The Latest Breaking News from Blackhawks

After drafting Connor Bedard next Wednesday — the easiest decision possible — the Hawks will still have 10 additional picks to make, plus trades to consider and free agents to sign. Here’s a guide to what this summer will bring

Anderson’s forechecking ability impressed the Hawks after a February trade from the Maple Leafs. He’ll carry a salary-cap hit of $800,000 for 2023-24.

Drafts shouldn’t exist. That’s true even in a year in which they’ve been kinder to Chicago than any of the five major sports franchises have been.

Davidson’s daughter, Willa, was born Dec. 27 — in the very middle of his first full season as an NHL general manager. He has since figured out how to juggle the responsibilities of two very important jobs.

The Concussion Legacy Foundation said 16 of 17 NHL players studied have now been diagnosed with CTE, including Steve Montador, Ralph Backstrom, Bob Probert, and Blackhawks Hall of Famer Stan Mikita.

Cristall is a talented forward in his own right and a potential Blackhawks target with the 19th or 35th pick. But he’s also notable as the longtime best friend of Bedard, the Hawks’ guaranteed first pick.

General manager Kyle Davidson said he’s “not chasing” additional goaltending depth, even though Mrazek is the only Hawks goalie under contract who touts more than 20 games of NHL experience.

The Hawks will unquestionably make Bedard the No. 1 overall pick later this month — something Bedard said he will consider a “huge honor.” But in the meantime, the no-ego, no-frills star prospect is focusing on staying grounded.

The Hawks have interviewed 65 to 75 prospects this week in Buffalo and have a “good sense” who they like for the 19th overall pick (with the first overall pick being an obvious choice). But general manager Kyle Davidson will also consider moving up or down if it makes sense.

The former Hawks goalie will join play-by-play voice Chris Vosters for the 2023-24 season. He began his broadcast career hosting the Hawks’ postgame radio show in 1990.

Athanasiou will carry a $4.25 million salary-cap hit, helping the Hawks creep closer to the cap floor and providing offensive support for expected No. 1 pick Connor Bedard.