CHGO Chicago Blackhawks Podcast

Rockford Icehogs GM Mark Bernard joins the CHGO Blackhawks Podcast and reveals just how many health maladies affected him over the past year. Bernard beat liver cancer and is now looking forward to focusing on hockey in 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Connor Bedard turns 21 today, so what should be at the top of his birthday wish list? Jay Zawaski & Mario Tirabassi discuss what the Chicago Blackhawks' star needs most as the team continues its rebuild, from potential linemates to quick recovery. Plus, the crew celebrates the final day of ALLCITY Spirit Week with trivia and other fun games!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswi...

The Chicago Blackhawks' 2026-27 schedule has officially been released, and Jay Zawaski, Mario Tirabassi and Greg Boysen break down the biggest matchups, toughest stretches, and must-watch games of the season. The crew also looks at Connor Bedard's recovery timeline and discusses when he could realistically return to the lineup based on the new schedule. Plus, it's ALLCITY Day of Giving! Donate to...

Could Patrick Kane be heading back to the Chicago Blackhawks? Jay Zawaski and Mario Tirabassi react to Chris Chelios' comments that Kane is choosing between Chicago and Buffalo, discussing what a potential reunion would mean for the Blackhawks and whether Kyle Davidson should make it happen. Plus, it's Diehard Day as part of ALLCITY Spirit Week, with the show driven by questions, comments, and dis...

The Athletic's Scott Wheeler published his annual Top 100 Drafted NHL Prospects list, and the Blackhawks are well represented. Where do they rank, and how many could have NHL impacts this season? We're also joined by Rockford IceHogs GM Mark Bernard, and offer up our HOT TAKES are part of CHGO Spirit Week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

It's Mailbag Monday on CHGO Blackhawks. Today, we answer questions about the Blackhawks' prospect system, the pace of the team's rebuild, potential game time changes next season, and more. We also welcome Bill Matz, host of the PHLY Flyers Podcast, to talk about the fallout of the Leo Carlsson situation and what's happening with the Flyers RFAs, including Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale. Hosted b...

If the Chicago Blackhawks could bring back one former star, who should it be: Patrick Kane or Alex DeBrincat? Jay Zawaski and Mario Tirabassi debate which reunion would make the biggest impact, how each player would fit with Chicago's current roster, and which move with the Detroit Red Wings makes the most sense for Kyle Davidson.    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com fo...

Should the Chicago Blackhawks make a move for Shane Wright? Jay Zawaski and Mario Tirabassi discuss whether the Seattle Kraken forward would be a good fit in Chicago, what a potential trade could look like, and whether Kyle Davidson should pursue another major addition this offseason. Plus, the guys break down the latest on Connor Bedard's shoulder injury, react to Frank Seravalli's timeline for B...

What will the Chicago Blackhawks' lineup look like without Connor Bedard? Jay Zawaski, Mario Tirabassi, and Greg Boysen build the Blackhawks' forward lines and defensive pairings while discussing how the team will adjust with Connor Bedard missing the beginning of the 2026-27 NHL season. Plus, the crew reacts to the Anaheim Ducks matching the offer on Leo Carlsson, Ian Cole after his first media a...

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that Connor Bedard underwent shoulder surgery and is expected to miss approximately four months with the team. Jay Zawaski and Mario Tirabassi react to the shocking news, discuss what it means for Bedard's recovery timeline, and examine the impact on the Blackhawks heading into the 2026-27 season. Plus, the crew breaks down how this will influence Bedard sign...

Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has stated that he’s looking for difference-makers to supplement the team. But who/what qualifies as difference-makers? We look at previous reported targets to try to find a common theme. Later, we discuss Connor Bedard not participating in Kaibo Hockey Training today. Should we be concerned. And speaking of Bedard, how has he shown signs of ascending as a leade...

Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere lobbed a hand grenade into the NHL world this weekend, singing Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson to an $18 million AAV offer sheet. What does it mean for the league, the Blackhawks and Connor Bedard? Jay Zawaski and Mario Tirabassi discuss on the CHGO Blackhawks Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

How do the Chicago Blackhawks' first 48 hours of NHL free agency stack up? Jay Zawaski, Greg Boysen, and Mario Tirabassi hand out grades for Kyle Davidson's early offseason moves, including the additions of Ian Cole and Cole Smith, plus several signings aimed at strengthening the Rockford IceHogs. With Davidson saying he feels comfortable entering the season with the current roster, the crew debat...

