Look, I know it’s late-July and hockey isn’t on everyone’s mind. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening somewhere in the world. And it doesn’t necessarily need to be on ice, either. Let’s take a moment to enjoy this clip of Connor Bedard absolutely dominating an inline game on Monday.
The biggest news in the hockey world on Tuesday morning is the announcement below shared by the Boston Bruins. Patrice Bergeron, one of the classiest players in the history of the league, announced his retirement. He’ll go into the Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible (maybe joined by Jonathan Toews?) and will go down as one of the best players to ever wear the Bruins’ sweater. Congrats on one helluva career!
Steven Ellis at got to the Blackhawks on his summer prospect pool breakdown list, and it’s a fun read. Indeed, any time a respected analyst breaks down the Blackhawks’ organizational depth right now it’s going to be enjoyable because 2-3 years ago the future appeared to be so dim… and now we’ve got 200 watt bulbs lighting up the room. He gave the Blackhawks’ organization an A+ grade. With that in mind, there are predictably plenty of positives in his review. Here’s what Ellis had to say about the Blackhawks’ system weaknesses:
Itās hard to pinpoint many weaknesses, but the fact that only one winger ā Lukas Reichel ā appears on this list is probably a sign that they need some extra depth there. Frank Nazar could play the wing and likely will in the NHL with the center depth the Hawks have, but thereās some work needed, for sure. If Nick Lardis ends up being a steal like many believe he caļ·½n, thatāll be nice.
The king of being bought out, Tony DeAngelo, is back in Carolina on a one-year deal. He’s doing a lovely job of getting other teams to pay him for multiple years while winding up back in Carolina on a team-friendly deal. He’s a talented defenseman… who, apparently, most teammates can’t stand.
The National Sports Collectors Convention opens on Wednesday afternoon in Rosemont. I’ll be there on Thursday (and probably Friday because I’m a collector and this is like Christmas for me) with one specific card on my list. If you know anyone who has this, or if you’re a dealer who might have one available at the show, hit me up!
Finally, game recognizes game and I love young players blowing up on the big stage. No prospect in baseball has stolen more highlights this season than Reds’ shortstop Elly De La Cruz. And last night he had the launch codes ready… I’m not sure this home run has landed yet!
