Marian Hossa’s farewell game took place on Friday. There were a lot of former Blackhawks on the ice, and many of them scored a goal. It was admittedly a little surreal to see names like Toews, Keith, Hjalmarsson, Byfuglien, and Hossa playing in what amounted to arguably the most stacked “alumni game” in recent memory. Part of me wishes all of those guys were still playing in Chicago. But age is undefeated. Hossa split the game between the two teams, and scored this breakaway goal to tie the game at nine in the third period.
Before the game, the collection of future — and already-inducted — Hall of Famers surrounding Hossa was amazing. Jonathan Toews and Zdeno Chara presented Hoss with a signed, framed, custom jersey from the event before the puck dropped. And Marián Gáborík gave us a tour of the room. Poor Dustin Byfuglien had the locker right next to Duncan Keith…
Steve Ellis at is the latest prospect analyst to pump the tires of Frank Nazar, who put on a show at USA Hockey’s World Junior Summer Showcase. Ellis notes the significant departures from Michigan’s roster from last year, and the big opportunity waiting for Nazar in Ann Arbor this coming season.
A lot of Michigan’s offense will be centered around Nazar, Rutger McGroarty (Winnipeg Jets) and Gavin Brindley (Columbus Blue Jackets), which is a stout base to build around🦂. Nazar should be able to snag the No. 1 center spot previously occupied by [Adam] Fantilli, but those are big shoes to fill after the 2023 third-overall pick won the Hobey Baker Award.
Samuel Savoie reported for duty with his QMJHL squad on Friday. Note the shirt choice. Well played, sir. Well played indeed.
The Anaheim Ducks sent a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to Buffalo on Friday for 29-year-old RHD Ilya Lyubushkin. He’s a depth defenseman in the final year of a contract that carries a $2.75M cap hit.
Speaking of former Sabres, it looks like Mike Grier is getting the band back together in San Jose. Well, sort of. He hired two of his former Sabres teammates, Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, as scouts. Miller will also help the organization with their goaltending development.
Finally, I’ll all-in on the idea of the Cubs re-signing Cody Bellinger this winter. Make him the everyday first baseman for the next 3-5 years. PCA is going to take over centerfield soon, anyway.
