The Latest Breaking News from Blackhawks

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.

One oddsmaking website gives the former Blackhawks goalie just a 22% chance of being enshrined.

Pang was a Hawks goalie for parts of three seasons in the 1980s. His contract with Bally Sports Midwest, which carries the Blues, expired. Also, Colby Cohen will not return to the Hawks’ broadcast team.

Vegas is the talk of the town after earning its second Cup Final berth in the franchise’s brief history.

Kane, 34, has been dealing with a nagging hip injury that hampered him over the past year with the Blackhawks and then down the stretch and in the playoffs with the New York Rangers.