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Jack’s Daily: Blackhawks New Numbers; Smith Speaks; Kane’s Future
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- Jack’s Daily: Blackhawks New Numbers; Smith Speaks; Kane’s Future
Blackhawks Set The Tone, Roll Out Lines & Pairings at Rookie Camp
The Chicago Blackhawks have made a few notable announcements in recent days, starting with the team's 2026 preseason schedule and the signing of restricted free-agent goaltender Drew Commesso earlier this week.
On Tuesday, the Blackhawks also dropped the numbers their new players will wear for the 2026-27 season, while one young prospect has decided to move on from his previous one. Check out the links for the latest updated numbers.
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Also in Blackhawks news, newly-signed forward Cole Smith spoke with the media after inking a three-year deal on the opening day of free agency.
Around the league, Dylan Larkin still hasn't budged on his trade list, Patrick Kane 's future remains a mystery, and the NHL regular-season schedule has an official release date.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: ICYMI — the Blackhawks announced dates and opponents for the 2026 preseason on Monday. Hit the link for everything to know about the four-game preseason schedule.
One day later, the Blackhawks released the numbers that newcomers Jordan Greenway (No. 12), Cole Smith(No. 22), Bowen Byram (No. 24), Ian Cole (No. 28), and Roman Kantserov(No. 80) will wear for next season. Sacha Boisvert has changed from No. 12 to No. 90.
Speaking of Smith, he spoke with the Blackhawks media on Tuesday morning and said he was grateful that the organization gave him & his family some security with a three-year contract. Smith also received a text from Connor Bedard after signing and gave him props for his leadership at a young age. He looks forward to sticking to his game and making an impact with his new club.
More CHN: As of this morning, there still hasn't been any update on Connor Bedard 's injury status. For those who missed it, here's the video that surfaced of Bedard's awkward crash into the boards during offseason training last week.
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More CHN: Bedard still doesn't have a new contract and remains a restricted free agent. However, the Blackhawks took care of business with another RFA recently, signing goaltender Drew Commesso to a two-year contract extension.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
ProHockeyRumors.com: According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, the standstill between the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin remains. Larkin reportedly still hasn't expanded his desired trade list past Florida , Minnesota , and/or Vegas . On the other side, Steve Yzerman continues to play hardball.
Detroit Hockey Now: Speaking of the Red Wings, Patrick Kane 's decision on whether to return to Detroit or not will have a significant domino effect on the organization's future.
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Sportsnet: Who's the next Leo Carlsson ? Here's a look at the upcoming intriguing restricted free agents still left without a contract this summer, including Connor Bedard. Macklin Celebrini , Matvei Michkov , and Kirill Marchenko are three offer-sheet options for 2027.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Decision day has arrived. Will the New Jersey Devils land forward Barrett Hayton via an offer sheet, or will the Utah Mammoth match the contract today?
NHL.com: The writing was on the wall for Claude Giroux to return to the Ottawa Senators for the 2026-27 regular season, and the two sides made it official on Tuesday. Giroux inked a one-year contract with a $2 million base salary and bonuses included.
ESPN: Speaking of the Senators, long-time Ottawa great Daniel Alfredsson has joined a rival Canadian club's coaching staff. Alfredsson has joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach on Jim Hiller's staff. Another tough blow for the Senators this offseason.
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NHLtraderumors.me: Former Blackhawks forward David Kampf is returning to his homeland after spending nine years in the NHL. Kampf signed a three-year contract with HC Litvinov in the Czech Extraliga on Tuesday.
Media.NHL: The NHL will unveil opening-night matchups for the 2026-27 regular season on Wednesday, July 15. The entire schedule for all 32 clubs gets announced the following day, Thursday, July 16, at 12:00 p.m. (CT).
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The post Jack's Daily: Blackhawks New Numbers; Smith Speaks; Kane's Future appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now .