What would the Chicago Blackhawks 2026-27 lineup look like after the opening wave of NHL free agency? Jay Zawaski, Mario Tirabassi, and Greg Boysen build their ideal forward lines, defensive pairings, and goaltending tandem using the current roster while debating whether Kyle Davidson should make any more moves this offseason. Plus, the crew breaks down the biggest winners and losers from Day 1 of...

Watch the full press conference as Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson meets with the media following the first day of NHL free agency. Davidson discusses Bowen Byram's new contract extension, the additions of Ian Cole and Cole Smith, and the organization's approach to improving the roster this offseason. Hear his thoughts on the Blackhawks' latest moves and what's next for the team h...

NHL free agency has begun! Jay Zawaski, Greg Boysen, and Mario Tirabassi go live as contracts start rolling in, breaking down every major signing from around the league and discussing what the moves mean for the Chicago Blackhawks. From Sergei Bobrovsky, John Carlson, Jason Robertson, Matthew Knies, Anders Lee, Jacob Trouba, Mason Marchment, and Luke Schenn to the latest Blackhawks rumors, the cre...

Go inside the locker room at Chicago Blackhawks Development Camp as top prospects Mason West and Vaclav Nestrasil meet with the media on Day 2. The pair discuss getting back on the ice, their development since being drafted, and preparing for the next chapter of their careers with West headed to Michigan State and Nestrasil set to play in his Sophomore year at UMass. Hear what two of the Blackhawk...

Could Patrick Kane make a return to the Chicago Blackhawks? Jay Zawaski, Mario Tirabassi and Greg Boysen discuss the possibility as NHL free agency approaches, predict where some of the league's biggest names, including Rasmus Andersson, Sergei Bobrovsky, John Carlson, Jason Robertson and many more could end up, and debate which players make the most sense for Chicago. Plus, the crew recaps Day 2...

Watch the full Day 1 development camp press conferences featuring members of the Chicago Blackhawks' 2026 NHL Draft class. Hear from second-round picks Xavier Villeneuve and Ryan Roobroeck, along with Samu Alalauri and William Sorbrand, as they discuss being drafted by Chicago, their first impressions of the organization, and their goals heading into development camp.    Hosted by Simplecast, an A...

Bowen Byram is reportedly expected to sign a contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1, but what should that deal look like? Jay Zawaski and Mario Tirabassi break down Byram's value, discuss what a fair extension could be, and welcome Steve Peters for an in-depth analysis of Byram's game with exclusive play breakdowns. Plus, the crew reacts to the first day of Blackhawks development...

How did Kyle Davidson and the Chicago Blackhawks do at the 2026 NHL Draft? Jay Zawaski, Greg Boysen, and Mario Tirabassi hand out overall grades for this year's draft, including input on each draft pick Xavier Villeneuve, Ryan Roobroeck, Samu Alalauri, Alexander Ivanov, and William Sorbrand. The crew also grades the blockbuster Bowen Byram trade that sent the No. 4 overall pick to the Buffalo Sabr...

After a quiet first round without a pick, the Chicago Blackhawks got to work on Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft. Jay Zawaski, Mario Tirabassi & Greg Boysen break down Chicago selecting defenseman Xavier Villeneuve (No. 34) and, after trading up one spot with the New Jersey Devils, forward Ryan Roobroeck (No. 35). The crew also reacts to the Blackhawks adding Samu Alalauri (No. 66), Alexander Ivanov (N...

It's Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft, and Jay Zawaski and Greg Boysen are live with instant reactions to every first-round pick, the best players still available, and the biggest surprises of the night. The crew also breaks down the Chicago Blackhawks trading Andre Burakovsky to the Ottawa Senators, takes another look at what Bowen Byram brings to Chicago, and reacts to the latest Blackhawks offseas...

After trading away the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in the Bowen Byram deal, can Kyle Davidson find a way to get the Chicago Blackhawks back into the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft? Jay Zawaski, Greg Boysen and Mario Tirabassi welcome Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis to discuss potential trade-up scenarios, draft targets, and what Chicago's strategy could be heading into draft weekend. Plu...

What does Bowen Byram bring to the Chicago Blackhawks? Jay Zawaski and Greg Boysen break down everything they learned from hearing from Byram and Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson for the first time since the trade with the Buffalo Sabres. Kyle Davidson shares his thoughts on the trade, giving up Louis Crevier, and also shares some insight into Connor Bedard and a potential future linemate for him. Plus...