Jack’s Daily: Blackhawks Sign Gajan; Kantserov Advances; Sharks & Kings Late Wins

Another road trip begins for the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, as they face off with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. The trip rolls into Seattle on Saturday and San Jose on Monday, which will be the Hawks’ final road game of the 2025-26 regular season. While two defensemen have already been ruled out for the rest of the year, head coach Jeff Blashill provided a positive injury update regarding two banged-up forwards before the team traveled to Edmonton.

Also in Blackhawks news, Roman Kantserov and Magnitogorsk cruised through their first-round playoff series, while another high-end draft pick inked his entry-level contract and turned pro. Around the league, Macklin Celebrini led the Sharks to a late comeback, the Kings earned a crucial overtime victory to get back in playoff position, and Nathan MacKinnon potted his 50th goal of the season. All that & more in the Daily!

Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Trade Rumors Chicago Hockey Now: Tyler Bertuzzi set a new career-high in goals after scoring twice against the Winnipeg Jets, while Anton Frondell potted his first NHL goal in his United Center debut. Plenty of positives, despite the Blackhawks suffering their fifth overtime loss in March. More CHN: Goalie prospect Adam Gajan is the latest draft pick under GM Kyle Davidson to sign his entry-level contract, as he’s officially turned pro after a stellar sophomore season of college hockey.

More CHN: ICYMI, head coach Jeff Blashill announced that defensemen Artyom Levshunov and Matt Grzelcyk are slated to miss the rest of the regular season. Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro will receive extra opportunities to close out the year. While Levshunov and Grzelcyk’s seasons are over, Blashill said on Wednesday that forward Oliver Moore is working hard to get back from injury before the 2025-26 campaign concludes.