The Signs of Better Days Ahead
A look into the Blackhawks newest contract signing, players who are trying to reinvent their careers, and Bedard's injury comparison from a historic point of view
Welcome to the THW Chicago Blackhawks Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Blackhawks writers.
In today’s edition, we look at the Blackhawks players trying to make the most of their newfound playing opportunities, Connor Bedard’s injury timeline as shown from a past example, and discuss Petr Mrazek’s contract extension! All things point to a better tomorrow.
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Now, onto the good stuff…
Blackhawks Re-Signing Mrazek Is Worth the Risk for the Future
January 24, 2024 by Brooke LoFurno
The Chicago Blackhawks have had a busy January by signing veterans Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson to two-year contract extensions, and now Petr Mrazek has joined the party.
The team has re-signed the 31-year-old goaltender to a two-year, $8.5 million contract extension. It is a well-deserved contract for Mrazek after having a solid season. He is sporting a 3.01 goals-against average (GAA) and a .907 save percentage (SV%), with a 12-17-1 record in 30 starts. He has been the reason the Blackhawks have remained afloat and has kept games close. He is putting up the best numbers he has seen in four years, and the team is looking forward to keeping it going.
Connor Bedard vs. Bobby Hull: Recovering From a Broken Jaw
January 23, 2024 by Jim Bay
In today’s world, there is sometimes a huge distinction between reality and social media, and the Chicago Blackhawks are very well aware of this. In the most recent trend to hit social media, some wonder why Connor Bedard does not wear some protective device and continue playing, much like Bobby Hull did in 1968 when he also suffered a fractured jaw.
This also came with reports and pictures of Bedard taking to the ice on Sunday (Jan 21), just one week after having surgery on his jaw. This led to the comments about Bedard following Hull’s route and returning to action immediately. It does lead one to wonder what the thought process is and what the treatment for Bedard is as he recovers from his surgery. It might be wise for Bedard to consider what Hull went through back in 1968 while also assessing what the first-round pick will be doing as he recovers from his injury.
4 Blackhawks Making Most of Injury Opportunities
January 23, 2024 by Brooke LoFurno
When you see a team like the Chicago Blackhawks that has faced a galore of injuries, topped off with the fact that they are the second-worst team in the NHL, it can be hard to twist the narrative into something positive because it seemed like the hits kept on coming.
However, when you look at the roster today, the one silver lining of having multiple players out at a time is that it gives opportunities to other players who may not have had the chance to prove themselves otherwise. The Blackhawks have many of these “underdog” players who are continuing to look to take advantage of their circumstances. Here are the updates on how some of them are doing.