Morning Chirps: Kantserov continues tear & change of scenery trade candidates

The Chicago Blackhawks are back at the United Center tonight! They are hosting the Detroit Red Wings tonight in the fourth of six preseason games. We’ll have a preview featuring rosters and three things to watch shortly after today’s morning skate. Then, check in after the final horn for some Postgame Musings.

Blackhawks Chirps

• The Blackhawks made more roster moves Monday morning. Forwards Brett Seney and Paul Ludwinski were assigned to the Rockford IceHogs along with defensemen Cavan Fitzgerald, Andrew Perrott, Taige Harding, Dmitry Kuzmin, and Ryan Mast. Forward Dominic Toninato cleared waivers, and he’ll be heading to the IceHogs, too.

• Aidan Thompson was recently assigned to the IceHogs, as well. He will need to embrace a different role from what he was used to in college. I talked to Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill about his path to the NHL.

• Speaking of the IceHogs, they held their first practice of training camp yesterday at the BMO Center.

• Scott Powers of The Athletic has the latest on Lukas Reichel and whether or not he will be with the Blackhawks on opening night. Powers is the most in tune among the local beat writers, so this is worth the read.

• Roman Kantserov highlights are becoming a daily feature here. He had another goal and an assist in Monday’s 4-3 victory. He is up to five goals and 10 points in 10 Kontinental Hockey League games.

• On this date in 2000, Tony Amonte was named the 31st team captain in Blackhawks history, replacing Doug Gilmour. Amonte wore the “C” for the next two seasons until he signed with the Phoenix Coyotes as a free agent.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Sept. 30: Kirk Bowman and Buddy Robinson.

NHL Chirps

• According to Pierre LeBrun, this time next year, the NHL will kick off its regular season. The new 84-game schedule means a shorter training camp and an earlier start to the season. Playing regular-season games in September sounds great!

• Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects says Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson remains a player who could be traded before the season. He reports multiple Western Conference teams have shown interest, including the San Jose Sharks. The Blackhawks don’t necessarily need another young forward, unless it’s a “change of scenery” type of deal, like Reichel for Robertson.          

• Speaking of a change of scenery, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakov is unhappy with his role again. He requested a trade in the offseason, but walked it back at the start of training camp. Now, he sounds like he’s ready to get out again.

• Reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck, left Monday’s practice early after “not feeling right.” Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel did not have an update and was unsure if he would be available for tonight’s preseason games.

• According to Nick Alberga, veteran forward Max Pacioretty is calling it a career. He reportedly has taken a job with his alma mater, the University of Michigan, instead of trying for one more NHL season.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Sept. 30: Per-Olov Brasar, Ryane Clowe, and Cal O’Reilly.