Connor Bedard, Fifteen-Mil Bombard, Mullet Rides Shotgun Down the Blvd: NHL 2026-27

[MartyFunkhouser]

It is wild that this is the last month without hockey with the early start next year. With that, it is time to move on from the offseason thread to the season thread.

Blackhawks are still going to suck, but Showtime is back in Chicago. That alone has me ready to be watching games next year. It is a real bummer that Bedard is going to miss the 15-20 games.

The ideal season is what the Sharks had last year. Playing relevant games towards the end and then hitting the jackpot with the lottery.

[falafel]

It is wild that this is the last month without hockey with the early start next year. With that, it is time to move on from the offseason thread to the season thread.

Blackhawks are still going to suck, but Showtime is back in Chicago. That alone has me ready to be watching games next year. It is a real bummer that Bedard is going to miss the 15-20 games.

The ideal season is what the Sharks had last year. Playing relevant games towards the end and then hitting the jackpot with the lottery.

You didn't watch games last year??

Upgraded VGK season tickets this year, moved 6 rows closer.

[MartyFunkhouser]

You didn't watch games last year??

Upgraded VGK season tickets this year, moved 6 rows closer.

I probably watched 70 Blackhawks games last year.

[falafel]

I probably watched 70 Blackhawks games last year.

Ah, I was confused.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Hellebuyck goes public with his trade request. He has a full no movement clause, so he has control over where he goes. The Jets need to just own it and be ready for a full tear down rebuild. They are going to try to get roster players back when they should just own it and get futures for him. Trade Kyle Connor for futures.

[MartyFunkhouser]

10 days away from preseason games. Connor Bedard was skating yesterday at the Blackhawks ice center, which is good news.

Quinn Hughes still hasn't been extended. Minnesota needs to bite the bullet and give him 3 years at 20.5 million. I know they want 4+, but there is no good reason for him to sign for more than 3. I still think he should walk to free agency.

Hellebuyck not traded yet. Mammoth have been floated as a possible destination. If the Jets just want futures, the Mammoth are in a great position. Not sure if Hellebuyck waives to go there.

Scott Powers talking about Kantserov starting at center at the start of the season. It is an intriguing idea. Not sure how the lines shake out that way. I guess it would be an opportunity to try him out there before Bedard comes back and he is attached to Bedard's as his right wing.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Effing bummer man to start the season. Barry Melrose dies.

[Bo Diddley]

Effing bummer man to start the season. Barry Melrose dies.

Rest in peace, Coach!

[MartyFunkhouser]

Preseason games start Saturday. Really excited for this season. My hopes is that the Blackhawks can at least be part of a playoff chase through March.

I don't expect them to make the playoffs.

It is going to be great to see Kaner back in a Blackhawks sweater on United Center ice.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Cutter Gauthier: 6 years at 13.5 AAV
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...ntract-grades/

Ryan Leonard 8 years at 10.5 AAV
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...nard-contract/

I like Leonard's deal a ton in the rising cap world. Stupid move by Leonard to sign that long term of a deal at this point in his career.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Training camp has started! Here are my predictions on the season:

Western Conference

Central
1. Avs
2. Wild
3. Stars

Pacific (LOL)
1. Knights
2. Oilers
3. Ducks

WC1: Mammoth
WC2: Sharks

Conference Finals: Knights over Avs

I'm not confident in the Sharks making it. If they were in the Central, they would not. Look at last year, they won a lot of 1 goal games and overtime games. I'm not so sure the Sharks are going to actually be that much better this year. That being said, I hope they make the playoffs.

Eastern Confernce

Atlantic
1. Panthers (the year off from the playoffs is going to help them rebound)
2. Habs
3. Sabres

Metro
1. Hurricanes
2. Capitals
3. Devils

WC1: Lightning
WC2: Senators

Conference Finals: Panthers over Hurricanes

Stanley Cup Winner: Panthers

Hart Trophy: Connor McDavid. I will go the easy call here. Although, it has been 20 years since a defenseman won the Hart. I wouldn't be surprised with the spotlight on Makar/Hughes this offseason if one wins.
Norris: Quinn Hughes
Calder: Roman Kantserov
Vezina: Logan Thompson

[Pelado]

My prediction:

I will not watch any NHL games this season.

[Copelius]

I don't want to make such a bold prediction, since there is always a slight chance that I will inadvertently catch a portion of an ongoing NHL game our of the corner of my eye at some point.

[MartyFunkhouser]

I'm sorry that Pelado and Copellus will not have the joy of watching NHL hockey this year.

Lines from Blackhawks practice

Kantserov-Nazar-Kane. Small line but I'm fully in favor of this being the top line until Bedard is back
Lardis-Frondell-Bertuzzi.
Donato-Moore-Teuvo. Like Moore with a couple of vets and I think he is a lot better at center than wing.
Greenway-Greene-Smith. Nice defensive line. Much rather see Greene at the center than wing on the top 6.

Blackhawks aren't going to be a playoff team, but at least it looks like they finally have a roster of NHL quality players. When Bedard comes back, not sure you can fun Kantserov-Bedard-Kane, unless Kantserov is great defensively.

[MartyFunkhouser]

It is a preseason game, but it was fun seeing Byram get a hat trick last night.