Morning Chirps: Boisvert vs Nestrasil, NHL trade rumors heating up

The Chicago Blackhawks will be back on the ice tonight in an important division game against the Nashville Predators. We won’t know who is available to play and who is still suffering from the stomach bug going around the team until Jeff Blashill meets the media later this evening.

Blackhawks Chirps

• The Blackhawks had to battle both a stomach bug ravaging the locker room and the Washington Capitals last night. It did not go well for them in either battle.

• We broke down the loss on the CHGO Blackhawks Postgame Show last night, focusing on Kevin Korchinski and Drew Commesso.

• The Rockford IceHogs had to make late changes to their lineups as well last night. They didn’t fare much better in a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Wolves. Rem Pitlick scored the lone goal, with assists from Brett Seney and Samuel Savoie. With Commesso in Chicago and Laurent Brossoit traded yesterday, Stanislav Berzehnoy got the start in goal. He allowed three goals on 27 shots. Rockford has dropped to sixth place in the Central Division and out of a playoff spot. They host the Manitoba Moose later tonight.

• Two of the Blackhawks' recent first-round picks went head-to-head last night as Vaclav Nestrasil and UMass hosted Sacha Boisvert and Boston University. Boisvert had the secondary assist on the lone goal of the night, as BU won 1-0.

• On this date in 1993, Stever Larmer scored a goal and added an assist in a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Kings to become the fourth player in team history to score 900 points. Michel Goulet recorded an assist in his 1,000th NHL game.

• Five years later, Tony Amonte scored a goal and had an assist in a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mats Sudin scored two goals and recorded an assist for his 250th career goal and 600th career point. Future Blackhawks coach Derek King had a goal and an assist in the losing effort.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Jan. 10: George Hay and Danton Cole.

NHL Chirps

• The playing surface at the Santagiulia Arena got its first test run yesterday. With the Winter Olympic hockey tournament set to begin in a month, the still-under-construction venue has been a serious cause of anxiety for the NHL. As Chris Johnston reported, the test event had to be paused to fix a hole in the ice. Of course, this drew immediate reaction on social media. But, in reality, it was a minor defect, not uncommon with brand-new sheets of ice, and was quickly repaired. Otherwise, the playing surface got rave reviews.

• The trade rumors are starting to pick up steam, but the deadline may not have the punch we’re used to seeing. The combination of tight standings and numerous pending free agents signing contract extensions will likely provide few sellers. The Calgary Flames should be looking to move some pieces. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Nazem Kadri is happy to finish out his contract in Calgary, but would welcome the idea of being traded to a contender if something should come up.

• Staying in Calgary, Pierre LeBrun reported that Flames forward Blake Coleman is high up on the Montreal Canadiens’ wishlist. They have already acquired Philip Danault from the Kings and want to add another veteran leader to their young core for the playoff push.

• Elliotte Friedman reported that the Carolina Hurricanes are considering trade offers for forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi. He says the team recognizes that the former third-overall pick needs a fresh start. He believes there is “legit interest” around the league. Friedman finished by saying the Hurricanes already included Kotkaniemi in trade offers for Danault and Quinn Hughes.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Jan. 10: Frank Mahovlich, Randy Manery, Henrik Talinder, Tom Gilbert, Robert Nilsson, Martin Jones, John Carlson, Tobias Rieder, Shakir Mukhamadulin, Tyler Kleven, and Joel Blomqvist.