Morning Chirps: 2 Blackhawks on top U23 list, new jerseys coming

We are one day closer to the weekend and the start of the Chicago Blackhawks season. Let’s count down another day with some Morning Chirps.

Blackhawks Chirps

• It’s Stadiums and Cities Week, and you know that means I get to do more history! I looked at every stadium the Blackhawks have ever played a home game in from 1926 until today.

• Gail Kauchuk broke down how last season’s 29th-ranked power play can improve this season with a lot of new faces in the mix.

• Patrick Kane was a popular topic yesterday. Ryan Gagne noted that Kane is in rare air as one of only five players with a 100-point season in team history. Then Brooke LoFurno wrote how the Blackhawks might have found exactly what they were looking for by bringing Kane back.

• Corey Pronman released his top 23 NHL players under the age of 23. The Blackhawks had two players on his list; Connor Bedard is second, while Anton Frondell checked in at No. 20.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Aug. 20: Ernest Kenny, Ed Sanford, and Robert Dirk.

NHL Chirps

• The NHL officially announced the Hometown Remix jerseys for the upcoming season. This wasn’t exactly a well-kept secret, as some alleged designs have already been leaked. Per the league, the Hometown Remix collection will be anchored by special-edition uniforms that uniquely and authentically celebrate each team's fans, city, and local culture. The NBA and Major League Baseball have done a similar theme to celebrate each city.  Rumors say the Blackhawks jersey will be green, but there has been no official word. These will not replace existing third jerseys, so the Blackhawks will have at least four jerseys this year, including the black ones they brought back last season. They may have a fifth jersey if they wear a special one for the Centennial Game on Nov. 17. More details about the Hometown Remix collection will come after the season starts.

• Arpon Basu of The Athletic reported that the Montreal Canadiens are open to trading defenseman Adam Engstrom, but they see him as having “considerable value.” Multiple teams have inquired about a trade but haven't liked the asking price. The Canadiens have not made a big move this summer and are rumored to be in the market for a center. However, it’s unlikely that anything will happen before training camp opens.

• The New York Rangers re-signed defenseman Scott Morrow to a one-year, two-way deal worth $850,000. The former second-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes has yet to find a permanent spot in the NHL. The Rangers acquired Morrow last summer as part of the trade for K’Andre Miller.

• The Anaheim Ducks acquired prospect Cruz Lucius from the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations. The fourth-round pick informed the Penguins that he would not be signing with them shortly after his college career with Arizona State ended in the spring. He never submitted his NCAA departure paperwork with the NHL Central Registry, likely because he knew the Penguins were looking to facilitate a trade. The Ducks hold his rights indefinitely unless he files his paperwork, which would then give the Ducks 30 days to sign him.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Aug 20: Al Hamilton, Robert Nordmark, Shawn Cronin, Steven Finn, Chris Drury, Joe Vitale, Dan Vladar, and Ivan Ivan.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow