap increasing, that might be a tough sell.
• Connor Ingram (Utah Mammoth) was the most notable name on Thursday’s initial NHL waiver list. The 28-year-old goalie has yet to join training camp as the team explores trade options.
• Zdeno Chara returns — off the ice. The Bruins have brought back their former captain as a Hockey Operations Advisor and Mentor. His role will include supporting defensemen off the ice, building relationships, and strengthening player-coach communication.
• Also, don’t adjust your screens — yes, that is Mitch Marner in a Vegas Golden Knights jersey.
