Welcome to September, Blackhawks fans! And, to borrow from Earth, Wind and Fire, will we remember the 21st day of September? That’s when the Blackhawks open training camp for the 2023-24 season. This is a season that comes with as much anticipation as any since the Blackhawks were raising their sixth banner as a franchise before the home opener of the 2015-16 season. But it isn’t because they’re coming off a championship. Now, we’re looking to the future. And a big part of that future will be wearing No. 98 this season. So yes, at Blackhawks, we are ready for hockey back, too!
Patrick Kane spoke with John Wawrow of the AP this week to , which he had on June 1 and has roughly a six-month timeline to get back. Kane has shared some videos on social media of his workouts as he rehabs and he looks good. But those are on social media. According to his comments to Wawrow, Kane feels good and might be ahead of schedule. He did not say he’s ready to sign and join an NHL team — yet. Kane indicated he’s going to stick to the original timeline for a return, but isn’t going to shy away from inquiries from NHL teams.
“If someone wanted to come and give an offer that I was excited about, ♌and a situation that I’m excited about, it’s not like I wouldn’t be listening just because of the situation I’m in.”
The Blackhawks have made it clear they aren’t bringing Kane back, so we’re left to wish him the best in his next endeavor. Wherever he signs, and whenever he gets back to the United Center, I’m sure there will be a crowd waiting to welcome him “home.”
The Kingston Frontenacs are nearing the end of their training camp and have their final scrimmage this morning. Blackhawks forward prospect Paul Ludwinski will be in action on the black team today. After injuries limited his playing time last year, I’m looking for a big step forward from Ludwinski in his second post-draft season.
How about some more Connor Bedard tape from the BioSteel Camp?
Happy 59th birthday to Blackhawks associate general manager Norm Maciver.
Garrett Mitchell announced his retirement on Thursday. He spent the past four seasons with the Rockford IceHogs and was their captain. Mitchell, who turns 32 on Sept. 2, was originally a sixth-round pick by the Capitals in the 2009 NHL Draft and appeared in one NHL game for Washington during the 2016-17 season. He had a solid AHL career. Wishing him the best.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) have had a bad year. But the Pittsburgh Penguins want to make sure their fans can still see the game with the launch of a team-owned network.
The Ducks announced on Thursday that veteran forward Zack Kassian has signed a PTO with the club. The 32-year-old scored twice in 51 games in Arizona last year.
Finally, it’s September which means MLB teams can bring more players up. And the Cubs are going to show us one of their top outfield prospects. No, not Pete Crow-Armstrong (yet). Alexander Canario is coming to Wrigley!
