Jack’s Daily: Kantserov Nugget; IceHogs News; Devils-Preds Trade

With the expectation that Connor Bedard won’t be fully healthy until early to mid-November, there has been much discussion this offseason about who will fill his role as the Chicago Blackhawks’ top-line center to begin the 2026-27 season.

While Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell appear to be the most likely choices, Scott Powers of The Athletic recently shared a tidbit suggesting another young forward could be in the mix for Bedard’s spot. More in the links for the latest speculation on the Blackhawks’ center situation.

Also in Blackhawks news, Chicago Hockey Now analyzed Bedard’s placement among the NHL Network’s top 50 best players, while the Rockford IceHogs released their promo schedule for this year. Plus, a breakdown on the 2026 prospect showcase roster and schedule.

Around the league, the Nashville Predators traded a young, breakout forward to the New Jersey Devils, the Anaheim Ducks plan to honor Ryan Getzlaf, and Eeli Tolvanen finally found a new home.

All that & more in the Daily!

Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors

Chicago Hockey Now: ICYMI — the first taste of Blackhawks hockey this fall is now less than two weeks away. Before NHL training camp begins, the team will host the 2026 prospect showcase against the St. Louis Blues. Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, and AJ Spellacy are among the notable Blackhawks prospects featured on the roster. Hit the link for the schedule and full details.

More CHN: On Sunday afternoon, the NHL Network revealed the first 10 names featured on its list of the top 50 players entering 2026-27, and Blackhawks star Connor Bedard made the cut. Players ranked between Nos. 41-50 were announced, and Bedard was slotted 44th. Hit the link for full analysis of Bedard’s ranking and why his inclusion is most justified.

More CHN: In other Blackhawks news from this past weekend, Kevin Korchinski is no longer a restricted free agent after signing a new two-year contract. His deal runs through 2027-28 and carries a cheap $1.325 million cap hit. Will Korchinski finally get a full-time NHL gig this season? Despite his new deal, the numbers suggest otherwise.

Now, let’s get into the Blackhawks’ top-line center chatter. Scott Powers claimed on the latest episode of The Athletic’s “Powers & Laz” podcast that he’s heard whispers about rookie Roman Kantserov filling Bedard’s shoes to start this season. Interesting. One would think Frank Nazar and/or Anton Frondell would be more likely, given they’ve at least gotten a taste of NHL competition.

Powers also believes Kantserov could play on the same line as Patrick Kane, while also noting that nothing is definitive. FWIW, Kantserov transitioned from wing to center with Magnitogorsk last season, his final year in the KHL. More on this subject coming from Chicago Hockey Now this week. Be on the lookout.

Speaking of Kantserov, it appears a GIF is now available for fans to use of the Blackhawks rookie. On Wednesday morning, the NHL’s social media accounts posted GIFs of several rookies before their first seasons get underway.

Lastly, the Rockford IceHogs dropped their official promo schedule for the 2026-27 AHL regular season on Tuesday. Plenty of fun festivities and events are planned at the BMO Center this year! As another reminder, single-game tickets go on sale next Monday, Sept. 8, at 10:00 a.m. CT.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

New Jersey Hockey Now: TRADE! And a major one, at that. The New Jersey Devils acquired skilled playmaker Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2028 conditional first-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder. James Nichols from NJHN says the deal gives the Devils further middle-six production and depth without making a long-term commitment.

The Athletic: Scott Wheeler, Harman Dayal, and everyone’s current favorite, Corey Pronman, joined forces and put together a top-20 ranking of the NHL’s Calder Trophy candidates for the 2026-27 season. Blackhawks forwards Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov were both mentioned.

NHL.com: While the 2026 offseason has been horrendous for the Anaheim Ducks thus far, the organization is trying to close out the summer on a high note. The Ducks announced on Tuesday that franchise icon Ryan Getzlaf will have his No. 15 sweater retired during the 2026-27 season. Getzlaf is the fourth player in the Ducks’ franchise history to receive the honor.

Bleacher Report: September’s arrival means it’s time for a new NHL trade board! A couple of Ducks’ skaters found themselves on the top-15 list, while Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin hold the top spots.

Forever Blueshirts: Two weeks before training camp starts, the New York Rangers decided they needed more forward depth. The Rangers signed Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on Tuesday. The 27-year-old tallied 36 points (12G, 24A) and 178 hits in 78 games for the Seattle Kraken in 2025-26.

ProHockeyRumors: Dallas Stars’ forward Tyler Seguin was spotted skating on Tuesday morning, as he’s gearing up for a return from a torn ACL that forced him to miss most of the 2025-26 season. Seguin, 34, is entering the final season of an eight-year contract he signed with the Stars in 2018.

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