Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- Opening Night Excitement

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! This is the night we have all been excited about, finally getting the offseason behind us and getting to watch some real hockey!

As predicted, Cody Franson signed a one year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday, after the Blackhawks placed Marian Hossa on LTIR after getting permission by the NHL.  It sounds like Coach Q likes Franson which is always a good thing for new players in the system.

Also as predicted by everyone, Alex DeBrincat and Gustav Forsling were back on the roster after spending a day in NHL salary cap paper purgatory.  Hopefully DeBrincat never has to wear an IceHogs jersey.

More from Blackhawks News

• Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
• Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver
• Blackhawks: Why Derek King is the Right Coach moving forward
• Marc-Andre Fleury Carries the Blackhawks to a 4-2 Win vs Seattle
• Instant Reaction: Blackhawks top Kraken for first time in history

The biggest thing yesterday for me as a Chicago Blackhawks fan was seeing the Hawks officially sign Bryan Bickell to a one-day contract so he could retire as a Blackhawk.

Bickell may have been given too much credit for the 2013 Stanley Cup (which I don’t believe) and way too much grief for signing a contract that was offered to him by the Chicago Blackhawks organization.  Bickell was a big part of the process for the Hawks winning 3 Stanley Cups, and to bring him back was very classy for the organization.

So, anyways do you have any plans tonight? I know I’m going to be watching opening night hockey from the United Center!

Here are some opening night links to start off your Gameday! 

Watch and Listen to Bryan Bickell’s very emotional retirement announcement (Blackhawks)

Marian Hossa officially placed on LTIR (Madhouse Enforcer)

NHL Logo’s are added to hashtags on Twitter (Committed Indians)

Let’s take a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks opening night roster (Faxes From Uncle Dale)

Cody Franson’s patience paid off (CSN)

Last years quick exit got everyone is the organization’s attention (Daily Herald)

Which arena’s in the NHL are the toughest ones to play in (Bleacher Report)

The Edmonton Oilers learning to embrace contender status (TSN)

The Nashville Predators messed up the expansion draft (Predlines)

5 possible breakout stars for the Minnesota Wild (Fox)

Next: Chicago Blackhawks Predictions on the Upcoming Season

Is Jack Eichel really worth 80 million to the Buffalo Sabres (Pro Hockey Talk)