Ben Pope
Chicago Blackhawks reporter
Ben Pope covers the Chicago Blackhawks for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Bowman returns to an official NHL post for the first time since 2021, when he resigned as Hawks GM during the sexual-assault scandal.
The Hawks’ prospect pool is almost overflowing with talent after adding in their 2024 draft class, including the defenseman taken with the No. 2 overall pick.
Teravainen’s new three-year contract in Chicago — signed eight years after he was traded away — creates plenty of opportunities for nostalgia. The Finnish forward should be an influential addition moving forward, too.
The defenseman drafted No. 2 overall will officially turn pro for the 2024-25 season. He will likely end up starting the season with Rockford in the AHL.
Bertuzzi, who first heard about the Hawks’ interest through Foligno, appreciates the length of his new four-year contract. Plus, updates on Ryan Greene, Gavin Hayes and more Hawks prospects.
Moving forward, roster spots won’t be cleared for prospects coming up from Rockford until they’ve “convincingly” proved they can handle the responsibilities in a sustainable way, Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said Friday.
The 6-4 defenseman, a first-round pick in 2022 and a rising sophomore at Minnesota, is up to about 190 pounds and plans to eventually exceed 200.
The veteran defenseman finds himself on a rebuilding team for the first time in his lengthy career. He intends to pass on lessons he once learned from early-2010s Kings like Rob Scuderi, Matt Greene, Willie Mitchell and Robyn Regehr.
On NHL Opening Night on Oct. 8, the Hawks will be the opponent in the Utah Hockey Club’s first game. The following week, the Hawks will host their home opener Oct. 17 against the Sharks.